Disappointments
Let's face it, we've all got them! Not everything we do succeeds and I'm no exception. Here are some examples:

DSS Building Lease - Broome County rents a 90,000 square foot building on Main St in Binghamton for about $800,000 a year. The lease has been in place for decades and the building needs a about $200,000 in upgrades. There are currently 3 years left on the lease and the landlord has agreed to make these improvements, but only if we agree to adding another 5 years on to our existing lease, thus making it 8 years.
The administration assessed the property market in the area and is convinced that it's still a very good deal. However, with 3 years remaining on the lease, I believe it would be wise to issue a formal Request for Proposal (RPF) and see if there are any other landlords willing to create a similarly-suited building.
My beliefs were not followed. The lease agreement was authorized.
This is a good example of how "gray" legislative issues are. I don't disagree with the administration or the legislature's decision to approve it, I just think we should make sure every rock is turned-over and looked under. Frankly, I doubt we would've found anything better, but as a small business owner, my instinct is to push for absolute certainty in lease agreements. This "failure" helps reinforce my awareness of just how complex the county government system is.
The administration assessed the property market in the area and is convinced that it's still a very good deal. However, with 3 years remaining on the lease, I believe it would be wise to issue a formal Request for Proposal (RPF) and see if there are any other landlords willing to create a similarly-suited building.
My beliefs were not followed. The lease agreement was authorized.
This is a good example of how "gray" legislative issues are. I don't disagree with the administration or the legislature's decision to approve it, I just think we should make sure every rock is turned-over and looked under. Frankly, I doubt we would've found anything better, but as a small business owner, my instinct is to push for absolute certainty in lease agreements. This "failure" helps reinforce my awareness of just how complex the county government system is.
Stay Tuned - I haven't been in office very long and there'll be more, I'm sure!