After collecting well more than the required 1,500 signatures from residents of the 118th Assembly District, a fatal flaw occurred, not having a Letter of Acceptance signature notarized. This I take responsibility for. But, not being on the ballot is no reason for giving up. I intend to run as a write-in candidate. There has been a scheduled candidate forum for the two party candidates and I have been invited to participate, which I wholeheartedly look forward to.

I feel my presence will bring about a new dynamic to addressing the issues that are important to the people. I hope that through the debates I convince the voters that I have their best interest at heart with an understanding and creative ideas of making the system work. But most importantly, if you support my candidacy as an independent, please ask the voting-machine attendant how to submit a write-in on the ballot machine. I have been working very hard since March 9 and have committed myself to work even harder to win this election and to work even harder if elected. I am invigorated by the phrase: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Don Lucas

Massena

Mr. Lucas is a write-in candidate for the 118th Assembly District.