BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- Legislator Ben Hull has officially resigned from the St. Lawrence County Legislature just short of serving his first full term.

Hull is leaving to join the Airforce where he will train for and intends to serve as a judge advocate general. Hull said he's not able to serve in both positions

In 2022 he decided to run for legislator because he believes in the value of community.

Hull's resignation was announced at the conclusion of the May 4 Full Board meeting. 

"Mr. Hull, I want to thank you for your years of service to this board. Thank you for your service," Chairman David Forsythe said. 

Hull's resignation is official as of May 5. 

"It has been my profound honor to represent the people of St. Lawrence County these past three years. Thank your trusting me to chair both the Services and Finance Committees; I hope that my service has been beneficial to you and the County," he wrote in his resignation letter.

Legislator Joseph Lightfoot will take Hull's place as Chairman of the Finance Committee. 

The Republican Caucus will determine a replacement in District 8, though Hull said it was his "humble recommendation" to suggest Allan Robinson. 

Legislators did not take action during the meeting to immediately replace Hull. 

Robinson is on the Republican ticket in District 8 this November, as Hull had previously decided to not seek another term in the legislature. 

Robinson will face Democrat Paula Sturge in November. 

"Thank you for your consistent and capable leadership of the Board throughout my tenure. I have learned many valuable lessons by watching you navigate these complex issues and will take those wherever I go," Hull said. 

Hull earned a law degree while serving on the legislator. Hull will take those lessons to the Air Force where he will serve in JAG.

Hull first came into the public eye when he resigned his position as Director of the Center for Cancer Care at Canton Potsdam Hospital when taking a stance against the state mandate that required health care workers to get vaccinated, specifically because it overruled religious exemptions at the time.

Hull said he could not “violate” his conscience by firing essential healthcare workers who remained unvaccinated.

He also served as a deacon at the Christian Fellowship Center.