Overall, the “State of the City” speech sounded more like a campaign re-election speech than anything.

Nobody can dispute that Oneida County and Mohawk Valley EDGE have been successful in re-developing Griffiss Business and Technology Park.  This was not done overnight; it’s been nearly 30 years in the making.   Numerous administrations have been involved with advocating for the development and expansion of the tech park leading to what is there now and no single person, nor politician is solely responsible for its redevelopment.  Instead, it has been a teamwork driven effort over the last 3 decades.

As I have been speaking with small businesses, they have expressed their frustration with the current administration’s lack of support and communication.    Many of these businesses were forced to close their doors during COVID and while the City was given the opportunity to provide financial assistance utilizing American Rescue Plan Funding, small business were left out of the long list of projects that were released a few weeks ago.   This was a mistake and our small business owners deserve more.

The City of Rome is more than just the Mayor…The City of Rome is made up of highly qualified and dedicated employees that deserve recognition for their hard work and achievements.   We are extremely to have dedicated volunteers that serve on various boards and commissions, and many other community partners that contribute to our successes.  Mayor Izzo has a difficult time of recognizing those that do the work and make these things happen.

She often takes credit for the investments and efforts of others.  According to Art Pierce in an October 2021 article in the OD he stated the Capital Theatre Marquee project was 20 years in the making.  Did taxpayer money help, absolutely, and the Marquee and Capitol Theatre are a wonderful asset for the community.  New York State is also investing 2M on a State-owned highway (Erie Blvd.) that will enhance pedestrian safety.  I’m always excited to see New York State invest taxpayer money locally.   I’m also happy to see that the City will be bringing back the indoor playground at Pinti field after I voiced my concern for its absence.

In a recent radio interview, she continues to claim that when she took office there was zero programs in the Parks for the Kids.  She said she was told they were phased out.  This is a lie.  In 2015, ALL 5 pools were open (Stevens, Gryziec, Guyer, Municipal and Tosti) and there were also swim lessons available.

The drop-in (Summer Day Camp) program was in full swing with sixty-five participants. Five parks (Gryziec, Guyer, Stevens, Pinti and Franklyn Field) were fully staffed Monday – Friday for 8 weeks during the summer. Special Events, Arts and Crafts, Fitness Center at the RFA weight room, Kennedy Arena, Summer Parks Festival at Franklyn Field, Pool Luau and a Summer kayaking program at Bellamy Harbor Park were all operated by summer staff in 2015.

In addition to summer programing in 2015, the City also collaborated closely with the Men’s/Women’s Adult Softball Leagues, youth leagues, etc. The City also ran the Stan Evans Youth Basketball League, and provided a variety of community programs like the Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Tree Lighting, etc. The City also provided extensive support to non-city programs such as Canal Fest, Honor America Days, etc.

The City of Rome provided nearly one hundred seasonal jobs in the summer of 2015 which were primarily filled by high school and college aged individuals.  Sixty-seven (67) worked as camp counselors, park attendants, interns, laborers, specialists, and supervisors. The remainder served as lifeguards, swim lesson instructors and supervisors.  It’s embarrassing that the Mayor continues to deceive the public that there was “nothing” when she arrived in 2016.  That simply is false.

She continues to neglect “All of Rome”.  Neighborhoods are in distress and blighted; crime has increased, which she has finally admitted in in this speech, when previously denying it in the press.  I do agree with her, that our Police and Fire Departments do a great job.  She’s on the record for some interesting claims, including that “right now we have no open cases” at the Police Dept.  She also stated that Rome is not seeing egregious crimes everyday like shootings.  Google search Rome, NY Shootings and you’ll quickly find no less than 6 or more in the last 12 months alone.  The smoke and mirrors tactic doesn’t work and is disingenuous to our residents.

This is not the Rome, NY that many in this community remember or want.  In a recent interview the Mayor said that “transparency” is just a buzzword, and that she didn’t know how much more transparent we can be, that we don’t hide anything.  Transparency isn’t just inviting members of the public to “speak” on something that’s already been decided behind closed doors.  It’s also not just a buzzword.  It’s being accessible and accountable to residents ALL the time regardless of the topic or issues at hand. It’s about sincerity, respect, and gratitude.  It’s also about taking ownership of the problems at hand and leading from the front.

This is her first State of the City speech in nearly 4 years, oddly enough 27 days ahead of a primary election.  Our residents are smart, resilient, and determined.  They can see through the charade.   8 years is enough, it’s time for new generational leadership in this City.  It’s time for the change our residents want and deserve.