January Update

2022 has begun and with it comes a host of changes in the Republican Caucus of the Onondaga County Legislature. Our two newest members, Colleen Gunnip and Mark Olson, have hit the ground running. They hold key positions on our program and external committees and are lending their years of public service experience in each meeting. The Legislature has a new Chairman, as well. Winning a majority of the Legislature vote, 2nd District Legislator Jim Rowley became the new Chairman of the Legislature. His strong fiscal background and commitment to due process and separation of government powers are going to serve the residents of Onondaga County well.

With a new term comes new committee chairs, and we are excited for this new leadership. Majority Leader Brian May is now Chairman of the Ways & Means committee and has the important task of taking a careful look at things before they make it on to the Session agenda. Tim Burtis is now chairing the Planning & Economic Development committee, Julie Abbott has taken up the mantle of Environmental Protection chair, Mark Olson heads up Public Safety, and Deb Cody stayed on as chair of County Facilities.

The final months of 2021 were incredibly busy between balancing the County budget, elections, and redistricting. In that business, some important votes were postponed and made it through committees this month. Committees heard a lot this month about bonding for projects across County government. Legislator Olson’s Public Safety committee heard from the Sheriff’s Office about an upcoming purchase of radios for all public safety entities across Onondaga County. The radios they currently have are reaching the end of their useful life and either have to be shipped across the country for repair as each unit breaks down or replaced all together. By purchasing nearly 1,000 units to supply every police, fire, and EMS agency county-wide with the same gear, we ensure consistent quality of communication and incredible savings for localities. The County Facilities committee heard from Parks Commissioner Brian Kelley about updates needed at Rosamond Gifford Zoo. The Zoo is planning some significant projects, not the least of which is replacing nearly every roof in the facility. Since acquiring the zoo in the 1980s, the roofs have been repaired and maintained, but even Zoo roofs can’t last beyond 40 years, and they need replacement.

Legislators are busy working for our residents every day, and we are thankful for the support you have and continue to show. We are looking forward to great progress in 2022 and are excited to have such a strong caucus to work with.