Democrat Stephanie Petkovsek is running for the St. Lawrence County Legislature for District 8, which encompasses parts of the Towns of Canton and Potsdam and the Town and Village of Madrid.

She is facing Republican Ben Hull in a race to fill the seat currently held by Kevin Acres, who is not seeking re-election.

In a press release, Petkovsek said she seeks to serve the community by being a voice of hard-working families who deserve local government that reflects their values.

Petkovsek grew up in an agricultural community in Herkimer County.

After earning a BA from Syracuse University and an MA from the University of Buffalo, she taught public school for 14 years.

“Inspired by the rural values of hard work and cooperation learned in her childhood, she and her husband Daniel chose to make St. Lawrence County their home and moved to Canton in 2013,” the press release says.

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

“Throughout my career as an educator, I have worked to empower my students to be active participants in their communities.

“As a committed union member for 24 years - including my current service as the chapter president of United University Professions (UUP) at SUNY Canton - I know that collaboration is required to protect the dignity of hard work. Because of my experience, one of my strengths is that I work productively with people, regardless of differences in background or perspective,” Petkovsek said.

If elected, Petkovsek says she will focus on finding solutions to the staffing crisis faced by our first responders and working with county agencies and community stakeholders to support and enhance economic development and improve infrastructure.

She is also interested in finding new ways our County government can support and interact with local animal shelters, who are under increased hardship as animal abandonment rises in a post-COVID world.

“I believe we can address these and all our pressing issues in a bi-partisan manner. Local government is about working together to address our challenges and I am optimistic that with hard work and cooperation, we can improve the lives of our St. Lawrence County neighbors. That will be my goal as a County Legislator,” Petkovsek said.

The community is invited to meet Stephanie Petkovsek at one of three meet and greets throughout District 8.

Potsdam: Sunday, Oct. 9, Potsdam Candidates Meet‘n Greet, St. Lawrence County Democratic Party Headquarters, 45 Market St., 2 p.m.- 5 p.m.

Madrid: Tuesday, Oct. 11, Madrid Hepburn Library, 11 Church St. Madrid, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Canton: Thursday, Oct. 20, Sylvia’s Lounge & Eatery, 25 Main St., Canton; 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.