Past Headlines

Here is an archive of our past "Headlines."

Cicero Democrats Select Bertrand

The Cicero Democratic Committe is happy to announce that we have endorsed Judge Robert Bertrand to run  for Town Justice in Cicero in the November election. Judge Bertrand is running for the position that will be vacated by Judge Carl Putzer who is retiring after his term. The Cicero Democrats are excited to have such a qualified candidate representing them as a candidate for Town Justice. Judge Bertrand is currently serving as a Judge in North Syracuse and worked in the Cicero court filling in when needed. His knowledge and experience make him a strong candidate and we look forward to supporting him in the upcoming election.

Where has all the Money Gone?

At the May 12 Town Board meeting, Don Snyder, a Cicero resident and frequent participant at the meetings, held up the front page of the Post-Standard with a headline screaming with news that $785,000 had been spent on the Brewerton Revitalization with little to show for the money. He asked that the Board provide the residents with a breakdown on how the money was spent. (Watch Mr. Snyder make the request.) Two weeks later, at the May 26 Town Board meeting, the attendees at the meeting were given a spreadsheet that presents an excellent overview of the monies spent and the monies received. When asked about the details, Supervisor Boyke reiterated her earlier statement that more is coming. The details will be posted when made available.

As a side note it is worth mentioning that Supervisor Boyke's only response at the time of the request was "Thank you, Mr. Snyder." One might wonder how many people at the meeting thought that in only two weeks he would receive a public response—probably less than 10!

Town Board Announces Pre-Meeting Workshops

Shortly after the town board meet for the first time in January 2010, the three newest members realized that they needed a better way to familiarize themselves with procedures and obtain information to be used to fulfill their duties. As a result, the Town Supevisor and a majority of the town councilors instituted pre-agenda meetings (now called workshops) to be held one day prior to the regularly scheduled town board meetings. These meetings are open to the public who may observe. At these workshops board members review and discuss the proposed agenda for the regular town board meeting. No votes are taken, minutes are not required or kept and items that would apply to an executive session are not discussed. Town Councilor Lynn Jennings stated: “I feel that these sessions are a valuable tool. Four out of the five board members support the workshops and, therefore, I hope they continue until it is determined they no longer is a need.”

Some onlookers view these workshops as another example of the new openness of Cicero’s town government.

Watch the March 10 discussion or view the former Town Supervisor’s stating his opinion from June 2007 about sharing information.

Vote the poll concerning these workshops.

Police Consolidation

At the February 24, 2010 Cicero Town Board meeting, the issue of police consolidation arose in the context of whether the town should purchase new police cars. Watch the video. Before the night was out, The Post-Standard’s Catie O’Toole posted a story on line stating that Deputy Supervisor Jessica Zambrano suggested that the issue might be brought before the voters in November. (Click here for a printer-friendly version.)

Do you think that police consolidation is a good idea? Click here to see the results of this poll.

$25 million Alternative Elder Care Facility Announced, to March 25

On January 27, 2010 Supervisor Judy Boyke held a press conference to announce the selection by Loretto to build a new $25 million facility on the old Cicero Commons campus, now New Dimensions, in the Town of Cicero. This facility will be built according to the Green House Project model for elder health care, a radical departure from the institutionalized care typically provided to seniors in traditional nursing homes. Thirteen buildings accommodating 10 to 12 residents in each house will be built on 18 acres. Pioneer Companies, the developer, has just submitted the construction application to the Town of Cicero. Construction will be started in September, 2010, and the project will be completed in the Fall of 2011. The as-yet, unnamed facility will be staffed by 120 employees. Watch the press confernce. Part 1, Part 2.

Democrats on the Dias at Organizational Meeting, to January 26

On January 4, 2010 we had the Town Of Cicero Organizational Meeting. It was the first time up on the dias for our new Councilor Lynn Jennings and our new Supervisor Judy Boyke. Councilor Jessica Zambrano had served on the Board in 2007. It was wonderful to see the three of them up there with the two veteran Board members,Jim Corl and Vern Conway. It was a great meeting where many decisions were made concerning the Town and who will be representing us in this Administration. The Cicero Democrats would like to welcome Shirley Stuart, Comptroller; Tony Rivizzigno, Town Board Attorney; Doug Wickman, CNS Associate Town Engineer; and Pamela Williamson, Secretary to the Supervisor aboard. We look forward to working with all of them and supporting them through out their tenure. 

Democrats Sworned In January 2010