Sean Hennessey Re-Elected Chairman

I want to thank the members of the Jefferson County Democratic Committee (JCDC) for their unanimous support as Chairman at last nights bi-annual election of officers. As you know, some of the most important aspects of being a County Chairman are to rally the troops and elect representatives that work for everyone in our community regardless of station in life or party affiliation. I think if those points are what we use to gauge the effectiveness of our efforts then we have hit a home run for our North Country Community.

Day after day, as we walk in into our local grocery stores, libraries and shops we are reminded of why we spend those countless hours volunteering for a Congressman, Senator and Assembly members. It’s for the Sergeant just returning from Afghanistan, the Union member that stands up for safe working environments and the school teacher that nurtures our children’s goals and aspirations. It’s for those less fortunate and for those yet to achieve the American dream.

I have to say that I’m blessed to have a wonderful group of people to work with on the JCDC. I want to thank you all for your limitless support and encouragement throughout the years. It’s been an incredible journey and with your support we’ll continue to move the North Country forward.

Thank you,
Sean M Hennessey
Chairman
Jefferson County Democratic Committee

Darrel Needs You!

Senator Aubertine invites you

to the opening!

We just got word from Senator Aubertine that he's opening his campaign office
this Saturday, October 2nd and he'd like to invite you to attend. I'm sure you all rember how much fun his openers are so make sure to put this on your
calendar.

The program will start at 11am and will take place on factory st side of the Mary building (169 Polk St in the City of Watertown). We've attached a google map (click HERE) in case you have issues finding it.

We really want to show Darrel how much we appreciate all his hard work
so please bring your family, friends and neighbors.

Thanks so much for all your help and please feel free to call or email if you have any questions.

Owens Touts New Tax Cuts and Credit for Upstate Small Businesses

Thursday’s vote supported

by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Bill Owens voted in favor of The Small Business Jobs Act, H.R. 5297, a bill that provides tax cuts for the middle class and spurs economic development in Upstate New York. The legislation, which is backed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, passed the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday by a vote of 237-187.

“As I travel around the 11 counties that make up our district, job creation is always the top concern on everyone’s mind,” Owens said. “This legislation encourages economic growth in the private sector by opening up a wider flow of credit to our small business owners while offering eight new tax incentives that will motivate them to hire and expand.’

The Small Business Jobs Act aims to help America’s 27 million small businesses create new jobs and grow with $12 billion in tax cuts. With these incentives and access to more capital, our nation’s small businesses will be able to put more Americans back to work.

Similar to many bills that Congressman Owens has supported in his first year in office, The Small Business Jobs Act serves to close tax loopholes for companies that ship American jobs overseas. Due to this provision, the legislation is fully paid for and will not add a dime to the deficit.

“Our small business owners are the main engine of the Upstate economy,” Owens added. “The more we work together to support our local entrepreneurs with tax incentives, the faster we will work our way out of the recession. This bill moves New York forward, and it moves America forward.”

Specific provisions of H.R. 5297 include:

· The doubling of small business expensing and extending bonus depreciation

· A 100% exclusion of capital gains on investments in small business

· The doubling of the deduction for start-up expenditures

· A deduction for self-employed taxpayers to deduct health costs for payroll tax purposes

· Leverages up to $300 billion in private sector lending for small businesses, along with state grants for small business lending

· An expansion for small business access to private capital to finance an expansion and hire new workers

Vote Sheriff Burns!!

Sheriff Burns Fundraiser from Jim Cummings on Vimeo.

Check out more on A-Bay Circus by clicking HERE

RUSSELL SUBMITS TESTIMONY ON SUNY PAY RAISES

WATERTOWN (September 24, 2010) – Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D- Theresa) submitted the following testimony to the New York State Standing Committee on Higher Education’s public hearing on increased compensation for SUNY system administrators this afternoon:

“The opening line of the mission statement of the State University of New York reads as follows:

‘The mission of the state university system shall be to provide to the people of New York educational services of the highest quality, with the broadest possible access, fully representative of all segments of the population in a complete range of academic, professional and vocational postsecondary programs including such additional activities in pursuit of these objectives as are necessary or customary.’

