Aubertine paid by wind developer 

State Sen. Darrel Aubertine receives more than a $1,000 annually from a Cape Vincent wind developer even though his spokesman said there are no plans to build a turbine on his property.

The Democrat disclosed the income from St. Lawrence Wind Farm on an annual report to the state Legislative Ethics Commission that recently was made available on the Internet by the New York Public Interest Research Group.

Andrew G. Mangione, the senator’s spokesman, said his boss “is in a contract that compensates him only for the potential of having connector line run through his farm.” He declined to give the amount of the compensation, saying the information was proprietary.

The reports, filed this spring and summer by elected officials and political candidates, detail jobs held by the individuals and their spouses and give a broad outline of the couple’s assets last year.

Assemblywoman Dierdre K. Scozzafava, R-Gouverneur, and state Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome, relied on their legislative salaries as their sole source of income.

Three other state legislators from the north country had second jobs last year – and most the candidates who hope to unseat them found work too.

Mr. Aubertine earned income from his Triple “A” Farm, composed of several parcels near Favret Road and Hell Street that total 602 acres. His Republican opponent, Patricia A. Ritchie, supplemented her St. Lawrence County clerk salary by reviewing grants as an independent contractor for the state Education Department.

Three state Legislature candidates made a living as lawyers last year.

Democrat Brian S. McGrath, Lowville, running in the 122nd Assembly District, was an attorney for two different New York City firms. He specialized in intellectual property disputes, white collar criminal defense and sports arbitration.

Republican William A. Barclay, unopposed in a re-election bid in the 124th Assembly District, is a partner at Hiscock & Barclay, Syracuse, practicing corporate law. The Pulaski resident noted he has not represented the state, its agencies or any local municipalities, although his firm has done so.

Democrat Addie J. Russell of Theresa, seeking re-election in the 118th Assembly District, was “of counsel” for Conboy, McKay, Bachman and Kendall, Watertown. She is no longer with the firm, her staff said Thursday.

Three county legislators seeking higher office made most of their income last year in jobs other than their county work.

Kenneth D. Blankenbush, Black River, and David W. Forsythe, Lisbon, two Republican seeking different Assembly seats here, sold insurance through their own businesses. Mr. Blankenbush, Jefferson County Legislature chairman, owns B.E.L. Associates, 1717 State St.

Mr. Forsythe, St. Lawrence County legislator, is president of Wilder-Forsythe Insurance Agency as well as the Basswood Lodge and Hunting Preserve.

Democrat Michael J. Hennessy, seeking the 47th Senate District seat, was a financial consultant for Wells Fargo, New Hartford. He is also an Oneida County legislator.

Maria Pavelock, also a Democratic candidate in the 47th Senate District, said she did not earn more than $1,000 in her sole job as organizer of the “It’s A Zoo!” theater program for Central New York elementary students. All proceeds from the literacy program, she said, went to books and other program expenses.

The candidate said she did have a taxable pension that she receives as part of a divorce settlement. She received no gifts last year of more than $1,000, had no interest in a trust or estate, had no deferred income and no securities.

Ms. Pavelock said she owns a house in Kirkland that she still owes in excess of $5,000 on. It is her only liability of that size or greater, she said.

Six of the candidates reported owning stock. Two – Mr. Blankenbush and Mr. Barclay – had mutual funds, while Mr. Griffo, Mr. Blankenbush and Mr. Aubertine held individual retirement accounts.

Mrs. Russell had a 401(k) plan; Mrs. Ritchie was part of a federal thrift savings plan. Mr. McGrath had invested in certificates of deposit and was formerly part of a profit-sharing plan at a law firm.

Mr. Hennessy took in $80,000 as beneficiary of an estate last year.

All the married candidates had spouses who worked last year, except Mr. McGrath. His partner, Mark, was finishing his bachelor of arts degree in 2009.

Mr. Barclay’s wife, Margaret, and Mr. Griffo’s wife, Lorraine, were employed by local schools. Mr. Forsythe’s wife, Paula, and Mr. Hennessy’s wife, Anne, were registered nurses.

Mrs. Russell’s husband, James A., was a Jefferson County corrections officer. Ms. Scozzafava’s husband, Ronald P. McDougall, was employed by General Motors. Mr. Aubertine’s wife, Margaret, was a Realtor with Christensen Realty, Clayton. Mrs. Ritchie’s husband, Thomas, was a pipefitter for the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp., Massena.

Mr. Blankenbush’s wife, Sheila, kept the books at his insurance business.

On the net

New York Public Interest Research Group: www.nypirg.org/goodgov/LECF_10/