Utica, NY – In a story first reported by the Watertown Daily Times, Maria Pavelock, endorsed Democratic candidate for Joe Griffo’s state senate seat, has misrepresented her ties to a Utica based medical office.  In statements given to the Watertown paper on April 28, Pavelock claimed to be a co-owner of Digestive Disease Medicine, LLP.  The office employs over 60 doctors, nurses and professional staff. 

In a letter from Bruce Smith, the Syracuse attorney that represents DDS, they asked Ms. Pavelock to “immediately cease and desist from representing or holding yourself out as an owner of DDS or that you have any association with Digestive Disease Medicine, including being married to one of its partners.”

According to a source that wished to remain anonymous, Ms. Pavelock  told the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee that she was a co-owner of DDS and that she “knows what it’s like to meet payroll and provide health insurance” to employees.  This was allegedly at a recent screening for the St. Lawrence County Democrats’ endorsement for state Senate.  Pavelock was ultimately endorsed by St. Lawrence and Oneida counties.

Mike Hennessy, a Democratic County Legislator from Sherrill, is also seeking the Democratic nomination for Senate.  Hennessy was unavailable for comment but has previously stated that he fully intends to seek the nomination in a September primary.

According to statements made to the Watertown Daily Times, Pavelock is still claiming to be a co-owner.  However, her statement suggests some confusion.  “There are things that make me a co-owner, but there are things that make me not,” Pavelock told the Watertown newspaper.

Stay with GCN as we cover this story and attempt to get reactions from Hennessy and other local Democrat leaders.