“Recent revelations about SUNY’s decision to authorize a multimillion-dollar executive office renovation plan and $30,000 pay raises for three highly compensated administrators are extremely concerning. SUNY officials aggressively pushed for the SUNY-flex plan this year, stating that it was necessary to increase tuition and provide them other cost-cutting measures because their budgets were so tight. These revelations are wholly inconsistent with the message that they have been sending for the past year.

“We have campuses that are in dire need of critical maintenance and renovations, campuses that have inadequate classroom and laboratory spaces, and campuses lacking other facilities necessary for a quality education. We must put our mission ahead of remodeling and redecorating executive offices in Albany.

“The reports that three high level administrators will each receive $30,000 pay raises are equally as troubling. The justification that these administrators deserve a raise because they have taken on additional duties is a slap in the face to all of the staff and faculty at our SUNY campuses who are being asked to do more with less, teaching additional courses, forfeiting pay, and experiencing layoffs. We should not beasking more from our faculty, staff, and students while we are giving administrators preferential treatment.
Click HERE to read more

Burns Supporters Cruise the St Lawrence

Sheriff Burns and volunteers from across the region took to the Bonnie Bell as they cruised the St Lawrence River. This was a great way for his volunteers to unwind off from phone banking, door knocking etc and just recharge their batteries. Although it did sprinkle a bit, it turned out to be a spectacular night on the St Lawrence.

Check out the Festivities!!

Andrew 'Was On My Side, Experienced and Tough'

MAYOR BLOOMBERG ENDORSES ANDREW CUOMO FOR GOVERNOR

Independent New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today endorsed Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to be the next Governor of the State of New York. The two leaders stood together at a press conference outside of City Hall where Bloomberg praised Cuomo’s reform agenda and commitment to independent leadership.

“I am proud to endorse Andrew Cuomo to be the next Governor of the State of New York. New Yorkers deserve a leader in Albany who is committed to cleaning up the ethical mess in Albany and reforming government. He has time and again made performance and integrity his top priorities in Government and in Andrew, I know I’ll have a partner in Albany who will take on the special interests who have time and again stifled needed reform… We need a Governor who knows that the partisan politics of the past cannot be the way of the future. Andrew Cuomo has made the focus of his campaign to build a coalition for reform that transcends party labels and brings together Democrats, Republicans and Independents behind his agenda and I am proud to stand with him in that effort. ” Michael Bloomberg said.

Aubertine Secures $10k for Tourism Promotion

Greater Watertown North Country
Chamber of Commerce
guide to promote region

WATERTOWN (September 22, 2010)—Thanks to a $10,000 legislative grant secured by state Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce’s new tourism brochures will help draw visitors and guide them around our communities to boost our economy.

“We would have struggled to put together a product of this quality and print enough to get the exposure we will get if it wasn’t for this funding,” said Peter Whitmore, president and CEO of the GWNC Chamber. “As a nonprofit, any funding we can obtain is appreciated, but this amount enabled us to make a better product that will help bring in tourists to our attractions and small businesses. Senator Aubertine is a North Country native who has reached out many times to the chamber and small businesses. We absolutely appreciate all of his support.”

The GWNC Chamber of Commerce was established in 1903 by Watertown's leading businessmen, and since that time has grown to be the largest business association in the North Country, serving businesses the Thousand Islands, Eastern Lake Ontario, and the Tug Hill with membership in Jefferson County and four other counties. The tourism guide will be used to give visitors easy access to the great businesses and attractions in our region.

“The Chamber as an organization has been a leader in supporting small businesses and tourism in this county and the surrounding areas,” said Sen. Aubertine. “This tourism guide will help in attracting visitors to spend money at our local establishments, see what we have to offer and boost our economy. This is money spent wisely with an organization committed to creating and preserving jobs.”

With nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber as a nonprofit agency represents the business interests of over 22,000 employees throughout Jefferson County and the region, and has representation from every business sector as well as government and the military within its membership base.

