Opinion

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.

Fulton’s Fourth Ward Councilor responds to recent public comments

I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the Oswego County Legislature on both sides of the aisle, as well as county department heads and administration, for their work on the 2015 Oswego County budget. The budget which was adopted Dec. 11 demonstrates that, like responsible families and businesses, Oswego County government is making a concerted effort to spend less money and use less of its reserve accounts to pay for expenses. The 2015 spending plan is approximately $305,040 less than the 2014 county budget.

As the year draws to a close, and as director of CNY Arts Center, I get to reflect on all that has happened in a year that ended on an upswing! I am humbled and grateful more than I can express for the passion and encouraging participation of this community. It’s my privilege to acknowledge the heart and commitment of an army of volunteers who continue to show up!

All our community should get involved with the volunteer fire departments. The fire departments need your help to keep this great tradition alive and going strong in Oswego County.