BY ANDY GARDNER
North Country This Week

CANTON — The St. Lawrence County legislature chair says he expects the board will discuss referring a complaint of the Democratic elections commissioner allegedly using her county email during work to send a Democratic party press release.

Jennie Bacon, the SLC Democratic elections commissioner, sent out the release calling on Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, to resign in the wake of the Jan. 6 Capitol Building riot. Stefanik has been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, who critics say incited the riot with his rhetoric, but has condemned the violence.

County legislature Chairman Bill Sheridan, R-Hammond, says there hasn’t been any action taken yet.

“I do not wish to make any statements on specifics before I make my recommendation to the full board at the upcoming finance meeting on the 25th,” Sheridan wrote in an email. “I do plan on recommending to the board that we refer the matter to the Board of Ethics for investigation and review. Some of this will take place in executive session and some will be in open session.”

He said the ethics board has the authority to conduct an investigation into the matter “through document reviews and witness interviews. They also have broad subpoena power.”

“The (ethics) board has broad authority and the power does include the ability to issue sanctions directly,” he added.

Sheridan said he wants to be fair to both sides of the issue - Rep. Stefanik’s office and Bacon.

“While any citizen or County employee may file a complaint with the Board of Ethics, a decision of this nature should be discussed by the Board. While I am aware of the complaints given by staff of the Congresswoman, I am aware of the rights of Ms.Bacon and I wish to do right by all involved,” he said.

The Board of Legislators Finance Committee meets Monday, Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m. It will be broadcast live online over the St. Lawrence County YouTube channel.