Line Beginning To Form For McNeil's CountyJob

CANTON - Less than a week after St. Lawrence County Treasurer Robert O. McNeil announced he would not seek re-election to the position he's held for 24 years, a growing list of potential candidates has begun lining up to replace him.

Canton Town Supervisor David T. Button and Deputy County Treasurer Kevin M. Felt, both Republicans, each said this week they are considering running.

"I won't rule out the possibility that there could be others," said Nancy K. Martin, county Republican Committee chairwoman. "It's a little premature."

Mr. Felt said Friday he will announce his plans to run Tuesday at the Oswegatchie Town Hall, Heuvelton.

This is Mr. Felt's second year as deputy treasurer. He previously worked 10 years as controller for Mort Backus & Sons, Ogdensburg.

Massena Village Administrator Everett Basford had been mulling a run for the seat, but he said he would not challenge Felt in a Republican primary.

"Kevin is a professional, intelligent individual as the deputy treasurer he has a lot vested in this race. He has a lot of support. I believe he is the right guy for the job," he said.

Mr. Button said he hasn't made a final decision about whether he will run, but he is seriously considering it.

"I've been out of town on business and people started calling me while I'm on the road," Mr. Button said. "I'd love to talk to Bob about the situation, and talk to the staff to see what their thoughts are."

He said leaving his supervisor's post would be difficult, "but given the challenges St. Lawrence County is facing and the experience I've had over the years, a lot of people seem to think I could bring a skill set to the position."

Mr. Button in November won election to a third four-year supervisor term.

No potential Democratic contenders have yet been named, but county Chairman Mark J. Bellardini said the party is working on it.

"We're talking to three different people right now, but I don't want to throw their names out because we're still just talking to them," Mr. Bellardini said. "We're on the hunt, big time."

The treasurer's current salary is $73,826, according to county human resources officials.