The City of Ogdensburg will address the matter presented by the so-called “Citizen’s Watch Group” as it pertains to the Mayor when official notification is received from a court of jurisdiction; that has not yet occurred despite the rush by this so-called group to claim credit for the latest exploit to impede the progress of the city. It is unfortunate that a very small group of individuals continues to attempt the disruption of city government and to over throw an election they didn’t like the results of. Their action in the name of protecting the community and seeking transparency is a vailed attempt to hide the real agenda of drawing attention to fictional tales of corruption, wrong-doing and mismanagement. Their behavior in public, on social media and at city council meetings does not reflect citizens attempting to be heard; they are unprofessional, rude, foul-mouthed, intoxicated, invasive, threatening and intend only to create controversy so important business cannot be accomplished; these are not the acts of citizens.
Mayor Skelly’s administration is working tirelessly to ensure the survival of the city since defeating a fully dysfunctional administration that led the city to the brink of bankruptcy and once defeated they took hasty action to solidify irresponsible and unaffordable contracts with the Police and Fire Unions, all in an attempt to create a wedge between the new City Administration and its Unions, which it was successful in doing. The rhetoric filled actions of this group so-called “Citizen’s Watch” is shameless and none of it will be forgotten by the City electorate when it really matters. Mayor Skelly and the City Team remain focused on fully improving public safety, reducing taxes, advancing the local economy and providing world-class recreational facilities for the youth. The revival of the City started some time ago and the City calls on this small group to cease the self-serving, mob-like behavior that only serves to stall progress and join the progressive efforts needed to improve the community for future generations.
Stephen P. Jellie
City Manager/Fire Chief