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County Legislator Forsythe of Lisbon running for re-election, wants to continue fiscal progress

Posted 11/1/18

Forsythe helped found the hunting preserve Basswood Lodge and is co-owner of Wilder-Forsythe Insurance. He has served on the county legislature for two terms and is being challenged by Sam LaMacchia, …

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County Legislator Forsythe of Lisbon running for re-election, wants to continue fiscal progress

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Forsythe helped found the hunting preserve Basswood Lodge and is co-owner of Wilder-Forsythe Insurance. He has served on the county legislature for two terms and is being challenged by Sam LaMacchia, D-Ogdensburg, who recently retired from the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority’s Board of Directors.

District 3 includes a small portion of Ogdensburg and all of the Town of Lisbon.

“I decided to run for another term as Legislator because I would like to see the excellent progress, which has been made, continue for another term. I consider my business experience in the insurance field a major benefit when talking about the county and its self insured plans. As a business owner, as well as a large property taxpayer, I can attest too many of the challenges facing businesses, as well as taxpayers,” he said.

Forsythe says it has been an honor to serve with the current board of legislators.

“The progress that has been achieved with direction of this board and the work of our very competent County Administrator, as well department heads and employees, has proven to be a very effective team,” he said. “My experience of running a hunting preserve has been an unique asset to my servicing as a Legislative rep for Region 6 Fish and Wildlife Management Board and the St. Lawrence Fish Advisory Board. My insurance background provides valuable input for the County Self Insurance plans.”

Looking forward to the county’s major problems, Forsythe said balancing fiscal responsibility and services will remain at the forefront.

“The biggest issue I feel facing the county would be to maintain a stable fund balance, while making sure that our roads and bridges are adequately maintained. The balancing act is trying to do this and reduce property taxes, which I still feel are way too high.”

One area Forsythe would like to see more investment is in the county’s public works, specifically the roads and bridges.

“I believe there is close to 100 bridges throughout the county that will need attention in the next 10 years,” he said, adding that the county will also need to maintain a 600-plus miles roads in the most efficient way possible.

Forsythe says the theme of St. Lawrence County’s board of legislators is to do more with less.

“As a business owner, I can attest to this reality. At one time, my office consisted of 3 brothers, 3 customer service reps and a part-time bookkeeper. Now we handle a much larger client base with 2 brothers and 2 part-time secretaries,” he said.

Forsythe said that separates him from his challenger LaMacchia.

“My opponent touts that he has learned how to engage with businesses. I like to think I know how to actually run them efficiently. Sam also talks of being a visionary. My experience in starting Basswood Lodge and Hunting Preserve in 1997, one of the first commercial hunting operations in St. Lawrence County brings hundreds of people into this area annually. This was accomplished by having a strong work ethic and investing our own money and profits into making it the success it is today,” he said.

Forsythe says if he is elected his constituents will continue to have a voice on the board of legislators.

“My district is a little unique. It includes the Town of Lisbon, the town where I was born and raised, as well a small portion of the City of Ogdensburg where I attended my last three years of high school and where I have conducted by business for over 30 years,” he said. “I plan to do what I have already been doing for the 8 years that I have sat on the Board of Legislators. Coming up with practical solutions to fix problems, as well as being able to make tough decisions when needed while still being a voice for the people that I represent.”