Wednesday, February 21, 2007 

Picente Begins County-Town Partnership Effort
 

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr., today announced he is beginning a County-Town Partnership Effort aimed at bolstering communication, interaction and partnership efforts between County Government and local Town Governments.

            “Although our cities are very important because of their size, most Oneida County residents live in our rural and suburban towns,” Picente said. “To move the entire county forward, there needs to be a solid partnership based on communication and cooperation. Working together begins with reaching out, and that’s what I am now doing. I want to meet with the leadership of every town so that County Government can work with all communities as we build a stronger future and address the issues of concern to town residents.”

Picente said all towns in the county will be receiving letters inviting town leaders to set up meetings and develop a fuller understanding of critical issues in each community.

“As Oneida County Executive it is one of my first priorities to reach out to the towns in this County,” Picente wrote in a letter sent to town supervisors. “I believe that it is important for us to establish a good working relationship from the start in order to further the entire county.  Therefore, it is my goal to meet with each town supervisor to discuss issues relevant to their town.”

            “I would like to discuss a variety of issues such as consolidation, youth programs, agricultural issues, and economic development,” Picente wrote, adding that his goal in learning about every community’s town-specific issues is to develop a better idea of how County Government can work with each community – or bring communities together – to find solutions.

Caitlin McCann, Assistant to the County Executive , is coordinating the County-Town Partnership Effort. Town officials and residents with specific issues and concerns can contact her at (315) 798-5800 or at cmccann@ocgov.net.

            “All levels of government exist to meet the needs of the people we serve,” Picente said. “When we work together, when we share ideas, we can accomplish more for our communities.”