About Patty Ritchie

Patty Ritchie is a lifelong resident of Upstate, who understands the down- home values that make us unique. Patty grew up in DePeyster, graduating from Heuvelton Central High and SUNY Potsdam, and chose to stay in Northern NY and raise her own family here.

Patty’s always had a strong interest in serving her community, so she sought election as St. Lawrence County Clerk, was reelected twice with strong, bipartisan support, and has served in that role for over a decade.

Patty’s very first campaign promise was to work harder to make the County Clerk’s office more accessible and user-friendly for residents of her sprawling county. She kept that promise by establishing four local DMV offices that helped eliminate long lines and improve efficiency.

As Clerk, her office annually returns a profit to county taxpayers through an innovative program she created that actively seeks DMV business from downstate auto dealers, who enjoy the same fast and friendly service as local patrons, but whose business provides added revenue for the county that can be used to help keep local taxes low.

Her leadership on issues ranging from opposing higher fees to battling Gov. Spitzer’s plan to give drivers licenses to illegal aliens led to her selection as President of the statewide association that represents all 62 of New York’s County Clerks.

Patty used that position to rally her fellow Clerks to join forces and
successfully stop Albany’s plan to require new license plates for every car, truck, motorcycle and trailer—even if we don’t need them.

The effort to stop new license plates saved residents of Northern and Central New York more than $7 million.

Patty Ritchie still lives in Heuvelton with her husband, Tom, with whom she shares three children and awaits the arrival of their first grandchild.