As the Lewis County Republican chairman, I can’t tell you how many candidates with dedicated enthusiasm to improve our communities have walked through my door. They ask the party’s help to get their message to voters and how to get people to the polls on Election Day. For some reason, we can’t seem to get the last part right. This year we want to change that trend.

Voters now have a job to do, deciding on Primary Day, June 28, which of the four candidates will represent the Republican Party on the ballot in the fall for New York State Governor.

They will also be asked to decide who will be their Republican Party candidate for Lewis County Court Judge.

There may be some confusion about our judge race. There are two names on the Primary ballot, on the Republican line. But only one is a registered Republican, Judge Dan King, who is seeking reelection. Let me be clear, the Judge is the only one endorsed by the Lewis County Republican Committee. The other candidate has no party affiliation, but did meet the requirements to get on the ballot.

For the past nine plus years, Judge Dan King has displayed from the bench in County, Family and Surrogate Courts, patience, open-mindedness, courtesy, understanding, compassion, and common sense. Judge King is dedicated to this community. He is true to his values and that includes his political party affiliation. The Judge could have met the basic requirements for other party affiliations, but chose to stay loyal.

In addition, Lewis County is fortunate to have a Board of Elections that is hardworking and committed to the job of helping people cast their ballots and making sure those ballots – voters’ choices – are counted.

Find your reason to vote! If you need one; visit a veteran’s cemetery – our military members have put their lives on the line to protect these freedoms.

Michael F. Young

Chairman, Lewis County Republican Committee

Lowville, NY