Council To Consider Rent-Free Local Office For Aubertine

OSWEGO, NY – State Sen. Darrel Aubertine might yet get office space rent-free in City Hall.

At its meeting Monday night, the Physical Services Committee voted unanimously to forward a resolution to the full council which would allow the Democratic senator and his employees use of a 270-square-foot “office.”

The space on the second floor of city hall isn’t a true office, rather just a small room that would have shared usage throughout the week. SUNY Oswego uses the location to tape and broadcast council meetings.

The resolution had been tabled at the last council meeting as aldermen sought more information, especially whether the senator would pay any rent.

Monday night Mayor Randy Bateman said he had met with the senator’s representative.

They wouldn’t pay rent, “but if they do get the space, they would provide their own phone,” he told the committee.

Alderman Mike Joyce (R-Seventh Ward) said the city should have a policy dealing with renting city space.

“I feel that having a state senator, no matter who it is, so close to the city is a good thing,” Council Vice President Connie Cosemento (D-First Ward) said.

Joyce noted that while he isn’t opposed to having the senator have an office at City Hall he just feels he should pay some sort of rent.

Cosemento pointed out that the return the city would gain from having a senator’s office at City Hall “is way beyond any rent.”

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