BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

LOUISVILLE — St. Lawrence County’s District 15 has been represented by Rita Curran for nearly eight years, but newcomer John Michno is hoping to make his mark and win a seat on the county legislature.

Michno said he is not new to the North Country, having lived in St. Lawrence County since 2000. “I’ve come to consider the North Country home,” he said.

In announcing his candidacy, Michno highlighted his long career as a counselor for St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES, a position he has held for 26 years.

“My work as a counselor has been multidimensional, ranging from adventure-based wilderness therapy to the more traditional school counselor role many are familiar with,” he said.

Michno also has experience in the classroom and on the field, having worked as adjunct faculty at Genesee Community College, teaching psychology courses and coaching high school football and lacrosse.

When asked why he is running against a two-term incumbent, Michno said his primary goal is to ensure the concerns and needs of the district’s constituents are fully represented.

“A recent survey of St. Lawrence County residents, conducted by SUNY Jefferson (JCC), revealed a decline in quality of life over the past ten years. Major concerns included the cost of energy, taxation, employment opportunities, the economy, care for the elderly, and availability of housing,” he said.

If elected, Michno said he would work with all constituents and the legislature to “find real solutions.”

He also emphasized his connection to the county’s natural resources. “As an avid waterfowl hunter and fisherman, I understand the astonishing resources St. Lawrence County has with the St. Lawrence River,” he said. “This natural wonder not only supports the local economy, it provides diverse habitats for plants and animals and requires stewardship to maintain long-term economic stability and conservation.”

Michno said protecting the county’s natural resources is imperative.

Petition circulation began Feb. 24, and Michno said he is ready to meet constituents across the district. “We all can work together to improve the quality of life for St. Lawrence County residents. I will be reaching out to community members to begin conversations, exchange ideas, and ask that you consider me to represent District 15 in the upcoming election,” he said.

Help St. Lawrence County Stay Connected!

We’re glad you read this article reported by the staff of NorthCountryNow.com.

If you haven’t done so already, please consider subscribing to ensure you have full access to all the news and info about St. Lawrence County.

Your subscriptions make it possible for us to provide trustworthy local news, promote our many community events, and encourage community dialogue.

Please click here to subscribe today!