The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Schiebel has history of public service
From teaching kids to government, Keith Schiebel is looking to continue his transition in the upcoming general election for County Legislator District 1.
“I’ve spent my entire career in education,” Scheibel said, who has spent 33 years teaching at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School. Knowing his role as teacher will come to an end one day, Schiebel switched gears. “I felt my service to the public is still important and now I’m just working with a different clientele. It’s still very community-oriented and I can serve this area.”
Schiebel has served as legislator for the past two years, and credits his past election as a vote of confidence from the people, who understand his values and
dedication to the community and taking the fight head on.
“I’m on three county committees. Health and Human Services, Public Works and Economic Development, and I really feel all three serve my interests at a very high level,” he said. Schiebel works with each of the committees and keeps up to date on any projects or reports that come his way.
Issues that need to be addressed in the county are varied, but one of the ever present topics is the presence of the Oneida Indian Nation. He credits the OIN as a significant economic driver in the county and shares an important relationship with local communities.
Schiebel said he’s been working with the Town of Verona to secure more money from the county as part of the 2014 agreement between the OIN, state and Oneida and Madison counties. As per the agreement, Oneida County receives 25 percent of slot machine revenue from the Nation, some of which is distributed to the area.
Since the Turning Stone Resort and Casino is located in Verona, he wants the town to receive money as the host community.
“It’s my understanding that this money could be included in this year’s budget and it could be tied to some of the economic development in the town of Verona,” Schiebel said.
Schiebel has also made infrastructure and de- velopment a priority, including how to “more efficiently maintain roads and bridges. I think there’s going to be significant discussion of stronger partnerships with our towns,” he said.
Whether the project be big or small, Schiebel has talked about his need to make a difference in the community in whatever capacity.
“I’m on three county committees. Health and Human Services, PublicWorks and Economic Development, and I really feel all three serve my interests at a veryhigh level,.”
— Keith Schiebel