To the Editor:
I am writing to give my full and enthusiastic support to Rita Curran, who is running for a third term representing District 15 on the County Legislature, which includes part of Massena, Louisville, and Waddington.
I have seen first hand what Rita brings to public service. She does the work, and the results show it. She helped see a four-year project through to completion that paved 100 additional miles of our country roads. Families, farmers, school buses and emergency responders all depend on those roads every day. During her time in office, the county has also hired or promoted more than 200 people, which has strengthened the workforce that delivers essential services to our residents.
As former Chairman of the Legislature in 2021, and 2022, I chose Rita to chair the Legislatures Operations Committee. This committee oversees the Sheriff's Department, Probation, District Attorney Office, Emergency Services, Public Defender Office, Board of Elections, Information Technology, and the Planning Board.
When the Legislators Services Committee holds its monthly meetings, and a public health issue is on the agenda, Rita Curran provides board members a wealth of information. She is a certified Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I find her input to be very helpful on deciding how to vote on public health issues.
Back in 2014 when the Democrats had the majority, the County was borrowing up to $12 million a year to cover cash flow demands. Once the Republicans took the majority, we no longer had to borrow to make payroll. Plus the fund balance went from a negative to $18 million at the end of the fiscal year 2017 without a tax increase. As a result of our new fiscal management including high interest payments no longer in play, the current tax rate is now the same as it was in 1983..Our Fund Balance is over $70 million.
The people of District 15 benefit from having a legislator who knows the people and how to get things done. Rita listens to her constituents, works well with her colleagues and keeps focus on practical results instead of politics. Her experience and record of accomplishments make her the right person to keep moving our County forward.
I urge the voters of District 15 to re-elect Rita Curran this November. She has earned our trust and a third term.
William Sheridan
Hammond
