GOP issue: filling chair

CANTON — St. Lawrence County Legislature Republicans remain tight-lipped about whether they support a freshman Democrat as the board's next chairman.

The board's five Republicans met in Canton on Monday to discuss their options following Legislator Frederick S. Morrill's announcement Saturday that he is no longer in the running.

Four of them planned to vote for Mr. Morrill, D-DeKalb Junction. Monday's meeting was held to discuss whom they will support now that Mr. Morrill has dropped out.

Mr. Morrill has thrown his support behind freshman Democrat Gregory M. Paquin, Massena.

Legislator David W. Forsythe, R-Lisbon, supports Peter W. FitzRandolph, D-Canton, as the board's next leader. He said Monday he has not changed his mind.

His fellow Republicans were less open about their choices.

"We have all agreed we're not going to talk about the meeting at this time," said Legislator Thomas A. Nichols, Oswegatchie.

Mr. Nichols and Legislator Alexander A. MacKinnon, R-Fowler, said over the weekend they are not sure how they will vote. The board's election is Jan. 5.

Mr. MacKinnon did not return a call for comment, but has said that experience will be a factor in his choice.

Mr. FitzRandolph is a four-term lawmaker.

Legislator Donald A. Peck, R-Gouverneur, refused comment. He said ahead of Monday's meeting that he would consider running for chairman if Mr. Paquin cannot garner enough Republican support.

Legislator Thomas R. Grow, R-Massena, could not be reached.

Republican votes could decide the winner if the Democrats fail to agree on a candidate. Four of the board's 10 Democrats, Sallie A. Brothers, Norfolk, Vernon D. "Sam" Burns, Ogdensburg, Mr. Paquin and Mr. Morrill, do not support Mr. FitzRandolph.

Democrats Tedra L. Cobb, Canton; Laura J. Perry, Hopkinton; Charles E. House Jr., Potsdam, and Daniel J. Girard, Massena, have not said whom they support. Current Chairman J. Patrick Turbett, D-Potsdam, supports Mr. FitzRandolph.

The Legislature chairman appoints committees and their chairmen, runs meetings of the Legislature and makes appointments to other county posts with the approval of the full Legislature.