Bridging The Gap Between The City And County

by Contributor | October 26, 2015 2:43 pm

To The Editor:

I’d like to commend Legislator Shane Broadwell, Legislator Stephen Walpole and Oswego Councilor Billy Barlow for taking the initiative to open dialogue between the city and the Oswego County Highway Department by meeting with the county superintendent in regard to paving our city streets.

As a reporter covering county government from 1990 through July 2013, I have witnessed the cooperation between the county and many towns, villages, and the city of Fulton regardless of political affiliation.

At the Oct. 14 mayoral debate, Legislator Amy Tresidder, after hearing Mr. Barlow speak of the meeting with the county highway superintendent, countered with several objections.

Legislator Tresidder stated that county highway is too busy with their own paving and that maneuvering around the city’s manhole covers and sewer grates would be “challenging” for the county paving crew.

The employees of the county highway department are highly skilled and experienced with all types of paving, and there are techniques used to pave roadways with manholes and grates.

Legislator Broadwell later stated that he was ensured the county could work the city into their paving schedule.

Oswego is in dire need of street repair and to hear Legislator Tresidder cast negatives over something so positive was disheartening.

Several times during the debate Legislator Tresidder stressed the importance of improved infrastructure yet she offered nothing by way of how this would be accomplished or how it would be paid for.

Oswego needs a mayor who will move us forward in a positive direction and one who is willing to face challenges rather than concede to them.

The county’s assistance with street paving can save the city tens of thousands of dollars. Not only does the city reap the savings, the county receives the revenue so it’s an all-around win for the taxpayers.

I thank Legislator Broadwell, Legislator Walpole and Councilor Barlow for their efforts to bridge the gap between the city and the county that has existed for far too long.

Sincerely,

Carol Thompson
Oswego

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/bridging-the-gap-between-the-city-and-county/

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