POTSDAM, New York (WWNY) – “Trump’s tariffs are estimated to cost North Country families more than $2,700 a year.”
That’s one of the multiple messages cycling through an electronic billboard’s advertisements along State Route 56 in the town of Potsdam.
“If there are some folks that are more naysayers, that’s ok. Our intent is to just get the messages out there,” said Lianne Knight.
Knight is part of the 19 North Country households putting up the money to put up the messages. The total: $500 a month and well worth it, they say.
Another billboard message says, “35% fewer Canadians are crossing the border to shop and vacation. This is hurting our local businesses.”
“We are concerned that decisions being made in Washington are negatively impacting the North Country communities, and the intent is to inform our North Country neighbors with these messages,” said Knight.
The current messages focus on what the group calls the Trump administration’s negative impact on the North Country, as well as calling on Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to do better in her position.
One message to Stefanik says, “Elise, the immigration policies that you support are hurting our local economy. Schedule a town meeting to hear from your constituents.”
In another, it says, “Elise, protect our children. Demand the release of the Epstein files.”
The group has been paying for billboard messages since July.
“The messages are getting out there, and people are commenting on them,” said Knight.
She says they’ve paid for a spot on the billboard until January and will reassess then if they want to keep funding it. But for now, she says the displayed messages will change month to month.
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