Primary likely in race for treasurer

CANTON — A Republican primary is likely in November's race to replace St. Lawrence County Treasurer Robert O. McNeil, as Democrats continue the search for a candidate.

Republican Canton Town Supervisor David T. Button threw his hat into the ring Friday for the job Mr. McNeil has held for the last 24 years. He is expected to face Deputy County Treasurer Kevin M. Felt in a primary for the GOP nomination.

"Our county faces a lot of challenges, the kind that will not be solved by a person who can balance their accounts faster than someone else," Mr. Button said. "This race is not about debits and credits. It's about the future of our communities and finding the right leadership to come up with creative solutions to the challenges we face."

Town budget management is on a much smaller scale than overseeing the county's $220 million annual budget, but Mr. Button said he is up to the task.

"The state comptroller's system of accounting is the same at every level of government," he said. "You might have a few more zeroes at the county level, but the same principles are in play."

Mr. Button said the treasurer plays an important role in guiding the Legislature's spending decisions.

"The treasurer is elected at large, not only to administer and be a trustee of the county's funds, but to also speak to issues related to county finances. There may be times when the treasurer and Legislature are at odds over an issue," he said. "My hope is we can all pull in the same direction, but sometimes the treasurer is the only official who can speak forcefully on a particular issue."

Mr. Button won a third four-year supervisor's term in November, and also has served as village mayor and a town councilman.

No Democratic county treasurer candidate has yet surfaced, but county Chairman Mark J. Bellardini said Friday that party members are continuing talks with prospective candidates.