Patty Ritchie

State Senate
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Monday, March 29, 2010
CONTACT: (315) 608-8335

RITCHIE KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN FOR STATE SENATE

St. Lawrence County Clerk says New Yorkers have ‘had enough’ of
higher taxes and spending, promises to stand up for Upstate

Republican Patty Ritchie today kicked off her campaign for State Senate, telling supporters
in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties that she will fight to cut taxes, borrowing
and spending, and change the direction of state government to create jobs and put Upstate
first.

“Have you had enough?” the St. Lawrence County Clerk asked, pointing to New York’s
record as the nation’s leader in taxes, spending and debt.

“Elect me and I won’t just go along with the NYC agenda of higher taxes and spending. I
will stand up for Upstate taxpayers, hardworking families and businesses. I will make
Upstate jobs a priority, and make sure that your voice is heard,” she said.

Ritchie began her three-county swing this morning at a popular neighborhood restaurant in
Fulton, Oswego County; met with small business owners at the Paddock Arcade in
Watertown, Jefferson County, and finished the day with an after-work campaign rally in
front of the Courthouse in Canton, St. Lawrence County.

Ritchie said her priorities will be to cut state spending, lower taxes, provide property tax
relief to homeowners, and oppose new budget gimmicks like the downstate politicians’ plan
to add billions of dollars in new debt to pay for more increased spending.

She said economic development will be her top priority and that she will fight to protect
Upstate jobs, cut needless red tape on farmers and small businesses, and create policies and
programs to boost our economy.

“The career politicians in Albany have lost their way, and have shown that they know only
how to spend and spend again. But hardworking taxpayers deserve more. They want fresh
ideas from candidates who are independent, willing to lead from the front, and can deliver
results,” said Ritchie.
Ritchie is serving her third term as St. Lawrence County Clerk, and is past President of the
NYS Association of County Clerks. In that position, she took a money-losing office and
made it into one that annually generates a profit that helps hold the line on property taxes.

She successfully led a statewide effort to stop Albany’s plan for new license plates—saving
Central and Northern New York families and businesses $7 million—and Gov. Spitzer’s plan
to give drivers licenses to illegal immigrants, and has spoken out against local tax increases.

She is an avid outdoorsperson, and a strong advocate for sportsmen’s rights.

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