As Chairman of the St. Lawrence County Legislature, I have had the privilege of serving alongside a dedicated group of individuals who share a common goal: making St. Lawrence County a better place to live, work, raise a family, and do business.

With Election Day approaching, I want to take a moment to recognize my colleagues who are seeking re-election and express my appreciation for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the people of St. Lawrence County.

I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished together as a legislative body. Our successes have never been about any one individual. They have been the result of teamwork, responsible decision-making, fiscal accountability, and a shared commitment to putting the taxpayers and residents of St. Lawrence County first.

Throughout our time working together, we have faced challenges, made difficult decisions, and worked to move our county in a positive direction. We may not always agree on every issue, but I have witnessed firsthand the time, effort, and dedication my colleagues bring to their responsibilities.

I believe the best measure of any elected official is not what they promise during an election, but what they accomplish while serving the people who elected them.

I encourage residents to take a close look at the records of those seeking re-election. Consider the decisions they have made, the challenges they have helped address, and the commitment they have demonstrated to their communities. Their actions and accomplishments deserve thoughtful consideration.

Public service is not always easy. True leadership often requires making difficult decisions rather than simply popular ones. It requires listening, working together, and having the courage to do what you believe is right for the people you represent.

There is still important work ahead of us. I value the experience, dedication, and leadership my colleagues bring to the Legislature, and I believe those qualities will continue to serve St. Lawrence County well.

As we approach Election Day, I also encourage residents to learn about the candidates seeking to represent our region in Albany and Washington. The decisions made at the state and federal levels have a direct impact on our county, our local governments, our businesses, and the families who call the North Country home.

I recently had the opportunity to meet congressional candidate Anthony Constantino this past Sunday afternoon and appreciated the chance to speak with him. I also recognize the importance of the races for State Assembly, State Senate, and Governor, including gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman.

Regardless of which candidates you support, I encourage everyone to take the time to become informed, consider the issues that matter most to our communities, and exercise their right to vote.

St. Lawrence County has tremendous potential, and I remain optimistic about our future. With responsible leadership, a willingness to work together, and a continued focus on the needs of our residents, we can build upon the progress we have made.

David Forsythe
Chairman, St. Lawrence County Legislature