Frank Castiglia Jr.: Confused?

by Contributor | April 12, 2022 10:00 am

To the Editor,

CONFUSED? If you are, you are not alone!

One of the many reasons for your confusion is this:

Oswego County Legislature Chairman, James Weatherup, when asked, stated there will be a “Hands off” investigation. Hands off means Hands off! Well guess what? The county is going to hire two separate private agencies. They are going to be paid for by the county. When you pay for something, you have your hands all over it. You control what is investigated and what is reported. So it is not a “Hands Off” investigation.

Here is another reason you are confused:

In the same interview Chairman Weatherup stated the money was going to come out of the fund balance and because of that there would be a “Public Hearing”. That didn’t happen. They did their shell game. They moved money from the fund balance into a consulting line item, in the DSS budget. The newly created line item will pay for the investigation. The amount in the resolution went from $75,000 max up to $115,000. That covers one study. Then there is $31,300 for a lawyer out of Saratoga Springs. So, the total went from $75,000 max to $146,300. One more reason for some confusion.

Another confusing matter:

This past three weeks since the release of the news report regarding the arrest of two individuals there have been two “Special Meeting”. They were both posted on the Oswego County web site as is required by law. Both of those agendas were lacking a notice of any “public comment” either on the resolutions of the day or at the end of the meeting.

Looking at all other agendas there are notices of “public comments” both on the resolutions of the day and at the end of the legislature meeting. During the last meeting the chairman stated that they always have a public comment on the resolutions of the day. Well I’m sorry, if it isn’t in the notice to the public, they don’t know they can come to the meeting and make any comments.

Why no public comment?

If you are confused even more, now this will clear things up for you!

Almost three days before the second “Special Meeting” I received a phone call from Mr. Nate Emmons, Majority Leader. During that call we talked about my inability to refrain from talking to the press when asked questions. I told him that when asked, I will always give my opinion. In the midst of our exchange, I asked him why there wasn’t any “Public comment period”. His answer (wait for it) “What value would that be”. I said, “I can’t believe you just said that. Their comments are extremely Valued”.

Now you know why, there wasn’t any “Public Comment” period posted on the agenda on the web site. They don’t want you there to speak your mind.

Here is a notice you can’t miss:

There is an Oswego County Legislature meeting this Thursday at 7pm, there will be 5 public hearings. You may sign up to speak at any of these public hearings. Also, there will be a sign-up sheet for the public to speak on any subject you choose at the end of the meeting.

Please come and practice your 1st Amendment rights, give your “Valued” comments at any of the “Public Hearings” or your “Valued” input on any issue you wish.

Frank Castiglia Jr
Minority Leader Oswego county Legislature.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/frank-castiglia-jr-confused/

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