The funding secured by the Senator in the 09-10 budget was delayed last summer, and again by the late budget but through the efforts of the Senator and his office to ensure these worthy local projects received their funding, these grants are now moving forward.

Fixing What's Broken

State Republican Chairman Pat Barrett on Andrew's

"ability, independence and guts."

Aubertine Secures $20k for Cornwall Brothers Restoration

ALEXANDRIA BAY (September 20, 2010)—The Cornwall Brothers Store and Museum is moving forward with ongoing restorations and renovations thanks to a $20,000 legislative grant secured by state Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine.

“We’re very appreciative of his efforts and his work on our behalf,” said Martha L. Grimes, who has spearheaded the efforts to restore the museum. “Right now, we’ll be able to use this for the windows, which are in dire need of replacement. Senator Aubertine has been attentive to our needs and it was greatly appreciated that he took the initiative to join us for our meeting.”

The Senator met with the museum board, volunteers and community members on Thursday, September 16 at the Cornwall Brothers Store and Museum to discuss the grant that he secured and the renovation efforts at the historic store along the St. Lawrence River. The funding provided by the Senator and donations made by the community will help the museum secure additional funding to complete the approximately $100,000 project, which includes the 22 windows and repairing the mortar joints of the nearly 150-year-old building.

“This museum preserves a part of our history here along the river,” Sen. Aubertine said. “This store was once a bustling center of commerce and now we can all enjoy the artifacts and history that has been preserved. Martha and all the great volunteers who keep this place going do a great job and I’m glad to have played a role in all that they are doing.”

The original building where the Cornwall Brothers Store and Museum is housed was built in 1839. That wooden structure was destroyed by fire in 1865 and replaced by the current stone structure in 1866. The store sold clothing, groceries and hardware. It closed during the Depression in 1929. Operated by the Cornwalls until the 1930s, after which it became a U.S Customs office and then a post office through the 1960s, it fell into disrepair and was slated for demolition in 1973. Landowner E.J. Noble transferred ownership to what would become the Alexandria Township Historical Society for $1. A federal grant helped to rehabilitate the building, and it opened to the public in 1982.

Major Grant Secured For Plattsburgh International Airport

Funding Will Enhance

Security At Facility

PLATTSBURGH -- Congressman Bill Owens announced funding Monday for Plattsburgh International Airport to strengthen security at the facility. The $583,300 grant, is through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration.

"These enhancements are part of a continued effort to enhance the facilities at Plattsburgh International Airport, which makes the area more attractive and marketable to outside companies," Owens said. "As we work together to bring more job creators to Clinton County, I am optimistic that we are on the path to economic recovery."

The grant will allow Clinton County to construct and install security fencing around the facility, fulfilling safety requirements. Plattsburgh International Airport is a primary non-hub airport owned by Clinton County and located at the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base. The airport offers commerical flights to Boston, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Orlando, Fla. and other destinations. Passenger service at the airport began in 2007.
Click HERE to read more from WPTZ

RUSSELL SAYS SUNY ‘DOESN’T GET IT’

Assemblywoman Denounces

Multimillion-Dollar Renovation Plan,

$30K raises for SUNY

execs during fiscal crisis

WATERTOWN (September 20, 2010) – “In the face of SUNY employee layoffs and reduction in student aid, the recent double-digit raises and lavish executive suite make overs are outrageous,” said Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa). “As SUNY Chancellor, Nancy Zimpher’s top priority should be ensuring that our students receive the affordable, high quality education they deserve, not handing out raises and approving multimillion-dollar office renovations and furnishings.”

According to an Albany Times Union report, SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher is financing a multimillion-dollar renovation plan for the executive offices at the SUNY headquartersin Albany. In addition, her three highest-ranking deputies recently received pay raises of$30,000 each. On top of their pay, now ranging from $250,000 to $315,000, these officials currently receive housing allowances and have their monthly transportation paid for by SUNY.

“What makes these revelations even more revolting is that this excessive spending is happening at the same time that North Country families are trying to figure out how to put food on the table, keep up with the mortgage, and send their kids to college,” said Russell.

