The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
EAGER TO SERVE
Steve Laureti appointed as Ward 2 councilor
The city of Oneida has welcomed a new councilor forward Two this year, Steve Laureti, after previous councilor Mike Bowe resigned at the end of 2020 after moving south to North Carolina.
Laureti is a lifelong resident of Ward Two, having lived in the area for over 30 years and having graduated from Oneida High School.
After hearing of the former councilor’s incoming end- of- year resignation just months prior, it was on Laureti’s mind to take this chance to make a difference in his community. He reached out to Mayor Helen Acker, who has the power to appoint a new councilor in the instance of a resignation, in earlydecember, and then underwent an interview. Shortly thereafter, he landed the position. The city officially announced Acker’s appointment on Dec. 31, 2020.
“I have a vested interest in the city, and I want to see it succeed. Hopefully, I can be a part of that process,” he commented.
Laureti has a long- held background in finance and public affairs. His previous experience includes working in human resources at the Turning Stone, and currently, serving as the director of administration for the Madison County Sheriff’s office. Within this current role, he manages the sheriff’s $ 15 million budget, applies for grants, and oversees all purchasing, he said.
Laureti also sells Oneida real estate through Hunt Real Estate.
He holds a bachelor’s finance degree fromlemoyne
and a master’s in Information Systems fromsyracuse University.
Laureti says he understands the way the public sector operates, and he hopes his previous experience will easily translate into the duties of award 2 councilor.
Revitalizing downtown into the lively safe haven it used to be when he was growing up is a personal
goal of his. Particularly, squashing out drug- related issues in the city comes first to mind, he said. “Although it’s not my ward, I’d love to try to clean that up a little bit— a lotta bit actually,” he remarked.
His connection to the sheriff’s office could also be of use, he suggested.
Bringing in new business is also a goal of his.
“I’m a huge business advocate,” he commented. “If there’s any way we can get more businesses into the city and increase some sales tax
revenue, I’mall for it.”
Laureti was officially sworn in as councilor on Monday, Jan. 4, by the city clerk, he said. On Tuesday he made his public debut at the first Common Council meetingof 2021. Hewillbe fulfilling the remainder of Bowe’s term which lasts until next year, he said, and then he will be up for election if he chooses.
Outsideof nitty- grittyofficial affairs, Laureti enjoys life in Oneidawith his girlfriend and pet German Shepard.
He’s also known to be a
musical icon in the city, with his singing and instrumental talents, particularly on the piano, being common knowledge among residents. Laureti can be caught playing at local establishments, such as the Turning Stone and other venues. Indecember, he promoted a “25 ‘ Piano’days of Christmas” project where he posted a video of himself on Facebook singing popular Christmas ballads while playing the piano. Acker shared these videos frequently in support.
What’s Laureti’s favorite
thing about Oneida?
“It’s the people,” he said simply. “You can go anywhere and know somebody. I just had a good experience growing up here, which is why I stayed.”
Keeping out for Ward 2 residents’ interests, Laureti recommends those interested in receiving free housing rehabilitation work through the city to reach out. The city is currently targeting low- to- moderate income homeowners with health and safety issues in their homes that need fix
ing. Call the city planning department at ( 315) 3637467 to learn more and receive an application.
Laureti says he has experienced awarmwelcome being on the council.
Everyone knows everyone in Oneida, he pointed out, so the accolades have been widespread. “I’ve gotten a lot of congratulations. Everybody seems pretty happy ,” he remarked, adding, “It seems pretty good so far.”
Toge tin touch with councilor Laure ti, email him at slaureti@ oneidacity. com