Forsythe

BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

LISBON - St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators Chair Dave Forsythe has announced he is seeking the Republican nomination to run for the 21st Congressional District.

A lifelong resident of Lisbon and prominent Ogdensburg businessman, he joins a crowded list of politicians and business leaders seeking the nomination to fill the seat currently held by Elise Stefanik.

She is expected to resign to join President Donald Trump’s cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

Touts accomplishments as legislator

Forsythe has served as a county legislator for over a decade and was recently elected chair for a third consecutive term.

Forsythe says he is proud of his record as a conservative voice in the legislature where he has fought to reduce spending, make government more efficient, and reduce the county’s property tax rate to the lowest level in 40 years.

“When my fellow Republicans and I took control of the county government from a Democratic-dominated board a decade ago, spending was out of control,” he said. “We spent the last 10 years cleaning up the Democrat's mess, going from a $3 million deficit to a $70 million fund balance. I will take that experience to Washington and help President Trump and my fellow Republicans reform our bloated federal government and restore fiscally conservative values.”

Forsythe believes his experience as a legislator and business professional and his ability to work together as part of a team will serve him and his constituents well if he can win the seat.

Plans to bring local touch to Washington

Forsythe says it’s important that whoever is elected is someone who lives in the district. He’s been a long-time supporter of President Trump and Congresswoman Stefanik and says he’ll continue her work in ensuring the rural portions of the state are not forgotten in Washington. Forsythe has been married for 38 years. He has three children and seven grandchildren, but soon will have nine. Part of his decision to run is to ensure they have a bright future.

“We have fixed the problems created by prior Democratic control in the county. I would love to be part of the Trump team to take back our country. My family is vested in this district and my concern is making sure our area and residents remain safe as well as to grow the economic opportunities available in this end of New York State,” he said.

Forsythe said that the 21st Congressional District is large, which means some people might not be familiar with him, but he’s ready to share his message.

“I believe once people see what I have to offer in this position they will like what they see. My intent is to move the people's agenda that President Trump has outlined forward,” he said. 

“As I watch the fires burning California run rampant, my insurance background I believe gives me a unique perspective on what it will take to fix some of these issues as well as high auto insurance prices. If the voters of the 21st District are looking for someone unwavering to move the Trump agenda forward, then I’m your guy. If you're looking for a lifelong community service oriented local business owner who shares your values, I’m your man. If you're looking for someone who opposes biological males playing in girls sports then I’m your guy. If you're looking for someone that has cleaned up the Democratic mess left by prior administrations then I am more than ready to tackle that as well,” Forsythe said.

“As a county official, I understand better than most people how the decisions made in Albany and Washington affect real people here on the ground,” he said. “County officials are the people who actually have to implement the policies established by Congress. It’s not a theory for us. We see how it affects families. That’s a point of view a lot of people in Washington don’t have. That’s what I will bring to the discussions in the House of Representatives.”  

 “How many others share these same concerns? If you are looking for a multimillionaire who can fund his own campaign and buy this seat then all I can say is be careful what you wish for. President Trump and J.D. Vance needs a solid conservative-republican majority and I am more than ready to help in any way I can.”

Border crisis top priority

In the North Country, a major concern for Forsythe, which he says needs to be tackled at the federal level, is the border crisis.

Recently he called on his own legislature to address the northern border migrant crisis.

"What we as a board would like to do is work closely with the Trump administration and local law enforcement and take back the northern border," he said.

Forsythe said many residents do not know what is going on or the extent of the issues at the border.

He said thousands of  illegal migrants have entered the country through the northern border.

Forsythe said he was encouraged by others to take a shot at the seat.

“I think if I did not at least try, I would always regret that decision and wonder what if? I have pledged I will not oppose the selected nominee by primary and I will support whoever the county Republican chairs select. 

“I want to thank all the chairs that allowed me to be interviewed and look forward to reaching out quickly to speak with committee members of this large district. I know some candidates have already made the rounds to all the committees already. Between finalizing our county budget, four union contracts up for renewal, three which are now settled, I realize I am late in this process, but I promise I will work harder and let people have an option unique from most if not all others. Thank you, Elise, for all your years serving our district,” he said.

Strong supporter of President Trump

Forsythe said that however the selection works out he hopes President Trump, J.D. Vance and his cabinet move the make America great agenda forward. 

“What I say to people that don’t approve or like anything about the movement just sit back, get some popcorn and watch how this evolves.”

Republican names under consideration for the seat include State Senator Daniel Stec, Amsterdam businessman Anthony Constantino, Assemblyman Robert Smullen and Christopher Tague, along with Rensselaer County Executive Steven McLaughlin.

The candidate will be decided by a vote of the County Republican Party chairs within the 21st congressional district. The votes will be weighted based on the population.

Forsythe and his family own a successful North Country insurance business. He is also known for his success in the tourism industry.