The assemblywoman noted that Chancellor Zimpher launched an aggressive advocacy effort to compel state legislators to enact SUNY-Flex, a measure that would allow SUNY to set college and university tuition rates independently, eliminating the legislative oversight and approval built into the process.
To read more from Assemblywoman Russell click HERE

Sheriff Burns Spends the Morning in Natural Bridge NY

A great time was had by team Burns this morning while marching in their annual parade. John enjoyed talking with his supporters and friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with Mr and Mrs. Face. They celebrated their 70th anniversary last July making them the longest married couple in Natural Bridge. You'll notice by the John Burns stickers on the wind shield of their cart that they are big fans of Sheriff burns.

Natural Bridge...a great place to raise a family!

Check out footage from the parade!

Aubertine Hosts 2010 Senior Health and Information Fair

Today I hosted the 2010 Jefferson County Senior Health Fair at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds and participation well exceded expectations, with more than 1,000 seniors in attendence. I am very pleased with how many seniors were able to get information on services available throughout the region. Ensuring that the needs of seniors are met in Albany has been and remains one of my top legislative priorities.

For MyABC50's coverage click HERE

WATERTOWN (September 15, 2010)—State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine was joined by more than 1,000 seniors today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds municipal arena where vendors from throughout Jefferson County displayed services and products available to seniors.

“This event is a great opportunity for seniors to see what’s available in the community, spend an afternoon with friends, enjoy some live entertainment and even get a free lunch,” Sen. Aubertine said. “Serving our seniors, who have served our community for so many years, is important to me. I take the advice, needs and input of our seniors seriously. It’s important this state recognizes the value of keeping our seniors active in the community, protecting the benefits they have earned over the years, and providing access to the care they need.”

The 2010 Jefferson County Senior Health & Information Fair was put together with the Jefferson County Office for the Aging and sponsored by the City of Watertown and the Watertown Daily Times.

“Today’s event was a great opportunity for our senior population to gather information about the services available in our community and to assist them in making informed choices about their health and well being,” “The Office for the Aging is very pleased to have this opportunity to partner with Senator Aubertine and his office to host this important event.”

It featured live entertainment from Ray Sabre and also the Country Stompers. The annual event continues the long history of this fair, which Senator Aubertine has expanded to include a fair in Oswego County next month as well. More than 50 vendors featuring products for seniors, along with healthcare and government services attended.

To see more please click HERE

Today is Primary Day....So Get to the Polls!

Today September 14th is Primary day in New York State. Many are watching to see what the outcome will be in the hotly contested race for NYS Attorney General as well as U.S. Senate. Some of the talking heads have said that turn out will be light this year. As you can imagine, we always hope for a strong turn out on the Democrat side of the aisle.

Democrats from across the state will decide today who will run in the General Election for U.S. Senate for the remainder of Hillary Clinton's term. Currently Kirsten Gillibrand holds that seat and we in the Jefferson County Democratic Committee feel very strongly that Senator Gillibrand should continue her work advocating for the needs of the North Country. She recently put out a video outlining the great job she is doing and her plans if re-eleected. That can be found a couple of stories down.

Democrats will also find out who'll be moving on to the November 2nd General Election ticket for New York State Attorney General.
This race has no clear front runner and everyone is looking to upstate to see who will be pushed over the top. Senator Darrel Aubertine has backed Eric Schneiderman, Assemblywoman Russell has shown support for Richard Brodsky, Congressman Bill Owens and Jefferson County Democratic Chairman Sean Hennessey have endorsed Sean Coffey. It's anyone's race at this point-- so get out and vote!

Polls open at noon and will close at 9pm so please do what you can to support who ever your candidate might be. Lets prove those pundits wrong with big numbers from the North Country.

IF YOU ARE UNSURE WHERE YOU VOTE CLICK HERE

ALSO.....Assemblywoman Addie Russell sent over an open invitation to our readers to a Primary Party at her Campaign office on Arsenal St. (next to Burger King) tonight. There will be chips, beverages and all sorts of progessive Democrats to hang out with. No RSVP's are needed, so stop by and root on your favorite candidate.

