The two featured speakers were the candidates for County Clerk Republican Cheryl Lane and Democrat Gertrude Karris.
First up this writer truly felt that these are both very nice people. They are both caring individuals who sincerely want to do an excellent job for our citizens. But their viewpoint varied substantially on one major issue. That is the maintenance of the Department of Motor Vehicle Office on the post at Fort Drum. Their views were exactly opposite.
Mrs. Karris voiced the view that consideration should be given to moving the DMV location to an area adjacent to the Fort where it would be convenient for both civilians and the military. She also suggested that even a mobile operation might work. Mrs. Lane ardently defended the status quo saying it made the most financial sense to keep the DMV office right where it is on post. When asked directly how many civilians use the current office on the post she didn't have the numbers.
To this observer the content of the conversation seemed to be the 'same old, same old' from a three decade plus employee of the DMV vs. a dose of innovation from a brand new challenger.
This conversation about the DMV office on Fort Drum will undoubtedly become the ongoing centerpiece of the contest for Jefferson County Clerk this fall.
(Ted Ford)
