By JOE LoTEMPLIO

Staff Writer

PLATTSBURGH — A Lake Placid accountant has joined the race for the soon-to-be-open seat in New York’s 23rd Congressional District.

Doug Hoffman held a series of news conferences Tuesday to kick off his effort to gain the Republican endorsement for the race.

“I believe I am the ideal candidate,” Hoffman told reporters at the Days Inn in Plattsburgh.

“I am just an average citizen. I am not a career politician, and I am not looking for a pension … I see this as a way of giving back to my community and my country.”

BUSINESSMAN

Hoffman, 59, is a managing partner of Dragon, Benware Crowley & Co., P.C., an accounting firm with offices in Malone, Lake Placid, Canton, Massena and Watertown, all of which are in the 11-county district.

He was the corporate controller for the Lake Placid 1980 Olympic Organizing Committee.

He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves and the New York State National Guard.

Hoffman says his background makes him a strong candidate for Congress.

“I have a strong financial and business background, and I have the ability to listen well and work with people and the ability to find creative and innovative solutions to problems.”