I have owned property in St. Lawrence County for decades and Joe Lightfoot has been my district's representative for 16 years. I am now fully convinced that we need fresh ideas and more visionary leadership.

I've attended many Morristown town meetings in the last five years. This summer, Mr. Lightfoot sauntered in and rattled off statistics about county incarcerations, or the amount of money the county "earns" for each night someone spent in jail.

This is not a business plan to improve our quality of life. This is pretending to care about the struggling towns in his district, then leaving early.

What has Joe Lightfoot done to try and attract more business and improve conditions in Morristown? He touts the county's financial situation but he can hardly claim credit for a turnaround built on increased sales taxes that passed under Democratic leadership. 

And what about the failures he has presided over? Mr. Lightfoot was chair of the Services Committee when the county faced a Social Services crisis so large it required outside investigation.

And he was chair of the legislature when the county couldn't even balance its checkbook, let alone its budget. 

Meanwhile, the residents of St. Lawrence County face more challenges than ever. Healthcare access is collapsing and our healthcare outcomes are some of the worst in New York. Hospitals are slashing essential departments and are in danger of closing.

Mr. Lightfoot has done nothing to prevent these cuts, which also bring job losses that wallop our already struggling economy. Where are his suggestions to counter soaring food prices and fuel costs? Why is he not supporting cheaper renewable energy options?

After 16 unimpressive years, new energy is needed. My vote in November is for Dr. Adam Jarrett, a physician highly motivated to do public good. It's time for Joe to go.

Randall Hackley
Morristown