Chairman Mark Bellardini and the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee gave overwhelming support to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand as she moves to remain the junior senator from New York. Senator Gillibrand has proven her value to Northern New York and already established a strong working relationship with St. Lawrence County during her first few months on the job.
According to Legislator Daniel Girard, “When I heard the names being mentioned for the appointment, I knew that Senator Gillibrand would be the best choice for St. Lawrence County. Her congressional district had many of the same values and difficulties as we do. She will serve the North Country and all of New York very well.”
Recently Senator Gillibrand attended an economic roundtable discussion with St. Lawrence County elected officials and business people in attendance. Her understanding of the area and the problems faced in St. Lawrence County was apparent. Senator Gillibrand came with suggestions and proved how she can be part of the solution for the North Country.
Chairman Mark Bellardini added, “Senator Gillibrand’s work in Senate committees and subcommittees places her in the areas where St. Lawrence County can develop, including agriculture, green jobs, environmental health and public works oversight. With Senator Gillibran’s clout, we can see the development of a four-lane highway, new industrial jobs, and a redevelopment of agriculture in the county.”
With all of the positives, the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee’s endorsement is a wholehearted, simple decision about what is best for this county.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
SL Dem Committe Endorses DA Nicole Duve
The St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee proudly endorses District Attorney Nicole Duve for her reelection campaign. Ms. Duve proved her dedication to St. Lawrence County during her first campaign as she spent months discussing the pertinent issues with residents across St. Lawrence County. She fused these opinions with her own beliefs and appealed to the voters to come out as the overwhelming victor for her first term.
During her first term, Ms. Duve worked to protect St. Lawrence County through convictions, her strong management of the District Attorney’s office, and her working relationship with other court agencies. Ms. Duve has earned the respect of the people she has worked with during these four years.
Chairman Mark Bellardini stated, “Ms. Duve will continue to serve St. Lawrence County with the strength and fairness she has shown during her first term. As the incumbent she has set a wide path for the DA’s office, giving her the room to carry on fighting for safety and justice for all of St. Lawrence County.”
During her first term, Ms. Duve worked to protect St. Lawrence County through convictions, her strong management of the District Attorney’s office, and her working relationship with other court agencies. Ms. Duve has earned the respect of the people she has worked with during these four years.
Chairman Mark Bellardini stated, “Ms. Duve will continue to serve St. Lawrence County with the strength and fairness she has shown during her first term. As the incumbent she has set a wide path for the DA’s office, giving her the room to carry on fighting for safety and justice for all of St. Lawrence County.”
Legislators Call for Border Solution
As St. Lawrence County Legislators for areas that have been greatly affected due to the closing of the International Border Crossing, Greg Paquin and Daniel Girard would like to call for a resolution that involves our American President and the Prime Minister of Canada, along with representatives from the Mohawk Council for Akwesasne. This would show our local constituents that each national government views this problem as a true international occurrence.
As the protests continue and the International Bridge located between Cornwall and Rooseveltown remains closed, many people have commented on the local impact for communities on both sides of the border. Estimated losses for Cornwall businesses stand at approximately $10,000 per day for each business. Merchants in Massena, especially the St. Lawrence Centre mall complex, and surrounding St. Lawrence County areas, have seen their sales drop significantly as the bridge closing limits Canadian customers. Businesses on Akwesasne have felt similar struggles, especially in a downturn at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino and the Mohawk Bingo Palace, which will decrease the amount of money our local communities receive from the Tribal Gaming Compact.
Beyond the monetary impact is a personal impact for many families. The location of the bridges between the United States, the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation, and Canada has allowed families who straddle the border to keep in contact with minimal effort for generations. Now, the path has been cut, and families are forced to find alternatives.
While most of the discussion about the bridge closure focuses on the local fallout, this is in essence an international problem. The reported issues deal with national border security and tribal sovereignty, unfortunately a solution that respects both issues has not been brought forward.
President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and representatives from the Mohawk Council for Akwesasne should sit together and give this issue the respect it deserves as an international problem. Hopefully, then a permanent solution beyond a permanent closing of the bridge spans could be reached.
As the protests continue and the International Bridge located between Cornwall and Rooseveltown remains closed, many people have commented on the local impact for communities on both sides of the border. Estimated losses for Cornwall businesses stand at approximately $10,000 per day for each business. Merchants in Massena, especially the St. Lawrence Centre mall complex, and surrounding St. Lawrence County areas, have seen their sales drop significantly as the bridge closing limits Canadian customers. Businesses on Akwesasne have felt similar struggles, especially in a downturn at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino and the Mohawk Bingo Palace, which will decrease the amount of money our local communities receive from the Tribal Gaming Compact.
Beyond the monetary impact is a personal impact for many families. The location of the bridges between the United States, the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation, and Canada has allowed families who straddle the border to keep in contact with minimal effort for generations. Now, the path has been cut, and families are forced to find alternatives.
While most of the discussion about the bridge closure focuses on the local fallout, this is in essence an international problem. The reported issues deal with national border security and tribal sovereignty, unfortunately a solution that respects both issues has not been brought forward.
President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and representatives from the Mohawk Council for Akwesasne should sit together and give this issue the respect it deserves as an international problem. Hopefully, then a permanent solution beyond a permanent closing of the bridge spans could be reached.
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