The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
City of Oneida Ward 6 councilor candidates
The following are answers from the City of Oneida Ward 6 candidates to community questions. Each candidate has 700 words.
How do you anticipate building a working relationship with the Oneida Indian Nation?
Don Moore: When I was in office, there was a successful working relationship between the Oneida Indian Nation and the City of Oneida. I helped negotiate with our neighbors, the Oneida Indian Nation, an agreement that at the time brought them up to date on monetary funds owed to the City. This agreement, along with other working partnerships with the Nation, in my opinion proved to be very beneficial to the overall economy and job opportunities in our area. I believe no matter who we partner with, if it will bring a positive progression in our City and to the residents, why not embrace the partnership. Tom Simchik: Instead of just sending memos back and forth, we need to sit down face-to-face. Memos are impersonal pieces of paper. We do this with businesses and other municipalities, why no the Nation? It is the best way to see how we can help each other grow.
What would you do to support police and advocacy groups in the fight against the drug epidemic?
Don Moore: Working in law enforcement, I witness and experience many of the challenges that our officers face every day. In my opinion, Oneida has one of the best police forces in the area. To continue the great momentum that our OPD has, if elected I would try and give them every tool necessary to keep our community safe. I also support our local groups that advocate, help and combat the war on drugs. I am proud to be a part of the Madison County Crisis Intervention Team which collaborates with local agencies to help people in need of assistance. Many of these agencies are local, right here in Oneida. Tom Simchik:
First you need to make sure that police, schools and the public know the difference between those who use for recreation and those with a true addiction problem. Then you increase education in the schools and public about the dangers of the drugs of today. As for those with a true addiction problem, ensure that police, schools and families know where to get them the help that they need. Education won’t help stop them, they need help to fight the disease that they have.
How do you plan on addressing the exodus of young people from the region?
Don Moore: I plan to work with our supervisors to go out and attract new businesses to our area, that will result in creating new job opportunities and also draw more people into our City. I would like to see more community events that will appeal to the younger crowds, and also continue on with the successful events currently in place, such as the concert in the park, farmer’s markets, and multiple events the Recreation Department puts on. I want to make Oneida a place that our young people can be proud to call home. Tom Simchik: We need to be more involved with the efforts of the region to grow. Yes we want Oneida to grow, but we need to all grow for this to happen. That way we can attract the jobs that will keep our children here.
Do you favor or oppose a state constitutional convention and why?
Don Moore: I oppose a constitutional convention. The convention could jeopardize many New Yorkers right to form unions and collectively bargain. It could affect many pension benefits and contracts, and could result in a negative impact to our economy by decreasing wages. It may also impact our children by making changes to the public education system. That is just to name a few of the negatives effects the constitutional convention may have. So I guess my question is, why would anyone put forth something that could be so detrimental to so many? Tom Simchik: I am opposed to the convention. It is no different than the city charter. Are there parts that can be updated> Yes. Bu you fix just those items, not scrap the whole thing.
What experience do you have with multi-million-dollar budgets?
Don Moore: As a member of the City Council, and also as the Deputy Mayor, I have had firsthand experience with dealing with the City of Oneida’s multi-million dollar budget. I have participated in City’s budget meetings, along with having the opportunity to run multiple budget meetings. I have witnessed how three mayors differed on their ideas on how a budget is to be put together, how a meeting should be conducted, and what impacts their decisions can make. With that, I am able to take the positive experience throughout my tenure and apply the knowledge that I have to the current administration and the annual budget. Tom Simchik: I am now in my sixth year on council. I spend a great deal of time working with department heads on the city budget finding the balance between the needs and wants of the residents and what that will cost the various departments to provide.