RWDSU Local 220 Members Declare Victory at Mott’s; Strike Over As Workers Plan Return to Plant

Today, members of RWDSU Local 220 at the Mott’s plant in Williamson NY voted to accept a new contract and to end their strike against Mott's (part of the Plano, Texas-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group).

Among the provisions of the new agreement are restored wage levels and the continuation of the pension plan. Other details of the agreement will not be disclosed.

The Mott’s workers will return to work on Monday, September 20, 2010, on what would have been the 121st day of the strike. The workers went on strike on May 23, 2010.

The striking workers stood up for working people both in their community and nationally.

The striking workers obtained support from a wide variety of union leaders and elected officials including AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes, presidents of numerous International Unions, the entire New York State Democratic Congressional delegation and many NY elected officials, members of the Canadian Parliament, and unions and union federations from around the world.

The strike was the subject of national news coverage from the CBS evening news to PBS Newshour to the NY Times.

"Not a day went by without people stopping by to drop off a financial or food donation for the strike fund. The International, National and local community supported us thoroughly, and the RWDSU and Local 220 members want to share their thanks," said Stuart Appelbaum, president of the RWDSU. "The RWDSU members at Mott's have a message for working people everywhere: Stand up for what you believe in, and stay united."

-------------------------

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) represents 100,000 members in the U.S. and Canada employed in food processing, retail and other industries. The RWDSU is dedicated to empowering workers in order to help members build better lives for themselves both at work and in our communities. Through organizing, collective bargaining, political action and community involvement the RWDSU is fighting to strengthen the middle class in the U.S. and Canada The RWDSU is affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.

McGrath for Assembly Luau. Check it out!

This Tuesday September 14th Vote Gillibrand for Senate!!

WDT ENDORSES COFFEY

Ouside Coffey Seen as

"Best Choice.." in AG Race

New York Democrats will choose their state attorney general candidate in the November elections from among five candidates in Tuesday's primary.

Current officeholder Andrew M. Cuomo, a Democrat, is running for governor.

With government reform and corruption leading concerns among New Yorkers, all five candidates have vowed to fight government corruption. Toward that goal, the best choice for the Democratic nomination is attorney Sean Coffey, a trial lawyer and former federal prosecutor in Manhattan.

Mr. Coffey, the son of Irish immigrants, is a 1978 graduate of Annapolis military academy and former Navy flight officer who attended Georgetown Univeristy Law Center at night while working as a military assistant to then-Vice President George H.W. Bush from 1984 to 1986.

He resigned from active duty in 1987, but continued to serve in the Navy Reserve until 2004. He joined a private law firm before becoming an assistant U.S. attorney for New York's Southern District in 1991. Upon returning to private practice in 1995, he first defended Fortune 500 companies, but later switched sides to become an attorney with a New York law firm representing plaintiff investors suing corporations.

Perhaps his best known case was a $6 billion settlement from WorldCom on behalf of investors, including the New York State Common Retirement Fund. He retired from private practice to pursue the attorney general position.
Read more from the Watertown Daily Times HERE
Picture from the New York Daily News

A 2 Hour Tour!

Sheriff Burns to hold

St Lawrence Fund Raiser

The Committee to re-elect Sheriff Burns will be holding a fundraiser on the Bonnie Belle in Alexandria Bay NY and we'd like to invite you along.

The cruise is a great way to raise funds for the Sheriff's re-election all the while having a great time touring the beautiful St Lawrence River with friends.

The event will be held Friday, September 24, 2010 6:30(sharp)-8:30 on the Bonnie Bell located at the Bonnie Castle Resort (located by Rumrunners)

the cost is $25 per person--$40 per couple and will include the Cruise Beer, wine & hors d'oeuvres.

Since the Bonnie Bell has a maximum capacity, tickets are going to be sold in advance of the trip. If you would like to attend please call 788-8689 or 777-0051. You can also email the campaign at dburns35@twcny.rr.com,

Tickets are limited so make sure to call or email today!

