Legislators share their thoughts on the 2024 State of the County address

Members of the Republican Caucus of the Onondaga County Legislature sat in the auditorium of East Syracuse Minoa High School, listening intently as County Executive Ryan McMahon shared his 2024 State of the County address.

The Legislature’s Chairman, Timothy Burtis (3rd District), says the speech was informative and very positive.  “I was pleased to hear the County Executive talk about so many of the great initiatives, projects and programs we have going on right now throughout Onondaga County. He’s a vision caster.  He really is able to paint a picture of what’s ahead and what it will take to get there.  I look forward to working with him in the coming year to get some of this accomplished.”

McMahon told those gathered that Onondaga County is “poised for opportunity and growth that we haven’t seen in generations.” He spoke about bolstering our workforce, supporting small business development, improving green space in the county and provided updates to several high-profile projects. 

 “As always, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon did a great job reminding us of all our recent accomplishments and of our vision going forward” says Legislator David Knapp (12th District).  “One doesn't realize how many positive programs and projects we have in the works until it all gets laid out in front of you in a single presentation.  We have a lot to look forward to.”

Legislator Julie Abbott (6th District) liked hearing the County Executive speak about the many ways the county is enhancing the lives of children who call our community home.  “We are focusing on their health and well-being with more than $20 million in mental healthcare funding, expanded childcare subsidies, and by continuing our fight to remediate lead and level the playing field for our neediest kids” she says. “I could go on & on. Forget all the drama with national politics.  We are making a difference at the local level, here at home where it matters most.”

“Onondaga County is well positioned for financial stability and growth due to the vision and planning of our County Executive and all of County Government” says Legislator Richard McCarron (11th District). “We must stay the course and execute Plan Onondaga while maintaining our partnerships with our community service organizations to provide the highest level of service to our community.”

Plan Onondaga is the county’s recently updated comprehensive plan which is helping to define a vision for future success and identifies the needs, goals and challenges of the county and each of its municipalities and facilitates a pathway to implement positive growth and change.

“I was pleased to hear the County Executive speak about the three things I have as my priorities this year: economic development, public safety and housing” says Legislator Mark Olson (10th District).  “We’re on the right path and I look forward to discussing many of the proposals in the coming year.”

“It's a great time for the residents of Onondaga County” says the Leader of the Republican Majority, Brian May (1st District). “From proactive infrastructure upkeep to forward-thinking economic development strategies and results to helping people who need it most, the County Executive's PIE (poverty, infrastructure, economic development) formula continues to generate wins for everyone who lives and works in our great County.”

Click here to watch the County Executive’s entire State of the County 2024 address.