Lake Placid Dem announces candidacy for 115th district assembly seat
Bridie Farrell of Lake Placid announced her decision to seek the Democratic nomination Tuesday.
'Our economy isn't made of statistics or data. Our economy is made up of people — all of our people,' Farrell said in a press release. 'We are individual people with different priorities and needs. However, in union there is strength. In teamwork there is strength. In hard work there is strength. and together we will continue working towards a better North Country. I am committed to listening to our communities and making a meaningful impact by approaching each issue with creativity, empathy, focus, and tenacity.'
The 115th district assembly seat is being vacated by long-time Assemblyman Billy Jones, the lone North Country Democratic state lawmaker who recently announced his decision to resign from office at the end of August.
CANDIDATES
Since then, Farrell is one of two Democrats to announce their candidacy. Michael Cashman, supervisor for the town of Plattsburgh, shared his intention to campaign for the Democratic nomination last week.
On the Republican side, Andrea Dumas, village of Malone mayor and Franklin County Legislator, has received several endorsements from high-ranking Republicans to run but has yet to announce her official candidacy.
As previously reported by the Press-Republican, there is no petition process for this election, according to David Souliere, Clinton County Republican Commissioner.
Instead, it's a County Committee Chair nomination between the three chairs — Franklin, Clinton and Essex — on the Democratic and Republican side. Any nomination meeting cannot officially occur until Jones' vacancy, which is Aug. 31.
FARRELL BACKGROUND
The 115th Assembly District includes all of Clinton and Franklin Counties and part of Essex County, where Farrell resides.
Farrell previously ran for Congress in NY-21 in 2022 before stepping aside when redistricting 'drastically reshaped the district,' her news release said.
Her campaign plans to build on that experience.
'Assemblyman Billy Jones served the district for nine years and we will build on his success. We will ensure every community in this district has a seat at the table,' Farrell said. 'The North Country deserves leadership that listens to our families, neighbors, and communities. We need someone who isn't afraid to fight for what is right and always puts our district first.'
Farrell was on the U.S. Short Track Speed Skating National Team and held three American Records. She celebrated her 16th birthday at her first of four Olympic Trials in the 1980 Miracle on Ice arena in Lake Placid.
Her educational path took her from BOCES vocational school, where she earned her CCNA certification, to Adirondack Community College, and to the land-grant College of Human Ecology at Cornell University, where she studied public policy and healthcare economics.
Farrell, an advocate on behalf of crime victims and survivors of abuse and exploitation, said she was also instrumental in the passage of New York's Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act.
'DESERVES A CHAMPION'
'Our community deserves a champion in the Assembly and beyond,' Farrell said. 'Neighbors, small business owners, and folks from every corner of our district and across New York are showing up because they believe we can get things done together.'
According to Farrell's news release, her approach is 'straightforward: listen to people, then bring their voices to the table where decisions are made.'
Farrell was later successful advancing comparable bills in Arizona, New Jersey, California and beyond, closing critical loopholes and promoting rights for victims of crime and abuse.
'Her experience pushing major legislation across the finish line in Albany, and around the country, stands out as an invaluable qualification in her bid for the state legislature,' the news release stated. 'The implications of this year's special election in the 115th District will extend beyond the state legislature as the future of New York's 21st Congressional District remains uncertain.'
GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN
Farrell's first days as a candidate for Assembly have already brought in over $50,000 in grassroots contributions — a sign, she says, of the energy and commitment of the community.
Farrell's campaign will be centered around increasing access to quality healthcare, affordable housing, and reliable broadband, strengthening support for farmers and agriculture, and bolstering the regional economy by creating jobs, supporting unions, and improving wages and benefits for workers.
'Successful fundraising is necessary for the way our current campaign system works,' Farrell said. 'More importantly, the enthusiasm of support by people across the district is energizing, and I'm ready to build on this momentum.'
The date of the upcoming special election has not yet been announced, but is expected to coincide with the General Election on Nov. 4.
A tour of the district and a series of kitchen table conversations with Farrell are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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