Supporters
of Sheriff Burns Turn Out for Campaign Fundraiser at IACA
by Timothy W. Scee II
Special
to Newzjunky.com
Published August 30, 2010
WATERTOWN, N.Y.
— Supporters of Jefferson
County Sheriff John P. Burns, some traveling from out of
state, united at the Italian-American Civic Association
Sunday for a chicken barbecue fundraiser to benefit the
candidate’s re-election campaign.
“It’s been an incredible day for the supporters of
John Burns,” Sean M. Hennessey, the Jefferson County
Democratic Chairman, said. “People from throughout the
community, people from St. Lawrence County, Jefferson
County, Lewis County, people just, droves coming to the
Italian-American Club to support our great sheriff, John
Burns."
Smokey’s Bar B-Q, owned by George A. Day of Chaumont,
catered the event which drew a crowd of nearly 500.
Burns said Smokey’s Bar B-Q began making pulled pork
sandwiches once the barbecued chicken was sold out due to
the large turnout.
“It’s just an incredible turnout,” the sheriff said.
“We just never expected to go through 160 halves in less
than two hours.”
The candidate, who has served eight years as Jefferson
County Sheriff, said his support has grown steadily since
his last campaign as “friends of friends” began
attending fundraisers.
“I think I have the same amount of supporters from the
last time, but I’ve certainly picked up a number since
then,” Burns said. “Friends of friends just show
up.”
One of the sheriff’s “friends,” Watertown
native Karen Terry, traveled from New Jersey to attend
Sunday’s fundraiser at the 192 Bellew Ave. organization.
“I was born and raised here and it’s a great place to
be from and a great place to come back,” Terry said.
“I’m here from South Plainfield, N.J., to support John
Burns for sheriff.”
Burns said his work as sheriff is unfinished and that he
would like to continue a final term to fully implement
programs recently introduced to the Jefferson County
Sheriff’s Department, including citizen-patrolled
handicapped parking enforcement.
“I started some programs this year and, also towards the
end of last year, that I want to make sure get done,” he
said.
Burns added, “I’m not ready to retire yet so at least
one more term would be great.”
The sheriff will is being challenged by Watertown
Republican Charles F. “Chuck” Ruggiero, Jr., a
part-time Cape Vincent police officer.
.
The sheriff's 9-year-old son, Dane, will be a fourth-grade
student at Immaculate Heart Central Intermediate.
. 
