Terry Goodrich

BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

BRASHER -- Service to the community has been a primary focus of Terry Goodrich for more than 40 years, something he hopes to continue as he seeks the seat for District 13 in the St. Lawrence County Legislature. 

Goodrich, who has been involved in the Tri-Town community for most of his life, played a role in building the Brasher-Winthrop fire station after the Brasher Falls and Winthrop departments merged in 1978. 

He said he also continued his service to the community by helping organize the Tri-Town Rescue Squad in 1979, having joined both the Rescue Squad and Fire Department when he turned 18. 

Goodrich also served as an Advanced EMT for several decades and remains an active member of the fire department, he said. 

That history and experience is something he plans to build on, if elected. 

"I know what it’s like both to serve in and to manage these organizations," he said. 

A businessman by nature, Goodrich said he and his brother Tom started Goodrich Refrigeration Inc. in 1995, creating a business that currently employs 17 North Country residents. 

Goodrich said he understands the struggles many business owners are feeling these days. 

"I understand the struggles of managing a business, maintaining a work force and complying with the ever-changing regulations," he said. 

Goodrich said his experience working on campuses and working in construction will give him valuable insight in service to the county as well. 

His broad practical experience working with electric, gas, water and sewer utilities would also prove valuable, he said. 

Goodrich said his experience as Chairman of the Brasher Board of Assessment Review has also given him a strong understanding of property taxes and how assessments impact property owners. 

Though he hasn't served on the Legislature, Goodrich said he took a deep dive on the county budget, an experience he called "a real eye opener."

"Much of what the taxpayers are expected to pay for is not up for debate because it is mandated by state and federal law. I am amazed that the legislature has been able to balance the budget and fund capital projects without borrowing," he said. 

Goodrich commented it was crucial to ensure a strong fund balance remained in order to pay for projects and cover for unexpected losses of revenue or increases in expenses. 

"When projects are funded by borrowing, that flexibility is lost. The county is then committed to repayment of that debt and the interest associated with it. If and when we do need to borrow, the cost will be lower due to our improved credit rating," he said. 

Goodrich called for the county to maintain essential services while minimizing the burden on taxpayers. 

"The rising cost of energy and health care are a couple of items that are causing the most concern.  We also have some serious challenges in Emergency Medical Services within the county. A call to 911 should result in a swift and sure response. My favorite expression when I was President of the Rescue Squad was 'fix it, don’t nix it'," he said. 

Goodrich said he also hoped to work with the Amish community as well to address the rising number of accidents occurring, in particular by having them add orange "slow-moving vehicle" triangles to buggies. 

"I feel that they should all display the orange triangle designating them as slow-moving vehicles. Some do, but many do not. I think they would probably comply if it was enforced," he said. 

He said he also hoped the county would get a grasp on data centers, saying he would "be cautious" and "listen to all the pros and cons." 

"Much of the controversy is fueled by social media. I would not support anything that does not benefit the area and provide substantial revenues to the County, Town, Village and School District. Nor would I support development of anything that could prove harmful to the environment," he said. 

Goodrich said he would not use a "blanket statement supporting or opposing these things" but rather "common sense to examine each proposal." 

"I do not favor a moratorium that would have unintended consequences of blocking other beneficial projects such as the proposed use of the empty mall building to manufacture drones," he said. 

Goodrich said he would also advocate for safeguards to ensure residential electric rates would not increase as a result of data center development. 

"More (power) generation needs to be built. The state should not have closed the Indian Point Nuclear Plant prematurely. I am confident that the industry will respond to the need and the market will correct itself. But these actions do not happen overnight. Smart decisions require careful evaluation of many factors. We need to think ahead and try to anticipate the effects, both good and bad, to plan properly," Goodrich said.