BY JOSH DAVISNorth Country This Week

Cassie Robbins Forbus says democracy isn’t working effectively with only one candidate’s name on the ballot. The Democrat is seeking election to New York’s 49th Senate District, which is currently represented by Republican State Senator Mark Walczyk. 

Sen. Walczyk was elected to his Senate seat in 2022 after serving two terms in the State Assembly. 

A grant manager, Robbins Forbus also serves as the Democratic Committee chair for Lewis county. 

Robbins Forbus grew up in Lewis County and returned to put down roots as an adult. 

She has worn many professional hats, including work as a Spanish teacher and English as a second language educator. 

“I’m just a regular Joe Schmo working class lady,” Robbins Forbus said, expressing gratitude for the state Public Campaign Finance Program, which allows candidates to qualify for matching funds based on small donations from residents of their district. 

Robbins Forbus described her “love of policy” and how it impacts the lives of “people on the ground.” 

The Lewis County Democratic Chair said she deeply enjoys forming coalitions for results-driven actions, and noted the importance of bipartisan cooperation to achieve results for local people.

She noted that as a Democrat, she would be in the majority in the State Senate, allowing more immediate cooperation with other lawmakers.

Robbins Forbus is already making her rounds in St. Lawrence County, having made a trip to visit the County Democratic Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 24. 

Robbins Forbus noted that not all of St. Lawrence County is included in the Senate district, so she would be “eternally grateful” to those county residents who did sign on to her petition.

The 49th Senate District includes much of western and southwestern St. Lawrence County, including the city of Ogdensburg and the towns of Gouverneur, Oswegatchie, DePeyster, DeKalb, Hermon, Russell, Clare, Fine, Pitcairn, Edwards, Fowler, Rossie, Hammond, and Morristown. 

She added that community members from throughout the 49th Senate District face many of the same issues, including rising utility bills and healthcare access. 

“This is the beginning of a lot of work…a marathon, not a sprint,” Robbins Forbus said. 

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