Addie Jenne Russell, who represents the 116th Assembly District from Watertown to Massena, has been endorsed by the Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties Central Trades & Labor Council in her race for re-election to the New York State Assembly.
The Central Trades Council is the local part of the New York State AFL-CIO, a federation of 3,000 affiliated public sector, private sector, and building trades unions throughout the state, representing 2.5 million members, retirees and their families.
The state federation, which is the largest in the country, is committed to the fight for social and economic justice.
Through grassroots advocacy, political and legislative action, policy analysis, and coordinated communications, the New York State AFL-CIO is a force for progressive change.
Addie was one of two candidates for the 116th Assembly seat that attended the Central Trades Council meeting. The delegates chose to endorse Addie over Bill Sheridan, who is one of three Republicans running in a September primary for the GOP line in the November race.
"I'm very proud to get their endorsement again. It's a validation of the work I do on the behalf of all working people in the North Country," Addie said following the Central Trades Council meeting.
"I approach my work on behalf of North Country residents from the perspective of being the voice for the people who want to get up every day and be able to go to work and earn an honest wage. The support of the council shows my constituents see that, and I hope to continue my work in the assembly on their behalf," she added.
Addie, in her presentation to the members of organized labor, said she is a hands on representative who isn't afraid to tackle difficult and politically challenging issues.
"I'm a voice for progressives. I'm a voice for the working class. I'm a voice for people here in this district. I share your values. I'm not afraid to speak up, and I get results," she said.
She said North Country residents benefit from having a voice in the majority conference in the New York State Assembly.
"I am a proven leader. I am able to work with my colleagues in the Assembly majority to get things done for the North Country. I am a very active participant in the Majority Conference, where the decisions get made in the state Assembly," according to the assemblywoman.
She pointed out she has strongly supported a number of issues aimed at creating fairness in the workplace.
"I have fought for you. I have always fought for minimum wage increases so people who go to work every day and work hard still aren't living in poverty. I have worked very hard and helped to secure a revamping of the paid family leave program so the program provides benefits allowing employees to take time from work to be with their family members in times of need," according to Addie.
She said she is not afraid to step up and fight for working men and working women, even in situations when it could be a political liability.
"I have walked, stood and fought side by side on local issues that matter to organized labor such as the proposed privatization of Massena Memorial Hospital, with Verizon workers when the Communication Workers of Americans when they were on strike and on the line with nurses fighting for safe staffing levels," Addie said.
"I have fought for women's equality. I am a strong advocate and fighter for public education in the North Country and at the college level," she added.
Addie said she has also worked hard to seek solutions to problems in the North Country.
"I helped alongside folks from St. Lawrence County, local officials, in ensuring we passed a law to provide indigent legal defense so that a person's defense can be rigorous," she said.
"For years the cost of the defense program has created a financial burden on our counties, and your ability to be defended should not be based on your county's wealth. Transferring those costs to the state will ensure equity in courtrooms from the North Country to the other end of the state and reduce the cost of mandates on our counties," Addie noted.
She said she has been working with local agencies to address opioid abuse issues in the North Country, listening to local concerns and then working in Albany and in the district to address those concerns.
"I have been leading the way to combat opioid abuse problems and addiction problems in this area, personally addressing holes in our treatment and recovery system in the North Country, taking on tough issues when many people are inclined to look at the issue from a distance and dealing with it from a more sanitized level," she noted.
"I'm perfectly fine with being real, stepping in and dealing with things right on the front lines. That is something we need to do if we are going to save our communities from the devastation of this for years to come," Addie stressed.
She pointed out to labor leaders that she is very active in issues related to Fort Drum and the members of the 10th Mountain Division and their families, continues to work with the agriculture sector in an effort to bring more valued added processing in an effort to create more jobs and assist farmers struggling under extremely challenging market conditions and fighting to make sure the North Country gets its fair share of funding for necessary infrastructure improvements for roads, bridges and sewer and municipal water systems.
Addie said she is also a strong supporter of local libraries and also works to secure funding that can benefit first responders, children and youth activities and food pantries.
"I make sure I support our food pantries at every opportunity I get because people are continuing to need access to food. The percentage they are serving continues to rise even though the recession is long over. It's a travesty," she noted.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Addie visits with Ernie LaBaff, president emeritus of the Aluminum, Brick and Glass Workers International Union.
BOTTOM PHOTO:
Addie, standing, visits with Mary (Mickey) Gale of the American Federation of Government Employees.
