Letters to the Editor

My name is Ashley Ward and I am the Boy Scout Cub Master of Palermo, Troop #760. I want my friends and peers to know I am taking a stand against big tobacco and their manipulative marketing practices designed to entice youth. As a leader and mentor in our community, is it important for others in my position to set a positive example for these children, and to help them stay healthy.

On December 9, 2017, the Oswego County Deputies Association honored four of its members at its annual Christmas party, commending them on their outstanding performances throughout the course of the year.

Land banks have been proven to be a solution for returning properties to the most productive and economical use for the respective communities and get them back on the tax rolls.

Oswego County Land Bank was formed in 2016 and in just one short year has impacted more than two dozen properties throughout the county: sold and put 10 properties back on the tax rolls, completed two full rehabs with seven more in process and completed 12 demolitions.

The date is December 14, 2017. The place is the floor of the Oswego County Legislative chambers. The purpose: Vote on an Oswego County 2018 budget. Questions, concerns and ideas were voiced. The Majority Leader had made some statements prior to the meeting referring to the Minority Caucus not understanding the budget process and the use of the fund balance.

On behalf of the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office and Oswego County Deputies Association, we would like to graciously thank all the members of the Public Safety Center including the Probation Office, Corrections Department, District Attorney’s Office, Court Security, Civil Office, Buildings and Grounds, County and Family Courts, Sheriff’s Office and all the staff involved in the same, for making this year’s Toys for Tots campaign a great success.

Recently, New York Assemblyman Will Barclay wrote a column (Dec. 4, Legislation Seeks to Protect Patients From High Air Ambulance Costs) about his proposed model legislation that would impact air ambulance services and the patients they serve. While the Assemblyman’s proposal seeks to address the financial burden insurance companies sometimes place on patients when they don’t fully cover emergency care, it unfortunately fails to address the underlying problem: inadequate reimbursement rates.

It is time we change our thinking on Alzheimer’s disease. Too often Alzheimer’s is treated as an aging issue, ignoring the public health consequences of a disease that someone in the U.S. develops every 66 seconds. And with two-thirds of its annual costs being borne by Medicare and Medicaid, it is one that demands more attention from our government.

I want to use the taxpayers’ savings account (fund balance) to give myself and Department heads raises. If that statement upsets you, come to the public hearing on the Oswego County Budget on: Thursday Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. on the fourth floor of the County Building, 46 E. Bridge St., Oswego.

To the good folks of Oswego County, thank you for a great year! As I wrap up final reports for several grants we received this year, I am struck by the overwhelming good news this year has brought to CNY Arts Center. We have so much to be grateful for and great memories to cherish.