I have continually met with business owners, residential and commercial developers and the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency to discuss some of the challenges facing employers. While high energy costs and property taxes are listed among these challenges. Creative tax incentives and pilot agreements have been and in some cases are necessary to continue to attract businesses to Onondaga County. I believe we need to focus on promoting our strong points. The colleges and universities in CNY are among the finest in the country and offer a quality, capable workforce to meet the needs of any employer.

As your Onondaga County Legislator, I Co-sponsored a bill that was signed into Law (No. 5-2009) providing critical help to a local company, Revonate Manufacturing LLC.  By expanding the Empire Zone, they were able to continue to grow from 50 employees to over 175 employees at an average annual income of $25K-$30K , right here in the 4th District.    (Add image of the revonate guy and I here please)

In September 2009, I Co-sponsored legislation to create a One Stop Shop for businesses in Onondaga County to work more efficiently with Village, Town, County and State government agencies to allow for increased economic development without many of the difficulties of the past.  In addition, when I was a Town Councilman, I sponsored a program in Salina to increase awareness of local businesses featuring a map of their locations. A copy of the map was mailed to all residents in Salina to help promote these businesses locally. Increased face to face meetings with business owners is the best way to identify ways to help them succeed. I am available to meet with you if you let me know you have a need.