It’s not about Red or Blue, it’s about getting things done and improving the lives of people in our community.”

Adam Jarrett

BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OSWEGATCHIE — Healthcare, county spending and reducing partisan politics are among the priorities outlined by Adam Jarrett, a Democrat seeking a seat on the St. Lawrence County Legislature in District 3.

Jarrett, a physician and former hospital administrator, said his experience managing a large healthcare organization has prepared him to serve on the county Legislature.

“I’m not a politician. I’m a doctor,” Jarrett said, pointing to his more than a decade of experience running a nonprofit hospital with a budget of more than $350 million and more than 1,200 employees.

Jarrett said the county, with a budget exceeding $330 million and more than 1,000 employees, presents similar management challenges.

“I have a long track record of fiscally responsible leadership of large organizations,” Jarrett said. “I think that will be a tremendous asset to St. Lawrence County.”

Healthcare is Jarrett’s primary concern.

He said rural healthcare systems are facing financial pressures nationwide and argued that reductions in federal healthcare funding could have significant effects on St. Lawrence County hospitals and residents.

Jarrett said the county should look for local ways to address gaps in healthcare services, while acknowledging that many of the underlying problems cannot be solved at the county level.

“If the county makes it a priority, I think we can put a dent in it,” Jarrett said.

Among the ideas Jarrett said the county should consider are restoring some form of county-run home health services, working more closely with emergency medical services providers and potentially establishing a county-run EMS service.

He also suggested expanding non-emergency medical transportation to help residents in rural areas reach medical appointments and receive treatment before their conditions become emergencies.

Jarrett said the county also needs stronger relationships with local municipalities and state officials when addressing healthcare issues.

“We need everyone rowing in the same direction when it comes to healthcare,” Jarrett said, arguing that county officials should work with state lawmakers across party lines to advocate for hospitals and healthcare providers.

Jarrett said his background in healthcare could help him develop those relationships.

Beyond healthcare, Jarrett said he is impressed with the county employees who provide services to residents.

He cited the Highway Department, Office for the Aging, Social Services and County Clerk’s Office as examples of departments staffed by people who work hard to keep county government operating.

However, Jarrett said he believes the county could make better use of its financial resources.

He pointed to food insecurity, access to healthcare and the condition and cost of county services as areas where he believes residents need more assistance.

Jarrett specifically criticized conditions at the county transfer station and questioned rising fees, saying residents should not have to worry about damaging their vehicles while using the facility.

He also pointed to the county’s fund balance as an area that warrants attention.

“The county either needs to use it to make improvements, or find a way to give it back,” Jarrett said.

Jarrett also emphasized his opposition to partisan politics at the local level.

He said county government should concentrate on issues within its jurisdiction rather than national political disputes.

“Local politics shouldn’t be about partisanship,” Jarrett said. “It’s not about Red or Blue, it’s about getting things done and improving the lives of people in our community.”

Although Jarrett identifies as a Democrat, he said it was important to him to appear on an independent line on the November ballot. He said he wants to appeal to voters who are dissatisfied with partisan politics and believe county government should focus on local issues.

“The county needs to focus on the county,” Jarrett said.