To the Editor:

It's been over 16 years since Joe Lightfoot first took his seat on the St. Lawrence County Legislature. I feel strongly that it is time for a change. I'm proud to cast my vote this year for Dr. Adam Jarrett, and I hope, if you live in District 3, you will consider doing so as well. 

While Mr. Lightfoot's long tenure of service is commendable, we desperately need fresh ideas and new leadership to tackle the challenges facing our community now. Things have changed a great deal in the North Country since Mr. Lightfoot first took office and I have not seen evidence that Joe Lightfoot has responded to those changes.

The North Country is becoming a health care desert with medical professionals being laid off, leaving the area, potential hospital closure and more. I'm disappointed in the lack of energy and creativity Mr. Lightfoot has shown in addressing our ongoing healthcare crisis. I know that Dr. Jarrett, who has a great deal of professional experience in this area, will work tirelessly to make sure that all in our community get the care they need, when they need it, and without driving hours away from their homes. 
While many of us struggle to make ends meet, big tech companies see St. Lawrence County as a profit-making location with exploitable resources such as water and land. I'm disappointed that Joe voted against encouraging local towns to take up data center moratoriums so that communities have time to decide what is best for them. I know that Dr. Jarrett will put the needs of our community ahead of the desires of tech companies. 

And I am infuriated that local politicians like Joe Lightfoot think it is appropriate to discuss giving themselves a raise behind closed doors, out of the public eye, while so many of our neighbors cannot afford to put food on the table or heat their homes this winter.

It seems that Joe has lost touch with the people he is supposed to represent after 4 full terms in county government.

I know that Dr. Jarrett will be an independent, pragmatic, common sense voice on the county legislature. He will work hard to solve problems for all of us, no matter our party affiliation. Please, if you have the opportunity to do so, join me in voting for Dr. Adam Jarrett for St. Lawrence County Legislature in District 3. 

Catherine Shrady
Rensselaer Falls