BY JIMMY LAWTON 

North Country This Week

MADRID — Democrat Stephanie Petkovsek is challenging Ben Hull for St. Lawrence County’s District 8 seat, which is currently held by Republican Kevin Acres.

Although not a native of the area, Petkovsek says she loves the North Country and has been a Canton resident since 2013.

“I grew up in a rural community not far from here and I understand the essential role that local government has in helping people solve problems. I know how to work with people from different backgrounds to identify common ground,” she said.

Petkovsek is a Senior Lecturer of History at SUNY Canton and says she’s ready to use her experience and passion for working with others in county government.

Petkovsek says she’s aware that the county will be facing some challenges in near future.

“The biggest challenge for the legislature is how to help people solve problems without letting politics get in the way.  I think that by keeping our focus on that goal we can find lots of common ground. The Quarry apartments in Potsdam were built using the expertise of a private business with funding from state grants and innovative tax arrangements. This created jobs for the company doing the work and invested in our greatest resource: the people of the region. I think that often the most fiscally responsible thing elected officials can do is invest in our communities. My 24 years of teaching have shown me we don’t know who will be next with a great new idea. What we can do is create an environment where those ideas grow,” she said.

Petkovsek said that while she’s never held public office she’s been extremely active in the unions of which she’s been a member.

 “As a public high school teacher and member of NYSUT, I was an elected building representative. At my current position at SUNY Canton, I have previously served in several positions and am currently the elected Chapter President. I believe my work representing a wide variety of colleagues has given me a unique ability to consider various perspectives and use them to advocate for policies that will benefit those I am representing. Being an educator also keeps me humble and accountable. I have to know my subject material well and be able to communicate it, but I also have to be flexible to issues that arise in the classroom and accountable to the various learning needs of my students,” she said.

When asked what separates her from her opponent Petkovsek said she’s focused on local issues rather than matters at the state and federal level.

“Although I am not personally acquainted with my opponent, the rhetoric from some of his recent letters to the editor takes a very adversarial position toward the governor and federal government on issues that don't come before the county legislature. I guess I just don’t think all of our problems come from, nor are they solved by, the state or federal government. Focusing on how much power Albany or Washington, DC have, takes away the power of the people of St. Lawrence County to find solutions that work for our area. Finding a way to work on solutions at the local level across party lines is essential to solving problems in SLC,” she said.

Petkovsek said that she believes politics at the county have become too partisan and is hopeful she can help bridge the gap.

“I feel that the board risks being more partisan than it needs to be. I would like the legislature to spend more time on the issues we can control and those that will help the quality of life for the residents of St. Lawrence County. That’ll help us work together regardless of party and our county operate more efficiently. Growing up in a small town in Herkimer County taught me to value people over party affiliation. That doesn’t mean we agreed on everything. For example, my father and I did not agree on many political issues. He was a conservative guy who grew up on a dairy farm and was the only one of the ten children in his family to go to college,” she said. “He and I would argue politics while at the same time we agreed about the value of hard work and the importance of public service. He got along with people who had really different politics when he was on the local school board, served as an assessor, and in various volunteer organizations. Since we are all neighbors here in the North Country, we don't have to transpose the partisanship that exists at the federal level to this body. One thing I love about living in a small town is that, if your car runs off the road during a snowstorm, no one asks you if you are a Republican or Democrat before they help pull you out. The rural values of helping your neighbor and caring about your community are something I hope we can all agree on.”

If elected Petkovsek says she’ll have a lot to learn about the work that the county does to promote economic development but says she is interested in the role that colleges in the county can play in creating solutions.

“I know that childcare is a huge issue for families and critical for economic development, so I was thrilled to learn that SUNY Canton had received a grant from the state for a future child care center on campus. If we don't have enough safe, reliable places for children, it is impossible for families to be full members of the workforce,” she said.

“I also know that an issue facing rural communities is staffing for fire and EMS. The people who volunteer give up a lot of their time and energy to make sure we are all safe every day and we need to make sure that someone is coming when we call 911. I know that many of the EMS volunteers are college students. Is there something colleges can do to further incentivize volunteering? On a personal note, since I have two cats and a dog who were all rescues I would like to learn more about ways that the legislature could work with local shelters to address overcrowding and help find the animals' homes.”

Petkovsek says her love for the area makes her a prime candidate for St. Lawrence County.

“My husband and I chose to move back to this area 10 years ago after living out of state because we love it here. It has been a pleasure to meet so many of you while canvassing and at local events. I have also traveled on several dirt roads that remind me of my hometown!  Driving down those roads, we would often reflect on the natural beauty of the area and how happy we are with our decision. I would be proud to represent District 8 if elected. Also, go Bills and Orange,” she said.