Clinton County Legislature hopefuls detail their goals

PLATTSBURGH | Clinton County Legislature has several positions up for re-election this year. Seats in Areas 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 can all be found on their respective ballots with the Area 2 seat, Francis Peryea, being the only unopposed election in the legislature race. Clinton County Treasurer Kimberly Davis and District Attorney Andrew Wylie are both running unopposed as well. Area 4: David Bezio, 60, is a life-long resident of Clinton County. He resides in Point Au Roche with his wife, Wendy. In 1979 he graduated from MAI. Bezio is New York State dual-certified Journeyman Electrician and Journeyman Lineman. He is also one of the City of Plattsburgh's longest-serving union leaders as the current IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) 1249 Unit chairman. "I have been in the electrical power industry for over 35 years, a testament to my dedication and strong work ethic," said Bezio. For Bezio, the top issues facing the county are, "The biggest issue is still, the effect of COVID-19 on our personal and family lives and on the economy of Clinton County. As residents we need to all do our part to continue to work toward eradicating this virus. The good news is that the Canadian border will soon be fully opened. This will help with getting the wheel of economic development moving again. In turn, this will help return the Plattsburgh International Airport to its robust days of not so long ago. The sales tax collection continues to be ahead of last year. This is also positive to help keep a stable county tax rate. In the coming year, a lot of careful decisions will have to be made on the expenditure of the county's American Rescue Plan money. The legislature will have to determine how to best utilize the approximately $15 million. The County Legislature will also have to get started on issuing the $1.2 million opioid settlement funds. These funds need to go toward education and prevention in our schools, so children understand the dangers of addiction. A large part of the funds needs to go to treatment centers in Clinton County. This will get the victims of opioid addiction the much-needed treatment and recovery help they so need. As Clinton County legislator, I will work hard in partnership with the municipalities to nurture the county's future, making sure of the availability of services the residents have come to expect from the county government. I will assure tax dollars are spent wisely, making certain of the continued affordability here in Clinton County. I will be dedicated to the betterment of the county. I will be fair, open, and ethical, always having the best interest of the residents of the county. I would greatly appreciate your support on Election Day, Nov. 2, 2021." James Monty, 64, is also running for the Clinton Couty Legislature Area 4 Seat. Monty grew up in Beekmantown and has been married to his wife, Colleen Monty, for 40 years. Together they have three children: Christopher, Samantha, and Michael, who were the fifth generation to grow up in their house. In 1979 Monty was hired as a Deputy Sheriff in Clinton County. In 1984 he joined the New York State Police where he served his first 21 years as a uniform Trooper and the next 12 years in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation until he retired in 2017. "Opening the border with Canada. The Plattsburgh International Airport is a vital link connecting the people of Clinton County and the surrounding area to the rest of the country. Broadband internet is essential for our future. Keeping our taxes as low as possible. Encouraging industrial growth to create well-paying jobs. Overcoming the effects of Covid-19 on our community," Monty said on his top issues. Area 6: Aaron Fung, 42, is running for Clinton County Legislature Area 6. Fung is the Plattsburgh division manager for the same company he's been working for, for 21 years. "I have managed this division for 10 years with great success and have built an amazing team," stated Fung. Fung is also a part-time county 911 dispatcher. As a result, he knows the struggles everyday people face. In the past, he has been a member of fire and EMS as well as being involved with the Youth Commission and coaching. The top issues for Fung are, "Our area has so much to offer and we need to capitalize on this in a post covid age more than ever. We have a wonderful local agricultural community that can provide so much with more buy local opportunities with a little help from the county. Our continued use of the North Country Chamber of Commerce needs to be pushed further to utilize their wonderful resources with local tourism, buy local, business attraction, etc. We need new directions and insights as to what local economies need as well as the residents that are faced with new challenges from a post-COVID age. Our area is taxed to death being within the confines of New York State and with that, we need to look through our budgets and see what is working, what's not, and where to trim government waste, along with not increasing property taxes or other new taxes. Serious considerations need to be taken with consolidations of services without losing people or services