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Calling for strong, active partnerships to build on Oneida County’s successful efforts of 2005, Oneida County Executive Joseph A. Griffo today issued a call for bold efforts to streamline government through consolidation, and to seek state action to build on existing homeland security and cybersecurity assets to create a new Center of Excellence devoted to Homeland Security.

“I believe we can succeed as long as we wipe away the old barriers of turf and the dotted lines on the maps, look at what has to be done, and do everything we can to work with our partners to change the shape of government so that our region is structured for success, and not for competition,” Griffo said. “I believe we can draw on the strengths of our region, develop high-paying jobs for our future and add a new chapter to our region’s history of service to America”

“There are great challenges, but there is limitless potential, Griffo told students and local officials during his address, delivered at Clinton High School. “Oneida County was created when this was the frontier of change in America – and I ask you to work with me this year to continue our tradition as a place that helps its neighbors, builds its dreams and serves the great cause of America’s freedom.”

“We must dream big dreams, and use the energy and power of partnerships to make them come about,” Griffo said. “We have a unique and wonderful opportunity in 2006 to build upon our heritage, our outstanding resources and our leadership in the area of cybersecurity and homeland security by seeking to make Oneida County a Center of Excellence in Homeland Security.”

“This is a tremendous growth area and we have the opportunity to connect all of our region’s assets in a new and dynamic way that can create long-term community identity and growth – but only if we work together, as a team, to make this vision a reality,” Griffo said, noting that a recent Tech Zone proposal by Gov. Pataki would provide Empire Zone-style benefits to existing areas designated a Center of Excellence. “The ripples from this designation could transform our region through the creation of new businesses and the development of a highly skilled workforce -- putting Oneida County in the forefront of growth.”

“The challenge for the community partners and private sector groups that were part of our team in BRAC 2005 is to bring the same energy and excitement to this opportunity, work with Gov. Pataki and other state leaders to establish a Center of Excellence and Tech Zone here, and partner with the other allies in our BRAC fight to translate the outstanding assets we have in their region into a long-term economic development project that will provide dreams for today’s students and jobs for tomorrow’s graduates.”

Griffo said that the partnership to move the economy forward must be matched by an energetic partnership to transform the alignment of government services. He announced that he will be holding a consolidation summit scheduled for March 21^st at SUNYIT^.  He said the summit will focus on major areas of savings, such as public works and public safety, and deal with thorny issues such as developing a tax-sharing program so that all communities benefit from economic growth.

“Consolidation is the most vital step our governments can take to provide services at a cost the taxpayers can afford. This is the year of action, and I ask everyone who wants a stronger Oneida County to work with me to push this effort forward in every way possible,” Griffo said. “We need to make changes to save money, increase efficiency and provide services residents want. We have a situation now where – when you add up all the towns, villages and cities we have one government for every 4,900 people in Oneida County. That’s costly and inefficient – and it has to change.”

Griffo noted that 2006 builds upon success that brought 465 jobs at the Family Dollar Distribution Center in Rome, at least 600 more jobs to DFAS and the announcement of a cutting-edge Homeland Security Center in Whitestown. “The bottom line message from 2005 – and one we need to keep in mind throughout 2006 -- is that when we work as a team, we are a team that can compete; a team that can get it right; a team that can win,” he said.

Griffo also called for enhanced collaboration in economic development, and said he will continue his work with Mohawk Valley EDGE to adapt its existing structure to better suit regional needs, including concerns expressed by Uticans about EDGE’s visibility in the city. He also said the Chamber Alliance will be asked to help local businesses increase awareness of other businesses to increase business-to-business sales within the region. He also noted that he has created a College Council of local college presidents in an effort to harness the resources of colleges to aid economic development. Griffo also called for a regional effort to revamp the SUNY colleges in the region and create a University Center that would increase high-level degree options for local residents

Noting that he has cut the county workforce by 8%, Griffo said the Early Retirement program he offered last year further reduced the workforce by 50 people. Griffo said realignment efforts, which have already put the Office of the Aging and Department of Mental Health will continue through further departmental reorganizations. He also noted that County Government is working with the state Comptroller’s Office in performance audits of some county programs.

