Sheriff Burns to seek final term

John P. Burns had a sound reason for using the Jefferson County Democratic Committee's spring dinner Sunday to launch his bid for a third term as county sheriff.

"Normally, when you announce that you're going to be running for election, you always invite your family and friends. But after being sheriff for 71/2 years, you don't have a lot of friends," he joked to the crowd of about 115 gathered at the North Side Improvement League, 633 Mill St.

Mr. Burns, 50, said he'd like to cap a 30-year career in law enforcement by serving one final four-year term in office.

The sheriff said he'd like to use his last term to help stem the tide of drug trafficking through Jefferson County from northern border towns. Mr. Burns noted that the office during his tenure had secured about $4 million in state and federal grants, which he used to purchase a boat, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles to patrol areas where narcotics may be on the move.

"We've certainly proven that we can reach out and get those grants and build upon them," he said.

The sheriff has, as of yet, no announced challenger.

122ND RACE STILL UP IN THE AIR

While Mr. Burns was ready to kick-start his campaign, three potential candidates were still mulling their decisions Sunday.

Brian S. McGrath, a lawyer splitting time between his native Lewis County and New York City, said he's "strongly leaning toward" a bid in the 122nd Assembly District. Mr. McGrath is being pushed to run by June F. O'Neill, a Morley resident and vice chairwoman of the state Democratic Committee.

Assemblywoman Dierdre K. Scozzafava, the Gouverneur Republican who holds the seat, said last week she will not seek re-election. The district includes southern and eastern Jefferson County, southern St. Lawrence County, all of Lewis County and three towns in northern Oswego County.

Mark A. Pacilio, chief of staff for Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said Sunday he is still considering a bid, as well.

"I have to consider my family and my financial viability and the impact that it would have on this office," he said Friday. "I enjoy what I do. But knowing what I know spending the last two years in Albany, the learning curve would be very short. And I think I've forged a lot of relationships with people."

Mr. McGrath said he told Scott M. Burto, the West Carthage mayor considering his own bid for the seat, of his inclination to run at the dinner Sunday.

Mr. Burto, a Republican, said Mr. McGrath's decision would affect his own.

"If I choose to primary anybody, it will be Ken Blankenbush," the mayor said, referring to the GOP's sole announced candidate.

Mr. Burto downplayed his appearance at the Democratic event, saying he did not speak to anyone except Mr. McGrath about a potential candidacy.

"It's sad that you can't attend a dinner you've been invited to that includes state and federal representatives that represent West Carthage without people thinking you're burning bridges," he said.

ATTORNEY GENERAL HOPEFULS SPEAK

Sometimes, telling people you're a contender isn't enough.

John P. "Sean" Coffey is one of five announced Democrats vying for state attorney general, and the only one who's never held political office before. The Westchester County resident launched a television ad Sunday that introduces him to voters in Western, Central and Northern New York.

"One of the challenges I face as someone who's never run for office before is to get my name recognition up," the former federal prosecutor said. "The ad is demonstrating to people upstate that I'm going to take them seriously. I intend to spend a lot of time up here, a lot of resources up here."

Mr. Coffey didn't let the ad speak entirely for him, however. The man once dubbed "Wall Street's new nemesis" for his work pursuing corporate misconduct missed most of the chicken and potato dinner because he was too busy hawking 50-50 chances to benefit the local Democratic committee.

"Hey folks, I'm Sean Coffey, and I'm selling raffle tickets because (Democratic Chairman Sean) Hennessey drives a hard bargain for an endorsement," he joked to a table of locals he hadn't yet met.

Kathleen M. Rice, Nassau County district attorney, also looked to form a better bond with the local Democrats.

"Very often the rural upstate counties feel like they're left out and their issues are unaddressed," she said. "It's important that we have a very strong relationship with good communication so I can address the needs of the individual communities and learn what those issues are by speaking to people like those who are inside."

The attorney general hopeful unveiled a "Plan for Rural New York" Sunday that proposed creating a phone line for legal help in rural areas, appointing a senior deputy attorney general for rural affairs, creating a rural affairs advisory council, staffing regional offices with locals, and providing internships for nearby students.

"This is going to allow us to use the resources we already have in a much more efficient way to serve all 62 counties," said Ms. Rice, adding she did not yet know what part of the current attorney general's office she would reduce to meet her plan.