The City of Oswego’s New Common Council Sworn-In on New Year’s Day

OSWEGO – Oswego City Hall was packed with witnesses for the swearing-in of 6 new Common Council members and 1 returning member.

Judge Jim Kirwan was tasked with swearing in each council member, beginning with the 1st Ward’s Chance Kennedy, ending with the 7th Ward’s Shane Thompson.

The oath was as follows: I (councilor states their name), do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution of the state of New York, and the charter of the city of Oswego, New York, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of councilor in and for the city of Oswego, New York, according to the best of my ability, so help me god.

Mayor Robert Corradino gave a few remarks before the ceremony, thanking the audience for attending. The mayor also thanked public servants for continuing their hard work on day 1 of the New Year.

“First of all, I’d like to thank all of you for coming. Thank goodness the weather is cooperating today. We have a number of city departments here: DPW, Police, and Fire. I’d like to thank them all for coming,” said Corradino, “they’re also working today on a holiday. I saw DPW working on a broken water main on Murray Street. We are so lucky to have a dedicated and passionate staff of over 300 people that work for the city of Oswego, and I’d like to give them a round of applause today.”

Corradino went on to welcome the new council, featuring 6 new faces and 1 returning, Timothy Plunkett.

“To all of you, thank you for stepping forward, thank you for your willingness to serve, and thank you for choosing to be a part of the work that moves Oswego forward,” said Corradino.

While admitting that they will likely not always agree, he hopes that the council will work together and work on behalf of the Oswego community with integrity, respect, and purpose.

Corradino stressed the importance of achieving results, not rhetoric.

“After 10 years here, I can promise you that we will not always agree. That’s not only expected, but it’s also, in my eyes, healthy. Different viewpoints make us stronger, honest debate makes our decisions better, but disagreements should never prevent progress,” said Corradino.

The 1st resolution of 2026 saw 4th Ward Councilor John Fitzgibbons elected as President of the Common Council. The 2nd saw 5th Ward Councilor William Myer elected as Vice President of the Common Council.

The following 6 resolutions were passed unanimously. After the 9th resolution was put on the floor, to Approve Tax Anticipation Note, Kennedy asked for clarification on the resolution.

The mayor deferred to City Attorney Kevin Caraccioli for the legal definition. “A tax anticipation note is not a note in anticipation of collecting taxes. It’s kind of a stopgap measure while we collect taxes at the beginning of the year to cover the city’s expenses. This is a typical resolution that is adopted at the beginning of any organizational meeting,” said Caraccioli.

The meeting was adjourned soon after.

“I can’t believe there is any unfinished business since this is our first meeting, but does any councilor have any unfinished business that happened in the last 5 minutes?” joked Corradino.

The new Common Council is as follows:

1st Ward – Chance Kennedy

2nd Ward – Jonathan Asline

3rd Ward – Laurel Lautensack

4th Ward – John FitzGibbons

5th Ward – William Myer

6th Ward – Timothy Plunkett

7th Ward – Shane Thompson

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