Now this is One....Nice.....Guy!

Mayor Duffy takes a lunch

with local Dem's

Andrew Cuomo's pick for Lieutenant Governor was in town today to meet with local Democratic Leaders. At the meeting, representatives from the Jefferson County Democrat Committee (JCDC) had a chance to talk one on one with the Mayor and give him the 411 on what this area of the state is in need of and what he can do to further the cause of North Country families.

Sheriff Burns stated of Mayor Duffy "coming from a law enforcement background Mayor Duffy brings a unique perspective to the post of Lieutenant governor. I think with what's going on around our state we need more people like Bob Duffy in politics"

Assemblywoman Russell was equally impressed with Mayor Duffy and spent a large chunk of time updating the Mayor to the work her office has done in helping small businesses traverse the mine field of bureaucracy that the NYS law imposes.

At the meeting many from the JCDC were given one on one time with the Mayor and were truly impressed with him as a person. Committee members commented after today's event that they were so impressed with the access that they had to Mayor Duffy. Long time Committee member Harold Wiley of Cape Vincent mentioned that:

"It's so refreshing to have someone like Mayor Duffy here in the North Country. We talked for a great while and I could tell that he really cares about our communities needs and concerns."

While at Bistro 108 many from the Committee eat and discuss the coming November elections. The mood was high that our local leaders will be on the winning side yet Mayor Duffy stated:
"You always fight like you're 60 points in the hole..take nothing for granted...work hard and good things will happen." This focus and drive is what makes Bob Duffy one of the most admired political leaders and a standout as Andrew Cuomo's pick for Lt. Governor.

Bev Sterling-Affinati (Harbor Side Services, Sackets Harbor NY) was kind enough to show off the new web site (HERE) to those gathered at Bistro 108. The JCDC has spent months redesigning the site and from what we saw, it's exactly what we've been looking for. The newly finished site is a great location to find out about the Democratic ticket, connect with candidates web/Facebook pages, find historical pictures/materials from years past, and generally keep up with all that's happening with the local party.

Mayor Duffy was so impressed with the design he mentioned to a state party staffer that the NYS Democratic Party needs to look to our site when they do a redesign on the state party site. "This is a very easy site to maneuver around." Mayor Duffy said.

The food and service at the Bistro was out of this world and we truly recommend you check them out. Their signature dishes are out of this world (especially the JP Morgan and Cubano Wrap. Sooo.. Good!) and whoever did the interior design needs a medal. Thank you Bistro 108 for a great day and we really look forward to visiting again.

Labor Day Highlights Need for Good Jobs

Labor Day is an important holiday, especially here in New York State where it was first celebrated nearly 130 years ago to publicly recognize the trade workers who have built this country. This is a holiday that now not only celebrates union laborers from every trade, but also each and every one of us who get up each day and go to work.

On this holiday, I am reminded of the work that still needs to be done to improve the job climate in this region. As a state we must continue to make jobs our top priority as we are on the cusp of turning this economy around. Throughout this downturn, I’ve worked to protect jobs with low cost power programs that keep people employed at Alcoa and Corning in St. Lawrence County, at Great Lakes Cheese and Climax Manufacturing in Jefferson County and at Birdseye Foods and Interface Solutions in Oswego County, to name a few.

These power deals, made through programs such as Power for Jobs, have been an important tool for job retention over the past decade. Power for Jobs itself sustains more than 25,000 jobs in Central New York and the North Country. We extended it another year, but I am working with the strong support of the business community to guarantee benefits for Upstate New York and make the program permanent.

In the 2010-11 State Budget, I worked to eliminate proposals that would have been especially bad for our communities. These proposals included job killing taxes on energy, healthcare and sugared beverages. Higher taxes on energy and healthcare would have forced each of us and every business to pay more, making it more difficult for us to make ends meet and threatening jobs. Likewise, the sugared beverage tax would have forced companies such as Pepsi-Cola Ogdensburg or Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Syracuse to consider layoffs.

