For Information Contact:

Brian Adey
 798-5800

Oneida County Executive Joseph A. Griffo today announced that he will be reaching out to local residents through a four-stop “Coffee & Conversation” series that will begin in Utica from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. December 1^st at the Marr-Logg Restaurant on Culver Avenue. Griffo will also visit coffee shops in Boonville, Deansboro, and Rome.

“I want to hear directly from the people we serve specifically what they want when it comes to consolidating services, and the ways they think we can best share the cost of the services that we will provide,” Griffo said. “I know there are some general sentiments that we should do things differently in economic development, and I’d like to hear what the people from the various parts of the county think. Consolidation means many different things to different people, and I want to hear from the people so that we can develop policies to put their ideas into action. ”

The outreach effort is part of Griffo's County Government on the Road project, which recently saw him and a number of county department heads answer questions from Waterville-area residents.  It also comes on the heels of the 'Next Step' series undertaken by local media outlets.  Griffo said that he will be accompanied by county officials during the series, and said that village, town and city leaders were also welcome to join him.

Griffo said there is no formal agenda for the sessions, and that anyone is welcome to stop by to talk. “I look at this as a very open, informal way for people who are interested in their community and their county to have a chance to share their opinions and discuss what’s on their minds,” Griffo said. “I realize it is not convenient for many working people to come and see me during office hours, and that activities keep many working families busy in the evening hours. I am attempting this approach so that people who want to stop on their way to work for a quick chat to just to make a comment can have the opportunity to do so.”

“Dialogue with the public is one of the most important parts of democracy, because it allows those of us in public service to ensure that government is responding to the needs and wants of the people we serve,” Griffo said. “Although in the on-line age we can e-mail comments and opinions, nothing will replace face-to-face conversation. This is part of my on-going efforts to bring government to the people, and keep the people in touch with their government.”

The full schedule of Griffo’s outreach series is as follows. The County Executive will be at each restaurant from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

Utica: Thursday, December 1st, Marr-Logg, Culver Avenue.

Boonville: Monday December 5th, Slims, Main Street Boonville

Deansboro: Wednesday December 7th, Joan’s Country Café, Rt. 12B Deansboro

Rome: Monday December 12th, Spresso’s, North James Street Rome