Jon Hansen of Thendara, a former Town of Webb councilman, has issued the following statement in introducing himself as a candidate for Herkimer County legislator representing District 15, a seat currently held by Legislator Patrick Russell of Old Forge.
Russell has served in the position for six terms, a total of 12 years, and said he plans to make a formal announcement about his reelection intentions later in the campaign season:
My name is Jon Hansen of Thendara/Old Forge and I am announcing my candidacy for Herkimer County Legislator in District 15 – Ohio, Russia and Webb and I am asking for your vote in the Republican Primary in September.
For a little background, I was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, schooled in St. Charles Catholic School to the eighth grade, and then attended St. Albert’s Carmelite Seminary for two and a half years.
My father, who was employed by General Electric, was transferred to GE on French Road in Utica and we moved to New Hartford where I attended New Hartford High School.
After finishing high school, I joined the U.S. Naval Reserve for 8 years of service and I went to work in the construction business.
After my wife Carol and I were married we had three children and during that time I became a partner with my father-in-law in building homes, and we built over three hundred houses in north Utica.
Eventually I started_ my own General Contracting business and a steel building franchise and I worked all over New York State for Butler Manufacturing, Agway, Allied Chemical, Red Barn Restaurants and near the end, I built a mobile home plant for Richfield Springs Mobile Homes on Route 20 in Richfield Springs.
With three children and never being home, we moved to Old Forge in 1971, where I started a custom pine furniture shop, which I worked at for 30 years.
I am a former member of Kiwanis Club of North Utica, a member of Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks and I’m a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church in Old Forge.
I am also a member of the Covey-Pashley Post 893American Legion in Old Forge, a former member of the Town of Webb Historical Association Board of Directors and I was a member of the Steuben Striders Running Club for many years.
I also founded and organized the Adirondack Deer Run in Old Forge, a popular event held in Old Forge in the 1980s.
When I retired from the Old Forge Woodmaker in 2000 I became interested in government and politics and I served as a councilman on the Town of Webb Board for four years and then became interested in county politics.
I am a Conservative Republican and I don’t like over spending. If elected I will serve you with common sense, integrity and honesty.
My goals as your legislator include providing Herkimer County Taxpayers with the opportunity to pay their taxes quarterly and help to create jobs. I know how to do this.
I will also have more concern for the taxpayer and try to make it easier to live in Herkimer County.
I believe you the people are the government. I will only represent you and I will keep you informed about my work in county affairs so you will know what is going on in county business.
I am not a career politician. I am honest and truthful and I will work hard for you, one-on-one.
I would appreciate your vote in the Republican Primary in September.
If you have any questions you_ can call me at any time at 315-369-3824 and I will return your call, or e-mail me at jonhansen@frontiernet.net. My word is my bond.
