For Information Contact:

Brian Adey
 798-5800

Rep. John M. McHugh (R-23) was in Utica today to meet with area leaders to discuss the recent announcement of the Ethan Allen plant closing in Boonville.

In attendance were Oneida County Executive Joseph A. Griffo, State Sen. Raymond A. Meier, State Assemblyman David R. Townsend, Jr. Lewis County Manager Sharon Cihoki, Boonville Mayor Dave Ernst, Boonville Town Supervisor Harland Bellinger, and Oneida County Legislator Les Porter.

McHugh, whose district covers the Boonville area, was able to be updated on the situation as well as the plans of the New York State Department of Labor’s Rapid Response team to handle employment and training concerns of the workers.

Griffo said Congressman McHugh’s visit was a tangible sign of the broad partnership supporting Ethan Allen workers and looking ahead to Boonville’s economic future.

“All members of government from the community to Albany and Washington are working as partners to provide every possible bit of assistance and jump-start the redevelopment process,” Griffo said.

“Congressman McHugh has made it clear that although Boonville may be at the edge of his district, the community is an important part of the North Country economy and he will do everything possible to help.”

Griffo said McHugh can help local officials as they seek new employers to replace Ethan Allen. “Congressman McHugh is a member of the House Manufacturing Task Force, which gives him a tremendous opportunity to offer help to our area as we seek to attract employers to Boonville who can take advantage of the great facilities, low costs and top-quality workforce the community has to offer.”

Rep. John M. McHugh