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The 116th Assembly District spans parts of Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties in the North Country. In 2014, Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D) was re-elected for her fourth term, defeating her Republican challenger John Byrne.This year, the two match up once again in the race for the 116th.0000017a-3c50-d913-abfe-bd54a8830000

Watertown councilor runs to unseat North Country Assemblywoman

Friends of Mark Walczyk

Watertown City Councilor Mark Walczyk is running to challenge long-time Assemblywoman Addie Jenne (D-Theresa) in the 116th Assembly District, which is located in the North Country.

Republican Mark Walczyk was elected to the Watertown City Council back in 2015. But the 32-year-old has plenty of government experience, having served as a legislative director and most recently district director for State Sen. Patty Ritchie (R-Heuvelton), who represents Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties.

If elected, Walczyk says he would push legislation that would make New York state's business climate more friendly.

"The exodus of New Yorkers stops when the tax increases stop and when the red tape is cut and when crony capitalism ends and when businesses are allowed to flourish and create jobs here in New York," Walczyk said.  

Democrat Addie Jenne has represented the district, which covers parts of Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, since 2009. Her last two victories were close contests.

The 39-year-old has billed herself as a strong advocate for the North Country, and she says she looks forward to talking about her accomplishments in office and future plans for the district.

Payne Horning is a reporter and producer, primarily focusing on the city of Oswego and Oswego County. He has a passion for covering local politics and how it impacts the lives of everyday citizens. Originally from Iowa, Horning moved to Muncie, Indiana to study journalism, telecommunications and political science at Ball State University. While there, he worked as a reporter and substitute host at Indiana Public Radio. He also covered the 2015 session of the Indiana General Assembly for the statewide Indiana Public Broadcasting network.