By JIMMY LAWTON
North Country Now

STOCKHOLM – Stockholm bookkeeper Joann Colbert, wife of incumbent Republican St. Lawrence County legislator Chad Colbert, was reportedly advised to stay home from work today following an alleged complaint made to an elections commissioner.

St. Lawrence County Board of Elections Commissioner Jennie Bacon said she received a text notifying her that Joann worked at the town building that served as the polling place. Bacon said that while it is not illegal for Joann to be at a polling place, she passed the message on to Republican Commissioner Tom Nichols.

Nichols said the allegation was made before 9 a.m. and that Joann wasn’t working at the time. He contacted the town supervisor who then told Joann to “play it safe.”

Chad Colbert, who is running for reelection against Democratic candidate Nance Arquiett, said he was disappointed by the ordeal. He said he spoke with an attorney who said his wife was within in her rights to go to work, but said it could open up the potential for a lawsuit.

“I’m disappointed that a complaint was made and my wife wasn’t even there. I think this was a plan and a strategy. The idea that she would be influencing the election is a ridiculous thought. This is not how the people of Stockholm usually treat each other,” he said.

Colbert said his wife intended to work on a grant with the supervisor today, but opted not to go in after a conversation with the supervisor.

Nichols said the allegation highlights a modern problem with politics.

“No one has a right to complain about that what does not exist. If anything I think voters are tired of the constant attacks. The allegations that someone’s done something wrong and they are treated guilty until proven innocent,” he said.

Colbert and Arquiett are vying for the District 11 seat on the county Board or Legislators. District 11 comprises the Town of Stockholm and a portion of the Town of Potsdam.