Dennis Merlino, announcing candidacy for fifth ward councilor on the Fulton Common Council.
FULTON, NY – After serving the Fulton community for years as a tireless volunteer, Dennis Merlino is stepping up to run for 5th Ward City Councilor.
In the more than 20 years that Merlino has lived in Fulton, he has become a familiar face to those who follow local government.
A regular contributor at city council meetings, he already represents Fulton residents as a member of the City’s Ethics Committee, Planning Commission, and the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee.
In addition, he serves on the Oswego County Planning Board and sits on the Board of Directors of the Oswego housing Development Council.
Merlino, a Pricing Coordinator at Tops Markets with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, also contributes his time and resources to civic organizations like the Fulton Block Builders, Friends of Fulton Parks, the Fulton Jazz Festival, Friends of Great Bear, the Fulton Public Library, the Lake Neatahwanta Reclamation Committee, as well as the Shop Local initiative, among others.
The move from long-time volunteer to first-time candidate reflects Merlino’s drive to secure a bright future for Fulton.
As 5th Ward Councilor, he intends to make fiscal responsibility a priority, to build on the momentum of Fulton’s community organizations, and to continue the revitalization and growth of Fulton.
“This city, from its excellent schools and teachers to its dedicated volunteers, has done so much for me and my family. I’ve been trying to give back to Fulton every way I can. And as a city councilor I will be in a position to make responsible decisions to build and protect Fulton’s future,” he said.
Merlino believes Fulton should be attractive and favorable for business development, both old and new, and that the former Nestle property and the waterfronts must be responsibly developed as part of the resurgence of Fulton.
“As part of Fulton’s growth and resurgence, new ways must be found to reduce the burdens on Fulton’s businesses and homeowners, while still enhancing the appeal of Fulton for all residents and visitors. I have been working with the Mayor and Council for years to control costs in the City while exploring new growth opportunities. And I have been working with a multitude of organizations to enhance our quality of life.”
Calling outgoing 5th Ward Councilor Jay Foster “a friend and mentor”, Merlino cited Foster’s decision not to seek re-election as the beginning of his own run for office.
Merlino, a registered Democrat, points to the fact that he supported and campaigned for Foster, a Republican, for many years as evidence that his support is for those who share his concern and passion for Fulton and its people, regardless of political party.
“I work with Democrats, Republicans, Conservatives, Independents, and members of all parties to make Fulton better,” he said.
“Fulton has resources and opportunities that rival any community in New York” said Merlino, “and I will help us capitalize on our strengths, including Fulton’s natural resources, Fulton’s growth potential, and greatest of all Fulton’s people and their, resourcefulness, strong sense of community, volunteerism, and pride.”
“If you elect me, I will draw on the many connections I’ve made with the leaders, the organizations, and the people that are dedicated to improving our city. I will continue to work with them, I will empower them, and I will combine and focus their visions with your vision for a greater Fulton. As 5th Ward City Councilor, I promise to help you make Fulton better.”
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It’s an honor and a privilege to work for an improved Fulton. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you.
I hope this guy has something different in the play book which Fulton city Council and the Mayors have been playing for the past 40 years. I just don’t buy into the notion that a city cannot recover after nearly 3 decades since the likes of Millers, Owens Illinois, and Birdseye have left. There was plenty of opportunity to go left or right of center but city government stayed the course of letting things go downhill past the point of no return. There go to strategy typically means going with open palm to representative Ritchie or Gov Cuomo looking for a handout. Good luck Sir.