My name is Ginger Storey-Welch, and I am running to serve as St. Lawrence County Legislator in District 7. My first day campaigning was spent driving south to Piercefield because, in part, I am running to honor Bob Ashton, who lived there. In September I heard Bob’s wife share with legislators how her husband died from bedsore complications after struggling unsuccessfully to get home healthcare due to their remote location. Bob’s wife was the first to sign my petition, and she took me to her neighbors who told me stories of feeling forgotten too. I didn’t promise “the moon;” I simply said they matter as much as the rest of the district and county.
This mirrors my strong commitment to my students over 37 years--4 in Vermont and 33 at Colton-Pierrepont Central School where I taught grades 2 through 4. I loved my school for its “culture of caring” as well as its commitment to excellence. While there, I led Earth Week for 30 years and started two environmental clubs for different ages.
My grandfather started a railroad union in the 1930s; this inspired my service as CPTA union president. I am a problem solver. Under my leadership, the CPTA began a semi-annual litter pickup along RT 56 for community service. The school lacked a roadside sign, so a NYSUT Solidarity Grant funded both the school’s current sign and a
CPTA logo that landed beside the school’s logo on the sign. I coined the sign’s slogan “Small School—Big Results.”
CPTA logo that landed beside the school’s logo on the sign. I coined the sign’s slogan “Small School—Big Results.”
We sponsored a breakfast visit for local real estate agents to address declining enrollment. I was Hospice’s New Volunteer of the Year and also received the Rachel Grant Social Action award for leading a
local environmental group, North Country 350. I currently help lead North Country Neighbors for Civic Engagement, an information hub with a listserv of over 500.
I am a proud Democrat. I serve as Vice-Chair of the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee. Together, we have created a mission statement video, started a newsletter, and have a Facebook following of over 4000. We have spoken out on issues, including 34 letters to the editor over the last two years. We are promoting democracy by training and getting people to run for office.
However, I’m also a bridge builder who sees those across the spectrum as “neighbors first.” I wanted my opponent to learn of my candidacy from me, so I called him. Listening is important to me. I was once part of a “Meeting in the Middle” group of progressives and conservatives; one conservative friend and I still share perspectives.
In 1980 my husband and I bought land in Pierrepont and, lacking money, built a house ourselves, hiring out some work, and paying out of pocket as we went along to avoid debt. Frugality is in my DNA. In 1986 we adopted three siblings from the foster care system who all attended Canton Central School. Our son works in the North Country, and his daughters both graduated from Brushton-Moira. My husband worked at three local universities.
My passion for the U.S. Constitution runs deep. Each morning before the flag salute, my students told why they were glad to be Americans, explaining precious rights such as Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion. Recently, a former student posted about Freedom of Speech; another introduced me as the teacher who taught her that she had to register to vote when she turned 18. For a teacher, it doesn’t get much better than that.
I can’t promise you that I will solve everything. I commit to trying to make a difference for all my District 7 neighbors. I would appreciate your support and your vote in November’s election.
