by Rachel Hunter
SLC District 5 Legislator Candidate Amber Ormasen of Gouverneur. (photo by Taylor Ormasen)
The race is on for the two-year unexpired St. Lawrence County District 5 legislative seat. Amber Ormasen of Gouverneur this past week announced that she had filed her independent nominating petition with the St. Lawrence County Board of Elections.
Amber Ormasen earned a bachelor's degree from SUNY Potsdam and her Masters from St. Lawrence University, where she completed graduate work in educational leadership. Born and raised in Gouverneur, her diverse involvements in this community make her uniquely qualified to represent the people of District 5.
As an educator of 15 years, Amber has served on the Shared Decision Making Team, been a mentor in the New Teacher Academy, taken on many student teachers, and served on many other committees in the Gouverneur School District. She teaches outside regular school hours as well, providing extracurricular attention to her students through the grant funded program Extended Day at the Gouverneur Middle School. Currently, Amber is serving on the school district's Reintegration Committee, which includes sub committees focusing on Mental Health and Wellness and Health and Safety. She also has experience with grant writing, as she has lead a six year ministry at the First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur known as "Rip-It." She built this motivational fitness fellowship from the ground up, and while the classes are free, Rip-It's donation coffers are always full and giving back to local families and programs. At the 1st UMC, Amber served on the Finance Committee, Ministry and Worship Committees, and held two terms as Chair of the Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee. She has likewise given her time to Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, Bible studies and youth groups, the United Methodist Women, while also leading the UMC youth dance ministry. A common thread among her commitments is her work with and advocacy for the children of this community and their families.
Amber is a small business owner and member of the Gouverneur and Canton Chambers of Commerce, as she and her family have been operating their Cotton Candy 'N More concession trailer for 21 years. As such, she is informed of local business interests and shares in working class values. Amber is also a Building Representative on the Executive Board for the Gouverneur Teachers Union, thus supporting union labor. She has a commitment to these values, but she also acknowledges that as your representative, it is her responsibility to get the pulse of the community and advocate in its interest, not merely for her personal beliefs. Amber holds the following convictions first: open-mindedness, communication, conflict resolution, and restorative justice. She believes in listening before speaking and leading by example. She strives to not only represent her constituent’s interests but utilize her communication skills to promote unity and positive collaboration.
When asked why she decided to run for District Five Representative on the St. Lawrence Board of County Legislators, Amber replied, "To be an inspiration to my two daughters." Amber and her husband, Gouverneur School Board of Education Member Nick Ormasen, have raised them to take action and get involved. "How can we raise our children to be informed citizens, unless we model this ourselves? It's easy to be overwhelmed by the negativity in national politics today. I am choosing instead to give my energy to my community in a new way. Learning to represent, not merely serve, the Town and Village of Gouverneur and De Peyster."
Understanding that the majority of programs that the county administers rely heavily on Federal and State funds, she aims to fight for allocating resources and services that matter most to our children and families. Amber upholds many core values to include youth leadership development, economic development and public safety and health. She recognizes growth and success of our county lies in the hands of our ability to find creative solutions during times of economic hardship and uncertainty. Amber is well informed of the many services that impact the everyday lives of our citizens. She will advocate for funding such services and continue to be in pursuit of practical results through open communication.
"I have found over the years, that when it comes to local politics it doesn't matter if you are 'red' or 'blue'. Support local people who have our best interest with genuine intentions to represent you! Amber Ormasen is that person" –Jerrilyn Patton, Co-President of the Gouverneur Teachers Union