BY JOSH DAVISNorth Country This Week

CANTON— An alleged lack of communication between the St. Lawrence County Legislature and the Canton Town Board led tensions to flare Wednesday night when Legislator Joseph Lightfoot asked to attend an executive session but was denied by board members.

County Legislator Joseph Lightfoot’s request to be a part of an executive session discussing a franchise agreement with internet provider SLIC fell on deaf ears Wednesday, with board members determining that the District 3 legislator’s attendance would not be appropriate.  

Lightfoot said he wished to be part of the session because the franchise agreement in question also holds implications for St. Lawrence County. 

“Please don’t kick me in the seat of the pants,” Lightfoot said, though his request to sit in on the executive session was ultimately denied. In light of this, Lightfoot also requested that he be contacted by town attorney Eric Gustafson to discuss the results at a later date. 

Lightfoot alleged that St. Lawrence County “has been in the dark” and “needs to know what’s going on.”

Similarly, Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley alleged that Canton has been in the dark with respect to the county, also noting that it was rare to have a county legislator present at the regular board meeting.

Lightfoot suggested that it would not improve the relationship between the county and the town of Canton if he was barred from the session. 

Town Councilor Randy Brown described the interaction as “out of line.”

Lightfoot eventually left the meeting before the executive session began, saying he hoped that no hard feelings came of the request.

The board made a motion to set a public hearing related to the agreement on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 5 p.m. on a SLIC Franchise Agreement. 

While most of the district Lightfoot represents falls within the town of Oswegatchie, District 3’s limits include small portions of Morristown and the town of Canton.