Griffo asked that the County Board of Legislators, which recently unveiled its reform agenda for the Board, join him in creating a Charter Revision Committee that can recommend changes in structure and operations that will increase efficiency and reduce costs. Griffo said he also wants to create an Oneida County Citizens Academy to help county residents spend time in county offices and learn how county government operates. He also said he is seeking improved communication with front-line staff to allow them to act as whistleblowers for misconduct or just to recommend ways to improve existing operations. Griffo also said the county will develop a system to monitor response to constituent issues.

“Our efforts to protect the people of Oneida County will move to a new level in 2006 with the adoption of a GPS tracking system for the most serious sex offenders living in Oneida County,” Griffo said. “Our new system will document where offenders have gone, so that if they so much as go near a school where they are not allowed to go, we will have the evidence needed to charge an offender with a Violation of Probation.”

Griffo said that he will continue to oppose efforts by the Oneida Indian Nation that would move 17,000 acres of land into trust, effectively meaning that land could not be taxed. “We believe that proposal evades the spirit and intent of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2005 decision that said the Nation should work with local governments to pay for their share of the burden on local services, and we will be there to defend the people of Oneida County,” Griffo said. “However, as deep as our differences may be, I still believe that the negotiating table is the place where we can and must meet to hammer out an agreement that is fair to everyone, protects the property owners of our region, and helps our region grow a stronger future. I will continue to respect the Nation as a major employer and I believe the Oneidas, as people, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. However, while I will keep to the high road, I will not lessen my determination to oppose any project, plan or idea that is not fair to the people of Oneida County. “

Griffo noted that in addition to the widely praised MARC team, which helps recover about $4 million per year in wrongful charges, the Department of Social Services will implement MEWS – the Medicaid Early Warning System. MEWS is designed to reduce the number of new cases, reduce the number of active cases, and increase prosecutions in combination with MARC efforts.

Noting that Oneida County has one of the lowest levels of property tax increases in the state, Griffo said county residents need to have a debate over how County Government is funded in the future, singling out the property tax and sales taxes as the two major revenue options. “Those of us elected to serve will make the decisions, but before we do that, the taxpayers who will use services and pay for them need a major role in shaping our actions,” he said.

Griffo said the Youth Bureau will work with local schools and organizations to allow young artists and performers to use county facilities as places to display and perform their work.

Griffo opened his speech with a moment of silence for the death of Bill Leaf, 25, of Syracuse, a reporter for WSYR-AM who was killed in a car crash over the weekend. Noting that the driver of the car that killed Leaf was charged with DWI and had had his license revoked for a drunk driving-related accident, Griffo said, “I spend a lot of time talking to people like you students here today about our STOP-DWI program. The cost of driving drunk isn’t measured in fines. It’s measured in lives that are tragically cut short. Please join me in a moment of silence as we remember Bill Leaf and all the other victims of DWI accidents – and pray that no one here will experience one of these tragedies.”

Griffo also honored several community members for their efforts to achieve excellence. They were:

Lucille DiOrio, who retired last year from Oneida County Government after 51 years of service to the Department of Social Services. Griffo honored her “as a representative of the many county employees who make a difference, and who never get the recognition they so justly deserve.”

The Mohawk Valley Mystic softball team, which won the American Softball association national championship. Coaches Tim Sears, Randy Hubbard and Mike Mastracco were on hand to represent the team.

American Olympians and Oneida County residents Rob Esche, a goalie on the American hockey squad; and Erin Hamlin of Remsen, a member of the U.S. luge team. Esche and Hamlin were represented by Esche’s mother, Beverly; and Hamlin’s parents, Ron and Eileen.

Sgt. Michael Sportello of the 414th Civil Affairs Battalion, who has served overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, as a representative of the many Oneida County residents serving their country.