for our people. Further workings from county to towns need to be looked at with services that can be rendered from [the] county level as a whole versus individual towns bearing the burden. Our county airport has lost a carrier through COVID which impacts revenue. We must look at ways to revitalize the airport and attract new tenants and not just talk about it. We can no longer afford to waste county, state, or federal tax money on what-ifs. I would like to see local law enforcement have more resources and funding for our area's rising drug, crime, and mental health issues. I would also like to see more funding for the 911 center. I will push heavily to higher state offices to bring much-needed funding to our county. Complacency is the killer of progress." Patty Waldron, 57, is the incumbent for Clinton County Legislature Area 6. She was employed at Clinton Correctional Facility for 10 years as a dental assistant. For the past 25 years, she has owned and operated Koffee Kat. Waldron has a bachelor's degree in Humanities and has been the county legislature for area 6 for the past eight years. She credits her experience in working in both the private and public sectors for making decisions that impact the county as a whole. "The majority of my district is in the Adirondack Park which has challenges that other parts of the county may not have. Lack of basic infrastructures such as broadband and cellular service is common in the park. I have gained much experience partnering with towns and state agencies to strategically improve those who have been without this basic infrastructure. We have more work to do in this area, we currently still have 4,000 residents in Clinton County without broadband. During my tenure as a legislator, I have built and maintained relationships that benefit the residents of our area. Political affiliation never plays a role when I reach out for the needs of our residents. I am passionate about our area and the people who live in it," Waldron said on her top issues. Area 8: Wendall Hughes, 53, is the incumbent for Clinton County Legislature Area 8. Hughes is a lifelong resident of Clinton County and was first elected into the legislature in November of 2020. After putting in over 30 years of service Hughes retires from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervisions Hughes is currently the chairperson for the Department of Health and the former chairperson for the Transportation Committee. For Hughes, spending is one of his top issues, he said, "Responsible spending to keep taxes at a minimum and still maintaining the quality services and programs the county offers. To continue working with other municipalities to explore shared services that save money. We need to continue to protect and enhance our natural resources and historical value. I will continue to respond to any concerns or issues presented to me." Gail Skowronski, the challenger for the Clinton County Legislature Area 8 seat, did not respond to Sun Community News inquiries regarding the election. Area 10: Thomas Clark, 26, is the challenger for Clinton County Legislature Area 10 seat. Clark has lived in area 10 for the past three years, before that he grew up in Rouses Point. He studied political science at SUNY Plattsburgh and first became involved with the local government by interning for the City of Plattsburgh Common Council. In 2014 Clark worked on Rep. Elise Stefanik's initial run for office campaign. Clark looks to improve the county for current residents and future generations. Over the last few years post-graduation, Clark has worked for various law firms, non-profits, and local businesses. He currently is running for county legislature to bring value to our area to attract the current generation to invest in homes and careers by calling Clinton County their home. Clark is frustrated with the lack of action by current leaders and hopes to work proactively with all stakeholders in the county for a positive, economically prosperous, and bright future. "Key points of focus if elected is lowering the burden of property tax, marketing the county's strong economic value to attract more tech/manufacturing businesses to settle in the area, bolster and help the amazing local businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic, and make strides in the future success of the Plattsburgh International Airport," stated Clark on his top issues. Robert Hall, 78, is the incumbent for Clinton County Legislature Area 10 seat. Hall has eight years of experience being in the legislature, and all eight years since being in the legislature they have managed to keep taxes below the tax cap. "I am proud of the work that I have done at your airport and continue to do. I am trying hard to get us more airlines to go to more places," Hall stated. For Hall taxes and jobs are at the forefront of every decision he makes, he said, "Taxes and jobs are always at the front of every decision I vote on. These are the most important two issues for all of Clinton County." For more information on upcoming elections visit www.suncommunitynews.com.

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Clinton County Legislature hopefuls detail their goals

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