These are real victories for our region. As is the funding we have been able to target toward protecting healthcare jobs and services in Fulton, at the North Country Children’s Clinic in Watertown, and United Helpers in Ogdensburg. The benefits here, as with education, which will get a nearly $15 million boost for schools in our three counties with new federal funding, are important both in the services provided and the jobs created or preserved.

Soon we will see the benefits of the Green Jobs/Green New York legislation to incentivize homeowners and businesses to make permanent energy efficiency improvements, saving them money on their energy bills and creating business for local construction companies and the growing number of local businesses specializing in weatherization. Likewise, the new Excelsior Jobs Program will provide job creation and investment incentives to firms in targeted industries while maintaining strict accountability standards.
To read more please click HERE

Labor Day in Massena NY. A Day Spent with American Hero's

Any day spent with Ernie is a good day!

Brian McGrath spent the day with friends in the Labor movement today in Massena NY. Historic figures like Ernie LaBaff, Rich Orton, Bill Shelly and many others marched with the next Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy. It was a great day and from what we're hearing it was an incredible turn out. Below your find some of the pictures from today's events.

Labor Day Parade in Adams NY. A Nice Close to the Parade Season!

We had such a great time celebrating Labor Day with Sheriff Burns in Adams NY. The streets were packed with supporters and boy did they let us know it. Check out all the fun!

HAPPY LABOR DAY! THANK A MEMBER TODAY...AND TOMORROW!

This day honors the memories of those who have come before us and paved the way to the rights and privlides we enjoy today. On this Labor Day remember the scrifice they have made and continue to make on our behalf.

Thank you brothers and Sisters in labor. Please continue to the fight for working families across our nation..your efforts on our behalf is very much appreciated!

To find our more please check our the following links: ALF-CIO, IBEW, LABORS, MACHINISTS, COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS, STEAL WORKERS, OPERATING ENGINEERS, BRICKLAYERS, TEAMSTERS,SEIU, CSEA, PEF, UAW,

DON'T

EVER

FORGET!

CENTRAL TRADES UNANIMOUSLY BACK JOHN BURNS FOR SHERIFF

BURNS BACKED BY

COMMUNITY LEADERS

Pictured are: Sheriff Burns,

Board President Ronald P. McDougal

and various labor leaders across the region.

At the September general meeting of the Central Trades and Labor Council, incumbent Jefferson County Sheriff John Burns was unanimously endorsed by the full board.

Sheriff Burns’s relationship with labor stretches back nearly 30 years. During his speech, Sheriff Burns looked back fondly to his days as President of the local chapter of Council 82. He also expressed in his opening comments his appreciation for the dedication that the members of Central Trades have shown to our community.

This endorsement will bring with it support from locals from across the region such as Communication Workers of America, United Auto workers, Teamsters, Operating Engineers, International Brotherhood of Electrical workers, Laborers, Bricklayers, CSEA, SEIU 1199, United Steel workers, PEF and many others.

Sheriff Burns spoke after the endorsement and stated:

"I'm proud that my efforts have been recognized by so many hard working community leaders from across the region. My goal has always been to take care of our community and this endorsement reinforces my commitment to protect and serve. "

We Worked Hard and OCF Will Remain Open

Senator Aurbertine comments about rumors of the Ogdensburg Correctional facilities inmate population:

According to the Commissioner, whom I spoke with directly while meeting with OCF staff, OCF has seen fewer transfers due to a decrease in the medium security prison population and the fact that many of the incoming inmates require specialized service that OCF cannot provide.

The inmate population is expected to rise to 450 in the coming weeks and months. Make no mistake, I will continue to work with the staff at OCF to monitor the numbers and ensure the Department of Correcitonal Services lives up to its commitments.

As Commissioner Fischer stated in his letter rescinding the closure notice last July, the future of OCF will be left to the next Governor of New York. Both Democratic candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican Candidate Rick Lazio have vowed to keep the facility open and operational.

Make no mistake, I will continue working with the community, the next administration, and with the unions to keep this facility up and running.