Write a commentAmy Tresidder, County Legislator and candiate for Oswego Mayor, has developed a plan for the future of the city of Oswego. Her plan follows:
"I have a vision for the future of Oswego. This vision includes a safe, healthy and vibrant city with neighborhoods and a downtown corridor that everyone can enjoy. It is not a difficult task to determine what people like and what people want changed. The challenge comes with implementing those practices that create positive change. I plan to focus on the physical. The appearance of those spaces we all appreciate and want to enjoy. While enforcing zoning and city code I will also work to cut down on the burdensome bureaucracy to improve existing structures."
"High-quality public infrastructure is crucial for economic growth. I will work with the DPW Director to develop a long-range plan to maintain our roads so that Oswego is not constantly reacting to emergency situations and can look forward. Infrastructure will continue to be high-priority as it not only creates sustainable jobs, but it also promotes public safety. With local governments being responsible for the maintenance of about 85% of roads and nearly half of its bridges, the City needs to continue to make investments in its infrastructure. I will end alternate street parking and reinforce the winter parking ban."
"I plan to review an inventory of city owned properties, get budgetary spending under control, make operational efficiencies a priority and aggressively pursue grant money to make improvements."
"Having better access to the markets of Central New York and the East Coast can increase economic potential and attract new business. It is not only necessary but beneficial to become a part of Central New York. An isolated Oswego will not survive economically. With a healthy partnership with our Port, we will build that relationship and as the Port grows, so will Oswego."
"The economic, cultural, and environmental impacts of SUNY Oswego are enormous. The talented and diverse students drawn to Oswego provide many opportunities for innovation and growth. I will focus on retaining this talent and offer more opportunities for students to grow and gain desired skills. Support for other programs such as CITI and the One Stop Career Center are important as well. A focused effort on partnering with SUNY Oswego and local businesses in an effort to further provide students with Co-Op and Internship opportunities is crucial. Overall, the City needs to give young people a reason to stay in the region."
"I will show continued support for the large and small businesses that provide jobs, services, and jobs that are essential to the local quality of life. A major way to increase economic activity and create jobs is to support our existing businesses and attract new ones to the City. I will work to cut through the red tape businesses encounter as they seek to improve their appearance and operations."
"Oswego, Cayuga, Wayne, and Jefferson counties are jointly seeking federal protection for the lake’s treasures as a National Marine Sanctuary. Having this type of federal designation would increase tourism, create jobs, and educate both residents and tourists. Another potential tourist location is Fort Ontario. Being the only Fort in the U.S. that has been involved in every war since the French and Indian War, it provides opportunities for historical education, local pride, and tourism. Declaring Fort Ontario as a national park would guarantee its preservation and have long lasting effects on the local sense of community."
"Capitalizing on local tourism assets will not only stimulate economic activity, but it also creates jobs, increases production, and brings people to the City."
"Festivals and other public events not only raise funds to support cultural education and other causes, but they create a sense of community and spur the local economy. I will support attracting visitors to our City by supporting efforts to showcase our beautiful community with festivals and other activities."
"The health of the downtown areas can directly effect residential growth and be a population driver. Enforcing rules and codes that are already in place, as well as supporting programs like the Oswego Renaissance Association, are important to attract and retain residents. Keeping the streets of Oswego clean, the neighborhoods safe, and the commercial districts entertaining will foster a shared ownership in the local economy, leading to an improved community and the lives of its residents."
