Wednesday, March 17, 2021 - 9:54 am
To the Editor:
What story will Ogdensburg’s city manager use next to defend his actions? He says the city can’t afford essential public services because of “significant fiscal distress”. But he’s also stated, in reference to applying for the SAFER grant: “One of the problems is you have to show there is financial hardship and right now with everything we’re doing I’m not sure that will come through.” So which is it? It depends on what ill-advised decision he’s trying to justify.
When talking about firefighter Jake Thornton being laid-off, he initially stated he needed two firefighters to retire to bring him back. Then he said he needed only one retirement. But that’s to the public. To the Ogdensburg Firefighter’s Union, he says he needs a contract deal to bring him back, wanting to essentially nullify the union’s existing agreement.