To the Editor:

My name is David Forsythe, candidate for state Assembly in the 118th District, which includes parts of Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties.

For many months now I have been speaking to several people in the district. I have met many of you at different events, meetings, or while I have been circulating petitions for my run for Assembly.

While I have heard many concerns and your dissatisfaction for how you are represented by our dysfunctional government in Albany, the most commonly asked question has been, “Why do you want to do this?”

Four years ago, I made the decision to run for county legislature because I was frustrated with the high taxes I paid as a family man and owner of two successful businesses. Instead of continuing to complain about it, I took the opportunity to take action.

Today, I find myself again frustrated. This time with the state of our state. Our state is at a critical point and the need for new ideas and strong leadership is more important than ever. We need more jobs and greater business opportunities. Property taxes are skyrocketing out of control and unfunded mandates are crippling our local governments adding a greater burden onto property owners.

As a small business owner, I know all too well how high taxes and over-regulation are bad for our economy. Since 1989, I have owned Wilder-Forsythe Insurance. Through hard work and sound business principles, I have been successful despite the poor business climate that is created by our state. I know first-hand the obstacles created through bad decisions by our state government and using my experience I will be a strong voice and advocate in Albany for creating a better, business-friendly environment for creating jobs.

More than a decade ago, I started Basswood Lodge and Hunting preserve. Once more through hard work and good planning we grew from 53 acres to a more than 1,000-acre hunting facility considered one of the state’s premier shooting preserves which attracts several thousand outdoors men, women and children adding significant tourism dollars to our region.

Now that my children are older, I have the time and energy to make the commitment needed to run a strong race and to serve in our state Legislature. I believe that I can put my experience and knowledge to work for the people of the North Country and be an effective representative and put our state back on track.

Most importantly, and this may be for selfish reasons, I want to create a state where my children and grandchildren can live, work and raise their families. As a new grandfather, one of my greatest fears is that my kids will need to move away to find opportunity. I am fortunate to see my grandson almost every day and I want to see that he doesn’t have to move away to be afforded the same opportunities that we all have had here in New York.

If you would like to learn more about me and my campaign, I am available to meet with you, your group or organization at any time. You can also log on to my website at www.ForsytheforAssembly.com.

My pledge to you is that I will put the same hard work and dedication into representing you that I have brought to all aspects of my life. You will have the peace of mind knowing that you have a representative who shares your values and who will fight for you every day against the dysfunction of Albany.

Thank you and I hope to have your support in my campaign for state Assembly.

David Forsythe

Lisbon

David Forsythe represents District 2 on the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators. He is running as a Republican in the contest against incumbent Democrat Addie Russell for the 118th Assembly District seat.