Barclay decision

William A. Barclay's departure from the 23rd Congressional District race removes a strong, capable candidate from the Republican side.

In declining to run in the Republican primary to eventually challenge Democratic Rep. William L. Owens for the seat, Mr. Barclay, Pulaski, expressed the desire to continue serving his Assembly district in Albany.

Certainly the assemblyman's experience and judgment are needed in Albany, which is struggling with twin crises — financial and political. For voters on the western side of the congressional district, though, Mr. Barclay is a veteran politician whose opinions, policies, record and capabilities are well known.

This cannot be said yet for the other Republican candidates — Watertown businessman Matthew A. Doheny; Franklin County Legislator Paul A. Maroun, Tupper Lake; and Douglas L. Hoffman, the Lake Placid accountant who came in second to Bill Owens, Plattsburgh, in the special election for the congressional seat last fall.

Mr. Hoffman's determination not to leave the race even if he loses the primary complicates matters for the Republican candidates. The Conservative Party has pledged itself to Mr. Hoffman, presenting the possibility of another three-way race in the general election which would split the Republican vote.

Mr. Barclay's decision to soldier on in Albany does firm up the field for the congressional race. Having a primary is a healthy exercise in democracy, and the candidates need to share their views on the issues pertinent to Northern New York.

Little is known about where Mr. Doheny and Mr. Maroun stand on north country issues. Mr. Hoffman showed in the last election he did not have any thoughts about what was important to Northern New Yorkers.

What are their views on alternative energy, specifically wind power and how it is being implemented in Northern New York? How will they do their part to serve Fort Drum, its soldiers and their families? What insights do they have on the crisis facing dairy farmers? Do they favor a rooftop highway from Watertown to Plattsburgh?

Health care. Job creation in Northern New York. Local air service. Retaining low-cost electrical power in Massena. Invasive species. Winter navigation in the St. Lawrence Seaway. Acid rain. The Adirondacks. U.S.-Canadian relations and border policies.

There is much to talk about. How the candidates articulate the issues important to Northern New York will tell voters much about their candidacy, their focus and capabilities.