BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG -- Four men are facing off in a Republican primary for three seats on city council.

Seeking the nomination are incumbent David Price, Steve Fisher of Fisher Chips, Bill Dillabough, former owner of Captain Bill’s and Desperados, and Justin Jones.

Ogdensburg Republican Committee Chairman Fred Bean said Ogdensburg residents have a “rare opportunity” this election season.

“Voters will have a chance to elect three new candidates, who to the best of my knowledge have never been involved in politics before,” he said.

“The city has been heading down the same dead end road for far too many years. I’d like to ask members of the Republican party to get out and vote on June 25,” he said.

David Price is a social studies teacher who has served one term on city council. He said he brings informed decision-making skills to the council. He said he wants to continue to see through some of the major projects the city has had underway during his first term, including the massive wastewater treatment plant overhaul.

Price said he’s worked through some very difficult budgets and is helping put the city back on track financially with help from city staff. Price said his experience as a union member who has been on both sides of the bargaining table makes him an asset at during contract negotiations.

“I’d like the voters to carefully contemplate their choices on June 25. I think they’ll see that I’ve been a consistent voice on the council,” he said.

Steve Fisher is a retired police detective who decided to open a fish and chips business in Ogdensburg in 2004. He retired from the police force in 2006.

Fisher said he decided to run because he believes there has been a detachment between citizen issues, business owners and city leaders.

Fisher said he has a good feel for what residents want. He said his business has long been a place where people come to discuss issues.

“A lot of times the conversations will make a jump from one table to the next. I hear everything,” he said noting that late publisher of the Ogdensburg Journal, Chuck Kelly, would often call him to ask what he’s been hearing.

Fisher said he’s hoping to bring more representation for local business owners to the table and hopes to make Ogdensburg more business friendly.

Justin Jones is a Lisbon Central School graduate who is now raising a family in Ogdensburg. In his thirties, Jones would be the youngest councilor on the board if elected. He says he would bring a fresh view to the council

“The taxes here are outrageous,” he said. “Basically for some reason it seems as though this city is afraid of change, but need to make changes,” he said.

Jones said the city needs to be more proactive in promoting business growth to generate more tax revenue rather than continuing to tax residents.

Bill Dillabough could not be reached for comment, however Chairman Bean said Dillabough works at Parkway as a salesman now, but formerly operated Captain Bill’s bar and restaurant and later opened Desperado’s in Ogdensburg, which is now closed.

He said Dillabough is a longtime Ogdensburg resident thinks it’s time for a change in direction for the city.

“He’s a guy who knows the area and knows how to run a business,” Bean said. “He’s got a lot to offer the city.”