Setcher Krywanczyk

BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

BRASHER -- Political newcomer Setcher Krywanczyk is seeking a seat on the county legislature in District 13, a role he feels well suited for with a degree in Public Policy. 

Krywanczyk said his educational background has laid the groundwork for his campaign and, if elected, his efforts in the Legislature. 

"I've written and been harshly graded on policy pieces, I've learned lessons that I'm not soon to forget. I've already put that to use as an UPSEU 1222 Union Steward. I especially focused on rural policy issues during my education," he said. 

Krywanczyk said he is "ready to go to work the second I'm in the county legislature." 

He said he is also proud to be one of the youngest candidates on the ballot in 2026 as well. 

"I have the energy to give, and a fresh, new generation perspective that I've been told all my life that people want to see in government," he said. 

Krywanczyk, who is a social services worker, is also a part of the North Country Poor People's Campaign, which has allowed him to "work closely with the issues that impact people in the community, and I have that inside perspective on what can be done to make our services more effective for the families who live here."

Krywanczyk said he feels the issues facing the county are similar to those facing the entire country. 

"It's no surprise to anyone that we're a rural county. We live both in and beyond the mountains. As prices go up across the board, we are the people who will feel it the most. We're some of the farthest stops for deliveries, so when gas prices go up, all prices go up," he said. 

Krywanczyk said affordability is a major concern for his campaign currently, noting his experience is "geared towards receiving that pressure" families are feeling. 

He continued, saying he felt the St. Lawrence County Democrats have "a great slate of candidates coming forward, all offering unique areas of expertise." 

"My area of expertise is social services. I'm interested in exploring new and supporting existing programs which can take the heat off of our families. This includes, but is not limited to, tax holidays for gas to relieve pressure, supporting new healthcare clinic ideas to deliver care, developing and supporting housing, especially for the veterans in our community, and of course, strong support of Saint Lawrence County government services," he said. 

Currently employed by the Franklin County Department of Social Services, he said he is capable of offering a familiar and inside perspective of how the many programs administered by Social Services operate. 

A self-described "Brasher boy," Krywanczyk said he is particularly proud of the work the county has completed with the multi-use trail system. 

" I'm a Brasher boy, it can't go without saying that our county trail systems are a source of pride and joy, and then add on all the activities for the Saint Lawrence river. I'm a fan of whatever gets kids off their screens and outside, and even better, whatever can get adults doing much the same," he said. 

Krywanczyk said he has heard a great deal about how taxes have been kept in check by the current board, but feels residents are not seeing the savings. 

"I hear a lot about this county's legislators working to keep taxes low, but people aren't feeling those supposed savings. We need a closer look at what can actually relieve burdens on our families, and accomplishing these goals is absolutely possible while keeping our budget sound," he said. 

Krywanczyk said he is a quick learner who will bring a wealth of knowledge to the board. 

One area of interest is artificial intelligence, a topic he said he has read a great deal on lately. 

"In short, a majority aren't a fan, and it's encouraged me to do a lot of reading. What's the most scary to me is how much of a bubble this AI industry is. None of the major companies investing in AI models are actually turning a profit on their product. So where are these businesses going to be in 5 years if they aren't making anything off of what they're selling? The last big thing didn't pan out, NFTs, and those have disappeared from relevancy. Crypto took a big hit, now all we hear about it is celebrities running scams," he said. 

Krywanczyk questioned how residents could trust "Big Tech," saying the industry has notoriously stolen personal data and sold it "to whoever asks." 

He said the industry is also hostile to unions and "brags about their ability to spy on us to their investors, and an industry that offers all ideas but no products." 

"We need responsible economic development, not gambling with companies that exist several hundred miles away, who are free from the consequences of what they do to our community. I say all this as a computer nerd who built his very own computer back in high school," he said.