By JIMMY LAWTON

LISBON -- St. Lawrence County District 2 Legislator David Forsythe will seek a third term on the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators.

Forsythe has served two full terms and says this one will be his last. He said the county has improved its financial standings immensely since Republicans took control of the legislature.

“My first stint was with the Democratic majority with Sally (Brothers), Fred (Morill) and Tedra (Cobb),” he said.

Forsythe said the county was bleeding money at the time, but has made major gains by hiring a third-party administrator for it’s health insurance, changing the workmen’s compensation formula and controlling spending.

Forsythe said the legislator functions better now than it did when he was first on the board. He said Democrats and Republicans are working together now. He also credited the county department heads for their efforts to cut costs over the past several years.

Forsythe said initiatives taken by County Administrator Ruth Doyle and County Attorney Stephen Button have also been instrumental in reducing county costs.

Forsythe said he wants to build on those efforts during his next term.

Specifically he wants to address solid waste, which has been losing money on recycling and continue efforts to bring in more revenue for community services.

Forsythe said he is proud of his accomplishments including the push to get an environmental attorney to help clean up St. Lawrence County properties to get them back on the tax rolls.

Forsythe said Sam LaMacchia, who served for several years as chairman of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Board of Directors, is challenging him.

He said he’s happy to compare the county’s financial improvements with those of the Bridge and Port Authority.

Forsythe said the rumors that health issues might stop him from running are unfounded.

“I’m not laying down. I’m not dying. I am running again. If the voters are happy with the way I’ve performed I believe they’ll vote me again.