Mayor David Roefaro Holds State of the City Address
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: October 24, 2011
Mayor David Roefaro addressed the community today to talk about his four year term and to give his State of the city Address. He says he's ready to pass the baton to the next leader.
Since Mayor Roefaro was elected four years ago, he says promises were made and those promises he says have been kept. Mayor Roefaro says he hopes the next leader can keep moving the city into the right direction.
"Almost everyone in the room was very sad that I was leaving," said Roefaro.
The community gathered at the Radisson Hotel in Utica Monday morning for Mayor Roefaro's State of the City Adress.
Throughout his four year term, Mayor Roefaro says his performance is visible in the City of Utica.
"The first thing I promised was to lower crime. Crime has been its lowest in the millennium at this point. I promised the master plan. We have done that and completed that. And I have promised the harbor project and we have done that," explained Roefaro.
Athough Mayor Roefaro says it was an emotional day for him and his staff, he says he'll always be willing to help the next leader.
"I'm not going anywhere. I'll be running my business in this community. I'll be here as a blue print if they need help or direction. I'll be here for the next administration no matter who that may be," said Roefaro.
But, Mayor Roefarao says the next leader needs to be prepared.
"You better be ready to walk the walk. This job is not an easy job. We have made significant headway. We are known. We are relevant in Albany, in Washington, in New York City. They are going to have to start getting that ball rolling again," said Roefaro.
As for the best part of all four years, Mayor Roefaro says it's hard to choose just one.
But, "the interactions we had with the youth in this area because the youth are our future. We have to go to provide them a pathway for success," explained Roefaro.
He says many community members are sad to see him go. But, Roefaro says he will be returning to his family's 30-year funeral business.
To see Mayor Roefaro's full State of the City Address head over to www.cityofutica.com.
