State Senator Patty Ritchie hailed the announcement of the new Northern New York Economic Development Council, and predicted Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s new “bottoms-up” approach to job creation will pay dividends for the region’s struggling economy.

Ritchie joined Gov. Cuomo at SUNY Potsdam as he introduced the members of the new job-creating council, one of 10 from across the state that includes leading business, civic and community leaders now charged with directing the state’s economic development policies in a seven-county Northern Region, including Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. The governor unveiled his Central Regional Council, which covers Oswego County earlier this week in Syracuse.

Ritchie praised Cuomo’s choices to lead the local council, including Clarkson University President Tony Collins and Garry Douglas, president of the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce.

“If New York is to be successful in attracting and creating new jobs that we so desperately need, state government has to listen to those who know best—the local farmers, business and community leaders who understand the strengths and potential of this region, and can best recognize the policies and ideas that will work,” said Ritchie. “That’s why Gov. Cuomo’s ‘bottoms-up’ approach, relying on local leaders from the start—not Albany bureaucrats—to direct economic and job creation policy is not only a fresh idea, but also the best one.

“It’s the perfect follow-up to our efforts to cut the cost and size of government, stop raising taxes, cut red tape, and give businesses the tools they need to grow, succeed and create jobs.

“I look forward to working with the council members, including Dr. Collins and Garry Douglas, both top-notch community leaders and experts in their fields who understand and care deeply about the future of Northern New York, and have the talent and expertise to succeed, and help build a better economy for our region,” Senator Ritchie said.

Ritchie also commended other choices for the panel the governor made, such as Jon Greenwood, a successful and well-regarded Canton dairy farmer.

Ritchie is a Republican from Heuvelton representing the 48th District, which covers Oswego, Jefferson and western St. Lawrence County including Canton and Ogdensburg.