Broome County Executive Debbie Preston delivers her fourth state of the county address. Our Lindsay Raychel was at the speech and tells us what the County Executive's vision is for Broome County.
Broome County Executive Debbie Preston says the community has had a difficult year with the state ban on fracking and casino licenses awarded to other regions.
"It ain't how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward and that's how winning is done and we are winners in Broome County," said Broome County Executive Debbie Preston.
In her State of the County Address Preston says "We've turned a corner and have started to bounce back."
She says part of her vision includes creating new jobs, company expansions, and a transformation plan involving a new pharmacy school.
" We are a community of 200,000 resilient individuals and when we work together we can accomplish great things, " said Preston.
Preston says her vision also includes winning 500 million dollars in a state competition for the southern tier as well as creating a development near the airport for start-up companies.
But one Legislative member said these aren't new ideas, with Broome County having one of the highest unemployment rates, he was hoping to hear something different.
"We're in serious trouble and a detailed plan as to what are we going to do to get us out of this mess that we're in is what I wanted to see and I unfortunately didn't see one, " said Minority Leader, Jason Garnar.
Legislative Chairman, Jerry Marinach is hopeful and wants Broome County residents to be assured that the County has a bright future ahead.
"Be patient. Like we said, it didn't get into this situation over night and we aren't going to grow out of this in a day or two. We're working in the right direction, we're going forward, we're not going backwards so I think that's the positive thing," said Marinich.
Preston stressed throughout her entire address that she can't fix Broome County alone so she is requesting more ideas on how to further improve the county.
