Storino challenging Legislator Behling

Democrat Patsy A. Storino, Adams, announced Monday that he will challenge Jefferson County Legislator Michael W. Behling, R-Adams Center, for the District 10 seat.

"I feel we can make a good run at it," said Mr. Storino, 62. "I look at the past election results and I see turnout has been poor and hopefully I can turn that around."

Mr. Storino has been a land surveyor since 1966. He opened Storino Surveying, Watertown, in 1989.

The North Adams Heights resident said he believes Jefferson "is moving along better than most counties in the state." But, he said, there's always room for improvement.

"What I need to do is get out and talk to people and find out what they'd like to see happen in this county," he said.

Mr. Storino faces a formidable incumbent. Mr. Behling, who has served on the Legislature since 1996, received 924 votes in an unopposed bid in 2007. The Adams Center resident bested Democrat Keith F. Crimmins twice, by 458 and 234 votes in 2003 and 2005, respectively.

Sean M. Hennessey, county Democratic committee chairman, said he believes Mr. Storino is up for the challenge.

"He's a great guy, very much community minded," Mr. Hennessey said of his party's candidate. "He's been working in his community for a long, long time now. He decided to step up to the charge and give some enthusiasm to the legislative seat down in Adams."

Mr. Storino is a 1964 graduate of Immaculate Heart Academy, Watertown, and a 1966 graduate of the New York State Ranger School, Wanakena. He served in the Army Reserves from 1966 to 1974.

Mr. Storino and his wife, Sandra L., have two daughters, Kimberly A. and Danielle C.