Planning and Economic Development Chairman

As Chairman of the Planning and Economic Development Committee, Kathy has oversight of the Departments of Economic Development, Planning, IT and all of Onondaga County's Cultural Agencies.

Under her stewardship, Onondaga County's suburbs have continued to grow, businesses have continued to locate themselves here and with the many residential developments taking hold across the County we have seen the Syracuse area's real estate market continue to be one of the Nation's strongest and most stable at a time where the rest of the Country is in the throes of the worst housing market in over half a century.

Onondaga County's IT Department is currently in the process of updating technology in all departments County wide. From the Civic Center to the Board of Election's new offices, IT is introducing new technology to help streamline County government and help it to operate more efficiently.

Kathy's oversight of Onondaga County''s various Cultural Agencies has helped her guide these different groups through some of toughest economic times our Country and State have ever experienced. She has been a staunch supporter of culture and the arts and has helped the varied groups operate at their best while dealing with the realities of funding cuts and waning private investment in these areas. She has done this while helping the groups maintain the highest of standards and excellence.

 

Facilities Chairman

As Chairman of the Facilities Committee, Kathy has oversight of the Departments of Transportation, Parks, Facilities, Libraries, the CNY Regional Transportation Authority, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and Onondaga Community College.

Under Kathy's leadership, Onondaga County's Parks and Zoo have continued to maintain world class facilities. Our historic Landmark Theater is undergoing a renovation to allow it not just to survive into the future but to allow it to thrive and become a home to large scale Broadway type shows and concerts. The Everson Museum continues to be a showcase to not just local artists but to the finest collections in the world.

With a fleet of vehicles that runs virtually 100% on clean burning Natural Gas, the CNY Regional Transportation Authority's fleet of CENTRO buses is one of the greenest in the nation while remaining one of the most affordable.

Constituent Help

• Voted to exempt sales tax on gasoline sales above $2 per gallon.
• Secured $20,000 for Senior Energy Conservation Project at the Cicero Senior Center
• Secured $50,000 for the Village of North Syracuse sidewalk and curbing improvements on Main St.
• Secured $90,000 for the last phase of the Mattydale Central Business District Improvements
• Secured $20,000 for new trees which will be planted and maintained in at least 5  low income municipalities by Cooperative Extension.
• Responded to hundreds of constituent calls for help with highways, clean ups, health issues, Medicaid, drainage, taxes, aging services, and more

Top Concerns

1. Intergovernmental Consolidation and Co-operation. We have given lip service to this for years, it is now time for action.  The Governor has made money available to aid in the collaboration effort.  It is time to sit down with the city, towns, and villages to find ways they might be willing too partner with us for savings that would benefit us all.
2. Economic Development and Jobs.  Throughout my time in county government, economic development has been a point of focus.  I intend to continue the pressure to transition our economy from our old line manufacturing base to a vibrant, high tech community.  This requires a multi-pronged approach incorporating, enlightened public policy, support for private sector initiative, a solid, educated workforce and a community dynamic that is a magnet to engage creative, smart, entrepreneurial, young people.