Graham takes sales tax swipe at Ritchie

Watertown Mayor Jeff Graham took a not-so-subtle swipe at Sen. Patty Ritchie at the announcement of a state grant for an apartment construction project.

Mr. Graham said that his two favorite state senators were in attendance — Mrs. Ritchie and also Jim Wright, who previously served on the 48th Senate District seat.

Mr. Graham specifically noted then-Sen. Wright's support of home-rule legislation for an extra three-quarters of a percent on the sales tax — which Mrs. Ritchie has not yet committed to supporting.

“We appreciate the many things he has done," Mr. Graham said.

As he walked away from the lectern, I saw Assemblywoman Addie Russell and Mrs. Ritchie giggling — presumably about the jab. Mr. Graham was sporting a wide grin.