Watertown, NY, Dec 12, 2011 — State Assemblywoman Addie Russell is pushing legislation that will change the state's school aid formula. Russell's legislation would help the state recognize which districts need the most aid, and she says that change would send more aid to poor north country schools. Joanna Richards reports.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Oct 20, 2010 — Top of the ticket races for Governor and Congress have overshadowed some of the regional campaigns this election season. One is the 118th Assembly district, known as the "river district" because it hugs the St. Lawrence River in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties.

First year Assemblywoman Addie Russell, a Democrat, faces a challenge from insurance broker and St. Lawrence County legislator David Forsythe. David Sommerstein profiles the race.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 25, 2010 — Some lawmakers are reacting angrily to Governor Paterson's bill to restore funding for New York's parks because it's embedded in a broader measure to reduce dedicated environmental spending.

The administration announced earlier this year it wants to close 41 parks and 14 historic sites - including many in the North Country. Eight have found at least partial private funding, but with Memorial Day weekend approaching there is still uncertainty about the rest.

The governor has offered an option to open all the parks by the weekend, but it would pay for the parks - and lots of other things - by raiding the Environmental Protection Fund.

An annoyed Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver yesterday called the governor's proposal ``inappropriate.'' He said lawmakers could wind up passing a mandate to open all parks. Paterson could veto that as he seeks to cut spending in a fiscal crisis. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article