EDITED at 10:55 a.m. to remove comments made about another county legislator which could not be verified by North Country This Week.

GOUVERNEUR – St. Lawrence County Legislator John Burke, who is running for his third term to serve the residents of District 12; has been endorsed by Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties Central Trades and Labor Council.

District 12 serves residents in the Town of Norfolk, the Village of Norwood and part of the Town of Potsdam.

“As a vocal voice of reason, John has been a relentless supporter of the Union members who work for the County. As a result, he has earned the unanimous endorsement of the Delegates to the Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties Central Trades and Labor Council in the Republican Party Primary that will be held on June 28,” a press release from the council said.

“A retired member of the Professional Employees Federation, John Burke was one of the key leaders who fought to keep the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Ogdensburg open after it was slated for closure. Ultimately, that team was successful in keeping hundreds of jobs in St. Lawrence County and in preserving a superior standard of care for patients from throughout the region who rely on the facility for local services,” the council said.

“As Legislator, John fought to safeguard county employees during the Covid Pandemic while they continued to provide essential services to county residents. His experience with patients who suffer from mental health and substance abuse diseases has made him an invaluable voice for those who no longer have a voice of their own. Last year, when county employees in the Department of Social Services were under attack by conspiracy theorists and fringe radicals, John defended their professionalism when others who should have didn’t,” the release said.

“Our Delegates encourage Republican Party voters, especially those who are Union Brothers and Sisters, to cast their ballots for John Burke in the race for St. Lawrence County Legislator in District 12 when they go to the polls on Tuesday, June 28,” the council said.

Polls will be open countywide from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Information on polling locations can be found through the New York State Board of Elections at https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/