My name is Paula Sturge, and I am announcing my candidacy for the St. Lawrence County Legislature representing District 8. I am running to bring truth, transparency, and fairness back to county government and to ensure that decisions made by the Legislature are thoughtful, accountable, and rooted in the real experiences of the people we serve. I have a deep connection to St Lawrence County and specifically the region that District 8 serves.

 

I came to St. Lawrence County during my college years when I attended SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton and finished my Bachelors in Accounting at Clarkson University. During my college years and after graduation, I lived outside the Village of Potsdam and in the Hamlet of Madrid and have made this area my home. I currently live outside the Village of Canton with my husband, Wayne, and our daughter, Amelia, who is a tenth grader at Canton Central School. My step-son, Jeremy, lives in Canada with his wife, Sarah, and their two children.

 

As an accountant working in a wide range of industries in St. Lawrence County, I bring measured, practical experience to public service. Most recently, I worked at St. Lawrence Health in roles that gave me a clear view of how complex healthcare systems affect people’s lives—from patient billing to insurance reimbursement. I also spent a decade at both Clarkson University and St. Lawrence University where I helped guide large budgets and complex projects. Earlier in my career, I worked at Allied Federated Cooperatives where I saw firsthand the financial pressures of the dairy industry from farm-to-market. While in all of these roles, I focused on managing resources responsibly while keeping the needs of the community that I was serving in mind. My career has been built on fiscal responsibility, clear communication, and accountability—values that I believe are essential for effective local government and ones I will bring not only to District 8, but to all 15 legislative districts in our county.

 

In addition to working and spending time with family, I proudly serve as Town of Canton Democratic Committee Treasurer and as St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee member, including a period as Treasurer. These roles strengthened my commitment to transparent stewardship of public resources and responsible governance.

 

I am also a member of the Rotary Club of Canton and the Zonta Club of Canton, as well as a co-leader to my daughter’s Girl Scout Club – Troop 50079. Belonging to these service organizations brings me hope and pride and optimism for our community's future. When we serve together, we thrive together.

 

I am running for the St. Lawrence County Legislature to put my experience to work for the people—listening carefully, managing responsibly, and governing with integrity. I respectfully ask for your support and the opportunity to serve District 8.