BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- Legislative District 13 has a new representative after legislators appointed Terry Goodrich to the seat during the Oct. 26 Finance Committee meeting. 

Goodrich is currently seeking a full term to represent District 13 as he faces off against Democrat Setcher Krywanzyk. 

The appointment was made despite concerns raised by Legislator Harry Smithers. 

Smithers, who represents District 5, is in a three-way race after losing a primary to Republican Troy Besaw in June. 

"It's the timing of this that concerns me. Obviously there's a desire to appoint a person to a vacated seat, but the timing, whereas in eight days it will be vote...the constituents of district 13 will tell us who they want in this seat," Smithers said. 

He said he felt it was "premature" to make an appointment in "such a short period of time" with the election just days away. 

Smithers motioned to table the resolution for two weeks but was defeated after failing to receive a second on the motion. 

Legislator Jim Reagen also weighed in on the matter, saying it was crucial to appoint someone to the seat to ensure District 13 has a voice in the legislature. 

"I think we have a great person to take this position who knows the district and the people of district 13 deserve to have representation," he said. 

Reagen said the situation is one that was outside the control of all parties involved as well. 

"It's not their fault that due to circumstances beyond anyone's control that the sitting legislator had to resign the position to take a job out of state," he said. 

Former legislator John Gennett resigned his position effective Oct. 5 after accepting employment in Pennsylvania, though he told North Country This Week he will remain in the North Country and intends to travel for work. 

Reagen said a number of issues would come to a vote in the next several weeks, at which time a representative would be needed for the seat. 

"That doesn't mean the people of district 13 should not have representation, because we have a lot of important matters to take up these last couple of months before our own terms are up," he said. 

Reagen said a smooth transition was necessary and appointing Goodrich would ease the process along. 

"In the interest of smooth transition and people of District 13 having representation, I am urging the board to support the nomination of someone who is qualified and someone who has shown interest and works hard for the people of St. Lawrence County," he said. 

Chairman David Forsythe agreed with Reagen, pointing to a pending budget process that will require all districts to be represented equally.

"You hit the nail on the head. We have a budget that we're going to be presented tonight, so all of these votes will be important," Forsythe said. 

He continued, saying he was confident Goodrich could fill the temporary void after getting to know him over the last several months. 

Forsythe also took a moment to thank Gennett for his service to the community and board, saying he had become "a good friend" over the previous four years. 

"We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors," he said.