Sam Vono Runs For Re-Election

by Contributor | October 14, 2019 3:01 pm

FULTON – Do you remember when the Syracuse Times Opinion Article titled “Fulton New York, America’s Sad Story,”  was released in June 2016?  That article said that Fulton was “No Longer a City with a Future.”  Guess what? That is not true today. 

As councilor of the 4^th ward and a lifelong homeowner in our city, I was totally disturbed by that article.  And in my bid for re-election, my mission is to change those negative mindsets into the positive idea that Fulton is no longer that city. That is my message and promise to all our residents, friends, relatives, neighboring communities. Tomorrow is brighter! 

For those who don’t know me, here is a summary:  I am Samuel A. Vono, born and raised in Fulton, and like my parents, I raised my family here. Our family found good lives in our community, where the citizens are caring, responsible and hard-working.

Getting into politics was never my goal, but I decided to take a proactive role, and support the growth and recovery of our city.  Since January 2018, I have served as the 4^th ward councilor. 

After graduating from G.Ray Bodley High  School, I enlisted in the USAF and served four years during the Vietnam Conflict. During that time, I achieved the rank of sergeant, and became a crew chief supervising a five-man firefighting crew. 

When I came home, I found employment with Miller Brewing Co., and worked in the warehouse as a dispatcher until they closed the doors after 18 years.

The next step was obtaining a degree from Cayuga Community College in computer technology, which lead me to a position at the Fulton Junior High School, as a teachers assistant in technology. Currently, I am employed as the Sr. Help Desk Administrator for Oswego County’s IT department.

For almost 20 years I have been part of an IT department that supports 900 to 1000 computer users across our county. All these experiences have helped me be a voice for our citizens and provide real solutions for the everyday problems and issues facing many Fultonians.  

Since becoming a councilor, I am very proud of the work that our Common Council has done. Working together, we have enlisted the county DA’s office and our Fulton Police Department to fight the drug crisis. The message has become loud and clear that the City of Fulton will fight to keep our community safe and drug-free. 

Our council, in conjunction with code enforcement, has cracked down on slumlords and absentee landlords who have taken advantage of the city, and neglected to keep their properties in compliance with housing codes. 

Our meetings with the DPW commissioner have culminated into a comprehensive plan to repair our roads in the city. To date, there has been extensive paving and resurfacing in many neighborhoods in the city. 

In addition, the last major upgrade to our wastewater and sewer treatment plant was back in 1984-1985, so we have taken financial planning steps to address the plant’s aging equipment. 

Recently, our council was able to work with the SPCA toward a solution to address the increasing number of feral cats in many neighborhoods. These are just a few of the many issues and concerns that I am involved with as a councilor. 

Obtaining the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI ) has been the highlight of my time as a councilor. The DRI committee’s months and months of hard work and dedication won us a $10 million grant to use for upgrades and improvements. 

This is very exciting for everyone and it will certainly help Fulton reach its goals and objectives. I envision that the DRI will be the “shot in the arm” that Fulton needs. There have been a lot of positive changes in our city in the past two years that have encouraged me to keep working and fighting for what’s best for all of us. 

My promise as the 4^th ward councilor is that I will continue to do my very best to be a voice for my constituents. My life experience and chosen career path has provided me with unique qualifications to continue to assist with Fulton’s recovery and growth.

 I recommend that we work together and get on board with the progress and revitalization that is on the horizon for Fulton. Paint your houses, spruce up your landscape, be a good neighbor, get involved with your community and support your local economy. Please feel free to contact me with your concerns and ideas.  

 

Samuel A. Vono

4^th Ward Councilor

[email protected][1]

315-632-1872

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/sam-vono-runs-for-re-election/

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