BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

GOUVERNEUR — Marine Corps veteran Daniel Horton, a Democrat who grew up in Gouverneur, is seeking to unseat incumbent St. Lawrence County Legislator Harry Smithers in a three-way race for the District 5 seat.

Smithers lost the Republican primary to Troy Besa but remained on the November ballot on the Common Sense Party line. Smithers did not respond to questions from North Country This Week.

Horton said his campaign focuses on protecting taxpayers, improving government accountability and making county services more effective. He said he wants to represent residents rather than a political party.

Horton cites his Marine Corps service, work with the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Project and daily interactions with county agencies as preparation for the position. Through those experiences, he said, he has learned the importance of accountability, listening to residents and making decisions based on facts.

Protecting taxpayers is among his top priorities. Horton said county officials should examine spending, administrative costs and opportunities to improve efficiency before considering tax increases.

“Our residents work hard to make ends meet, and county government must respect their hard-earned money,” Horton said.

He also raised concerns about fuel prices, noting that gasoline in neighboring counties can cost 15 to 25 cents per gallon less than in St. Lawrence County. He said county officials should investigate the price differences and explore ways to provide relief.

Food insecurity is another concern. Horton said the county should explore additional state and federal assistance for families struggling to afford groceries, noting that SNAP benefits may not always cover household needs.

If elected, Horton would also advocate for term limits for all elected county officials, saying fresh perspectives and new ideas help keep government responsive. He emphasized his support for law enforcement and said officers need the resources and support to protect their communities.

Horton acknowledged the county's work on public safety, emergency services, public health, assistance for families and infrastructure improvements. However, he said more attention should be given to fiscal accountability, transparency and identifying inefficiencies without compromising essential services.

Horton said his campaign is entirely self-funded to avoid obligations to donors, special interests or political organizations. He said his decisions would be based on what is best for residents.

His mother, Evelyn Horton, is a retired town justice. Horton said growing up in Gouverneur and seeing her example helped shape his understanding of public service.

He also pledged to make constituent service a priority, helping residents navigate county government even when he does not immediately have an answer.

“I will never turn a resident away simply because I don't immediately have an answer,” Horton said. “I will work to find one or connect them with the appropriate county department.”

Horton said he wants local government to move beyond partisan divisions and focus on practical solutions. He cited former President John Adams' 1780 warning about the dangers of dividing the republic into opposing political parties.

“I won't pretend to have every answer, but I will listen, ask tough questions, and work toward solutions,” Horton said.

Horton said he intends to bring the same dedication to county government that he brought to military service.

“I took an oath to serve my country as a Marine, and I believe serving our community deserves that same level of commitment,” he said.