GOUVERNEUR – Scott Gray has earned the unanimous endorsement of the Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties Central Trades and Labor Council in the New York State Assembly District 116 Republican Party Primary to be held June 28.

“As a Legislator, Gray has served the residents of Jefferson County with distinction. As the longest serving Chair of the Jefferson County Legislature, Scott has demonstrated that he can work across and within party lines to accomplish goals and resolve conflicts that will benefit constituents in the long term. Given today’s political climate, this is not an easy feat,” the press release reads.

“Gray is a disciplined negotiator who has prioritized fairness when negotiating county employment and vendor contracts. He has treated the leaders of the county bargaining units with respect and has worked to find a middle ground. He has bargained in good faith with the CSEA and the other unions that represent Jefferson County employees and our Delegates respect him for that. As Chair of the Legislature for six years and Chair of the Finance Committee for six years prior to that, Scott has successfully led Jefferson County through a decade of change and transformation. In retrospect, even despite Covid, most people in Jefferson County are better off than they were twelve years ago. Scott Gray’s ability to bring opposing parties together to develop mutually beneficial outcomes accounts for part of that. He will take that same governing style with him to Albany as our Assemblymember.”

“Scott was a strong voice for residents of Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties while he served on the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Commission from 2017-2019. More than 38 local projects have been funded since the Commission was created including the Waddington Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Clayton Riverwalk, the Fort de la Presentation Trail, the Cape Vincent East End Park and the James Street Dock. Scott Gray was a vocal champion for every one of the projects receiving funding through the REDI Commission and our river communities are better today because of his voice.”

“Finally, we all know that the New York State Legislature needs a better ear when assessing the needs of small businesses. Scott has built a fourth-generation small business legacy that is nearly unrivaled in the North Country in terms of its commitment to customer service and support. He and his team have repeatedly defined and redefined the idea of a “standard of excellence”, and he will certainly take the experience of that success with him to Albany as a validated voice for our region’s small business owners. His excellence in Customer Service will easily translate to excellence in Constituent Service as our Assemblymember.”

Polls will be open districtwide from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Information on polling locations can be found through the New York State Board of Elections at https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ .