Rebecca Varga

05/15/2026

It’s always exciting to see Central New York continue growing as a place for film and television production.

The recent filming by American High at the former Limp Lizard may have caused some surprise, but it also highlights how our community is becoming part of a growing creative economy tied to major platforms like Netflix.

Film production brings jobs, local spending, tourism interest, and opportunities for creative professionals right here in Central New York. That is good for our economy and another example of how communities like ours can continue attracting new industries and investment.

And thankfully, this “fire” was only for the cameras.

Mayor says the maker of teen comedies should have notified neighbors before filming the fire scene at a former Liverpool restaurant.

05/08/2026

Tonight’s shooting on Wolf Street is deeply troubling.

I drive through that area regularly, and incidents like this are a reminder that violence does not stay isolated—it affects families, neighbors, and the wider community.

Praying for the man who was shot, for his loved ones, and that the person responsible is brought to justice.

We have to keep working toward a culture that values life, responsibility, and resolving conflict without violence. Our community deserves safety, and that has to remain a priority.

The man was found by police with a gunshot wound to his neck.

05/08/2026

Onondaga County Legislature Meeting Recap – May 2026

I attended Tuesday’s County Legislature meeting and wanted to give residents a straightforward summary of what happened.

Most items on the agenda passed unanimously (with full support from both parties). Here’s what was decided, explained simply:

Routine Items:
- Snow plowing and road maintenance agreements with the State of New York. (Item 12 on Agenda)
- Small grant accepted for swimming initiatives overseen by the NYS Dept of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. (Item 13)
- Naming a pavilion at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater in honor of Joanie Mahoney. (Item 14)
- Appointments to the Central New York Regional Market Authority. (Item 15)
- Several public hearings scheduled for June on agricultural land protection (important for local farms). (Items 17 & 18)
- Updating the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan (preparing for storms, floods, etc.). (Item 19)
- Budget hearing scheduled for Onondaga Community College. (Item 20)
- Multiple bond resolutions to fund road paving, bridge repairs, highway improvements, and E-911 emergency communications upgrades. These are standard infrastructure projects paid for with bonds (basically long-term borrowing). (Items 3, 4, 21 & 24-27)
- Authorization to purchase a replacement helicopter for the Sheriff’s Department. (Item 23)
- Other routine administrative and facilities items (feel free to check out the agenda and ask)
- Local Law, Item B - any donation that is $10,000 or more now needs to be approved by legislature via resolution (repeals three previous laws)

The Main Two Contested / Non-Unanimous Items:
Item 16 – OCIDA Board Appointments
This was the main item I spoke against. The Legislature voted to approve new appointments and replace several current members of the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) before their terms expired. OCIDA is the agency that offers tax incentives to attract businesses and create jobs (including major projects like Micron). I urged them to maintain the long tradition of letting members finish their terms for stability and to protect investor confidence. Unfortunately, the motion still passed.

Local Law, Item A
A new local law requiring commercial establishments to notify customers when they use biometric identification technology (like facial recognition). This also passed (vote not unanimous).

Overall, the meeting was mostly routine infrastructure, budgeting, and planning work that moved forward with broad agreement. The biggest debate centered on the OCIDA board changes.

I’ll continue following these issues, especially anything affecting economic development, taxes, and long-term stability in Onondaga County.

Questions or concerns about any of these items? Feel free to comment.

Chairwoman Nicole Watts

05/07/2026

There is a lot that happens during an Onondaga County Legislature session, and yesterday’s meeting seems even bigger the more I review everything that was discussed.

Beyond the OCIDA vote, the Legislature also considered issues ranging from the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway to funding for a new helicopter for the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office.

Tomorrow, I will put together a more thorough report to help constituents better understand what can be done at the county level and how, as a legislator, I can help strengthen and support our community.

05/06/2026

Today I spoke before the Onondaga County Legislature because I believe economic development decisions shape the future of our community.

My remarks were not about protecting corporations. They were about protecting the people of Onondaga County.

When agencies like the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency are seen as stable, professional, and consistent, businesses and employers are more willing to invest, expand, and create jobs here. That kind of confidence matters because it affects whether families have opportunities, whether neighborhoods grow stronger, and whether our local economy remains dependable.

Even though the board changes moved forward, I felt it was important to speak up for a principle that matters: our community benefits when economic development is guided by stability, transparency, and long-term confidence — not uncertainty. That is not about protecting corporations. It is about making sure Onondaga County remains a place where employers want to invest and where residents can count on real economic opportunity.

Watch below:

Chairwoman Nicole Watts

05/06/2026

The biggest issue before the Onondaga County Legislature yesterday was the future of the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency.

What happened should be understood for what it was: a compromise effort, not a bribe.

The proposal was not to block every nominee to the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency. The request was to scale back the changes — to preserve some continuity and stability at an agency that plays a major role in economic development across our county — while also moving forward with $5 million for housing.

That is what compromise looks like. It is not about getting everything you want. It is about balancing economic stability, public confidence, and community priorities.

I believe this was a genuine effort to find common ground, and it is disappointing that opportunity was not taken.

🔗 https://l.syracuse.com/q0ro9f

A legislative debate that started out as routine partisan back-and-forth took an extraordinary turn Tuesday when Onondaga County Legislator Brian May, the Republican minority leader, stood to offer a deal.

If the majority Democrats would replace only two members of the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency – rather than four - May would guarantee Republican support for $5 million to promote affordable housing.

The startling attempt at a last-minute deal stemmed from Republican fears of changes to OCIDA, a seven-member volunteer agency that plays a critical role in economic development.

Tap the link above for more on the meeting.

05/06/2026

The Syracuse Spring Job Fair is a great reminder that a strong local economy starts with connecting people to opportunity.

Every job, every apprenticeship, and every new career path helps strengthen families and our community.

Looking for a summer job? Searching for a full-time opportunity to serve the City where you live and play? The City of Syracuse is hosting a job fair on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bob Cecile Community Center, 174 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13205.

Representatives from City departments including Parks and Rec, Water, Public Works, Neighborhood and Business Development, Law, Human Resources, Finance, Syracuse Police Department (Civilian), and more will be present to answer questions about open positions. Applications will be available on-site for all seasonal and full-time opportunities currently open throughout the City’s departments, offices, and divisions.

Visit syr.gov/jobs to view all open positions and apply to join the City team today!

05/06/2026

There are incentives in place to hire local people.

05/06/2026

All infrastructure will be replaced