Opinion

My name is Marc Holliday (formerly known as Mark Aldasch). I am the chairman of the City of Fulton Republican Committee. It has now been almost three months since John took his seat in congress to represent the 24th Congressional District. I like many are disgusted and appalled by how John has voted and held himself in congress so far. John has completely abandoned his base and has ignored the voice of the people who put him where he is.

Since late last fall, the education landscape of New York State has been filled with extremely negative political rhetoric from our governor about the status and experience of New York’s children in our schools, the evaluation of our teachers and principals, and the “monopoly” that influences policy and funding for our schools.

There has been much discussion and speculation on what Sutton Real Estate has in mind for the Midtown Plaza site. Unfortunately much of the information being presented is inaccurate and does not represent the current development plans for the property. Hopefully, this letter will provide some clarification on what we envision for Midtown Plaza and dispel some of the rhetoric regarding our alleged plans to develop a large scale low-income project on the Midtown Plaza site.

The “R-word” is the word “retard(ed)” which has found a place in common language and seems to be accepted by most, despite the fact that its use, casual or otherwise, is hurtful to millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities along with those that love them. The word hurts, even if it is not directed at a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Pledge today to use respectful, people-first language at www.r-word.org

On behalf of the hundreds of children and their families that we serve at the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County I would like to thank those caring businesses and individuals who helped to make our fourth annual Chicken Wing Fest such a success! The event raised more than $22,000 to help support our efforts to provide vital services to children who have been sexually or physically abused, neglected or maltreated.

We have had a year of extreme cold and snowy conditions. The city workers have responded to the needs of snow covered streets and broken water lines with an increasingly shorter workforce. Over the years, with budget constraints, the Department of Public Works have responded to the needs of the city with less people.

I expect my elected representatives to offer mature, well-thought out solutions to serious problems. One such problem our city is facing is the winter parking policy. The recent press release by Councilor Bill Barlow falls far short of a solution. Public denouncements are easy. Getting things done takes real effort and thought and I find it difficult to take Councilor Barlow’s attention-seeking stunt seriously.

OK, I really don’t want to be rude, as I have always been an agreeable fellow in the Fulton community, but this needs to be said. If I offend anyone at any time during the course of this narrative, feel free to discontinue reading and carry on with your day. There will be no hard feelings.

Thanks to their efforts and the generosity of Kinney Drugs’ customers who donated gifts, Christmas was a little merrier for many Mexico area seniors who participate in Oswego County Opportunities’ Home Delivered Meals program and those that visit OCO’s Senior Dining and Activity Center on Church Street in Mexico.