BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG –  Ogdensburg Mayor Michael Tooley says when he thinks of the city, two words come to mind. Opportunity and Hope.

On Saturday, he took his oath as city mayor alongside Democrats Donna Trimm, Michael Weaver, R. Storm Cilley and Jennifer Stevenson at the inauguration ceremony at city hall.

Tooley says he sees opportunity for development along the city's waterfront, Augsbury site and St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center properties.

He sees hope that tourism will increase. He noted that an $18 million grant from the state will bolster the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority's Ogdensburg International Airport which he says will be a boon for the community.

He also sees hope for the Remington Art Museum, Ogdensburg History Museum, Ogdensburg Command Performance, the Seaway Festival and the St. Lawrence River.

Tooley  wants to see the city capitalize on the tourism opportunities for the coming solar eclipse and he offered his appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce and its efforts for preparing for the event.

Ogdensburg has faced substantial pain in recent years following a massive change in the sales tax distribution formula by the county which cost the city nearly $2 million in annual revenue.

The move sparked animosity between the previous city council led by Jeffrey M. Skelly who made deep personnel cuts, engaged in lengthy lawsuits against the fire union and county, shifted tax collection duties to the county and trimmed the budget to barebones in efforts to make the city financially solvent.

It’s clear Tooley is hoping to rebuild relationships that were damaged by those efforts.

“I look forward to joining other members of this new city council as we begin our work on behalf of the citizens of Ogdensburg,” he said.

He said he wants to bolster relationships with county legislators, especially those who represent Ogdensburg. He said St. Lawrence County has been a good partner with the city and pointed to District Attorney Gary Pasqua's effort to bring another police officer to the city.

He also offered appreciation to city employees and service clubs.

Tooley said he believes the pandemic led many boards to become inactive, and tasked city administration with reaching out to them and scheduling presentations in hopes of revitalizing these groups which he says are important to the community.

Tooley said he also hopes to rebuild partnerships with the Ogdensburg City School District and the Ogdensburg Public Library, both of which saw strain in recent years.

Tooley said courtesy matters when it's between councilors, employees, other government agencies and citizens. He said he intends to lead as a courteous and respectful mayor.

“We may not always agree as we explore ways to make lives better in the city, but these disagreements do not need to become personal,” he said.

Tooley encouraged citizens to work with city council as they begin work in 2024.

“As my comments today demonstrate, I am hopeful for the future of Ogdensburg, but we need the help of many. We need the help from our federal, state and county governments. We need help from developers. We need help from our local employees. We need help from all of you, our citizens,” he said.

Tooley asked city residents to pay attention to city issues so they can help make informed decisions about the future of the city.

“He encouraged residents to form opinions and share them,” he said. “You may have elected the five of us to enact changes but that doesn't mean your job as citizens is done”

Other new members of council also spoke at the event, which was well attended. Watch the inauguration at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXko9tKtGgs