Morrill is out of running for county legislature's top post

CANTON — A St. Lawrence County Legislature Democrat in line to be the board's next chairman has withdrawn from the running for the county's top post.

Legislator Frederick S. Morrill, DeKalb Junction, announced Saturday that he will not seek the chairmanship. He has thrown his support behind Legislator Gregory M. Paquin, D-Massena. Lawmakers will elect their next leader Jan. 5.

Mr. Morrill backed out of the race after accepting a job as comptroller at the Newton Falls Fine Paper mill.

"I don't think I can succeed at both jobs," he said. "I think I can still represent my district well, but the chairman's job is one that requires a commitment."

Mr. Paquin said his ability to bring people together will be an asset to the county.

"There is no secret that this board has been polarized, but I think it's also common knowledge that I've been able to work with both factions that seem to have grown within the Democratic Party, and I've also worked well with the Republicans," he said.

Mr. Paquin needs eight votes to win. Mr. Morrill had the support of eight lawmakers including himself. Backing him were Legislators Vernon D. "Sam" Burns, D-Ogdensburg, Sallie A. Brothers, D-Norfolk, Thomas A. Nichols, R-Oswegatchie, Alexander A. MacKinnon, R-Fowler, Donald A. Peck, R-Gouverneur, Thomas R. Grow, R-Massena, and Mr. Paquin.

Legislator Peter W. FitzRandolph, D-Canton, is also running for chairman. Legislators Tedra L. Cobb, D-Canton, Charles E. House Jr., D-Potsdam, Laura J. Perry, D-Hopkinton, and Daniel J. Girard, D-Louisville, have said they are undecided about whom to support.

Current Chairman J. Patrick Turbett, D-Potsdam, supports Mr. FitzRandolph.

Mr. Morrill said Mr. Paquin showed his leadership skills during the Legislature's recent 2009 budget deliberations. Mr. Paquin chairs the Legislature's Finance Committee.

Mr. Peck was expected to run for vice chairman, but said Saturday he's not sure what will happen.

He and Mr. Burns said they support Mr. Paquin.

"This kind of turns everything upside down," Mr. Peck said. "I have to talk to my fellow Republicans and see what they want to do."

Mr. Nichols and Mr. MacKinnon have not decided.

"I'm keeping my options open at this point," Mr. Nichols said.

Mr. MacKinnon said experience may be a factor in his decision. He supported Mr. Morrill, a freshman lawmaker, but said Mr. Morrill had worthy attributes to be chairman.

"One of the problems is inexperienced people in key positions. That has been an ongoing problem for the county," Mr. MacKinnon said.

Mrs. Brothers and Mr. Grow could not be reached for comment.