10/05/09 - Roefaro and his lobby hobby
Mayor Lobbies Albany.
Albany Listens.
Good Albany.
Roefaro also secures $2.1 million for Downtown
Just about a month ago, Utica Mayor David Roefaro was in Albany asking state officials to make permanent a program called, 'The Main Street Program'. However, before the Mayor's wish could be granted, Governor Paterson needed to put his signature on the plan.
"I joined several Mayors from around New York in supporting this legislation," said Utica Mayor David Roefaro. "The Main Street Program has already been a funding stream that has helped Downtown Utica, and I've got to let Albany know that."
It turns out, Albany heard Roefaro, and days after the Governor signed the legislation upgrading the Main Street Program, Mayor Roefaro was in Syracuse thanking him.
Mayor Roefaro spoke in Syracuse last week and explained to mayors in the audience, that like so many of them, he believes that, "small business is the backbone of Upstate, New York," Roefaro went on to say that, "…that's why legislation like this is so important."
He mentioned, "For cities like Utica, the new improvements to the Main Street Program will retain business, inspire entrepreneurship, and propel the American dream for many of Utica's citizens."
"Already, the program has invested over $600,000 into Utica. All of this money has gone to support local business. A new brewery in our popular night life district, a new coffee shop complete with modern apartments, new facade for businesses in our Downtown, and some very thankful entrepreneurs are just a few of the success stories we boast of," he said at the podium in Downtown Syracuse.
"Today's announcement is a shot in the arm for all of New York. Coupled with Utica's recent announcement of securing a $2.1 million dollar RESTORE NY grant, The Main Street legislation will reinforce many of my city's important projects," he said.
The Mayor later explained that his administration was embarking on a quest to not only revive Downtown Utica, but redefine it too. "We're working to change Downtown's feeling, its atmosphere," he said.
"All the stars are aligning for Downtown Utica, and I'm committed to ensuring they shine for everyone to see. I took office and immediately cleaned it up, now I'll be working to build it up."
