A Message from the County Executive

Dear Neighbor:

October brought the beauty of autumn and proved to be a busy month all across Onondaga County!

It's no secret this administration has allocated an unprecedented amount of money and resources to veteran services. It was my honor to humbly accept the Patriotic Employer award after being nominated by USAF Colonel John Meili. Thank you, John and all the brave men and women of the armed services.

Our world-class zoo celebrated the miracle Asian Elephant twins, Yaad and Tukada's first birthday! We have a tremendous team at the zoo that works tirelessly to provide the best experience possible for visitors, as well as high quality care for the animals. I encourage everyone to check out what's new at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

In the newsletter below you will read about many other important investments that my administration continues to make in our people and our future. I always enjoy having the opportunity to speak with local groups and organizations to share our story and also to get their feedback.

Sincerely,

Twin Elephants Yaad and Tukada playing

One year ago, history was made at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, when County Executive Ryan McMahon announced Mali, an Asian Elephant had miraculously given birth to twin calves. The event captured the hearts of not only Onondaga County but the entire country, particularly since the occurrence is so rare that the survival rate probability of both calves was less than 1%! Born on October 24, 2022, Yaad and Tukada arrived 10-hours apart and weighed over 200 pounds. Fast forward to today and the twins have exhibited remarkable growth, each weighing in excess of 650 pounds.

The miraculous birth and survival of Yaad and Tukada is in large part due to the unwavering commitment of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo to the care and conservation of all animals. The zoo is home to more than 700 animals representing 216 different species. From tiny poison dart frogs to 1-yr old twin Asian Elephants. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo provides visitors with experiences that excite, memories that endure and knowledge that inspires global wildlife conservation.



Twins Yaad and Tukado on their 1st Birthday

Twins Yaad and Tukado at birth

County Executive McMahon visits with mom Mali after she gave birth to the miracle twins

For more information about the miracle twins and other exhibits at our world class zoo, please click below:

County Executive Cuts Ribbon on Metro Dryer Project

County Executive McMahon is joined by members of the County Legislature, Deputy County Executive of Physical Services Marth Beth Primo, NYSDEC Region 7 Director Dereth Glance and WEP Commissioner Shannon Harty

County Executive Ryan McMahon was joined by members of the County Legislature, Deputy County Executive of Physical Services Mary Beth Primo and Water Environment Protection (WEP) Commissioner Shannon Harty to cut the ribbon on the county's new Metro Dryer Project.

By investing in drying technology, WEP can reduce the water weight of biosolids by 60%. It's estimated that the new state-of-art dryers can reduce the water content to below 10%, resulting in significant savings in transportation and disposal fees.

This investment is another example of how Onondaga County and the dedicated team members at WEP are working toward their goal of savings and sustainability within the department.

For more information about WEP and the Metro Dryer Project, please click below:

Deb Hafner from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presents County Executive McMahon with the Patriotic Employer Award

County Executive Ryan McMahon was the recipient of the Patriotic Employer award for contributing to National Security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employer participation in America's National Guard and Reserve Forces.

This award recognizes supervisors and bosses nominated by a guardsman or reservist employee for support provided directly to the nominator or spouses of service member. County Executive McMahon was nominated by John Meili, who said the following:

"The vision, leadership and genuine compassion Executive McMahon continuously exudes in leading from the front/taking care of our military and their families is second to none. In April 2022 he took the time and effort to recognize my unit families. He and his family attended a local event honoring the Month of the Military Child, in which he presented an official proclamation recognizing the contributions/sacrifices of our military children. Additionally, he and the entire Onondaga County Team have been nothing short of extraordinary in ensuring my spouse was afforded the work flexibility to continue to contribute to her team in the most productive way possible while I was away supporting NATO Assurance Operations in Eastern Europe from January-March 2022. The overall impact Executive McMahon's efforts have had on sustaining my units mission readiness are significant and quantitatively immeasurable."

County Executive McMahon speaks at unveiling of future Micron Cleanroom at Onondaga Community College

Last October the future of Onondaga County changed forever with Micron's announcement of its historic investment in our county. Micron's semiconductor facility in Clay, New York's White Pine site is the largest project in the Central New York region's history, and among the largest industrial manufacturing investments in U.S history.

A year later the momentum continues. County Executive Ryan McMahon, Micron officials, Onondaga Community College leaders and representatives from across the community were on hand as the Community College unveiled drawings for a Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab. This lab lays the groundwork for training the thousands of high-tech workers needed to work at the semiconductor fabrication plants. Unveiling plans for the simulation lab is the first step which directly connects the community to the 9,000 proposed jobs.

In addition, County Executive Ryan McMahon joined Senator Chuck Schumer in announcing the Syracuse-Buffalo-Rochester region has won the prestigious federal tech hub designation from the Chips and Science Bill to become America's semiconductor superhighway.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "Thanks to Senator Schumer's CHIPS and Sciences Act, Micron’s historic $100 Billion investment is poised to transform Onondaga County into a global powerhouse in semiconductor fabrication and memory manufacturing. Today, we celebrate another tangible milestone in this historic investment with the designation of the NY SMART I-Corridor as a federal tech hub." McMahon continued "Tech Hubs represent the most promising centers of technology in the United States and this designation validates the high tech renaissance underway from Syracuse to Buffalo and across Upstate New York. The skeptics and naysayers may continue to doubt us every step of the way; but, with an all-star roster of collaborators and the Senate Majority Leader on our team, I am confident that we will prove the doubters wrong and make Onondaga County the home of America’s tech future.”

County Executive McMahon along with representatives from Micron and OCC

County Executive McMahon along with Senator Chuck Schumer, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra and other local leaders

County Executive McMahon meets with Taiwanese Ambassador James Lee and presents a proclamation honoring Tawain National Day.

County Executive McMahon honors Willow Rock Brewing Company with a Proclamation to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Congress Beer

County Executive McMahon speaks at New York Association of Training and Employment (NYATEP) Conference about the county's focus on creating a workforce team that fosters: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging

County Executive McMahon gives opening remarks at Leadership Greater Syracuse about the importance the program has in building future leaders in the community.

County Executive McMahon is joined by County Health Employees and other local lead poisoning advocacy leaders to proclaim October 22-29 as Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in Onondaga County.

County Executive McMahon is joined by County Legislator Julie Abbot and members of the Otisco Lake Preservation Association to announce a county grant of $250,000 towards the mitigation of invasive species in Otisco Lake.

County Executive McMahon and Galaxy Media COO Carrie Wojtaszek announce the 34th year of Lights on the Lake will run from11/13/2023-1/12/2024. The 2-mile-long drive thru show is one of Central New York's best holiday traditions and family fun for all ages. For more information, please click below:

County Executive McMahon speaks at Girls on the Run Event. This great organization inspires participants of all abilities to recognize their individual strengths while building a sense of connection in a team setting. Volunteers coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development to enable participants to adapt to whatever comes their way. At the end of the season, the team completes a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion.

For more information, click below: of its kind, we focus on the important connection between mind and body. Our combination of targeted lessons and physical activity instill confidence and nurture care and compassion in every girl.

County Executive McMahon along with County Health Commissioner Dr. Anderson encouraging the community to get their flu shot.

For more information on how to get your flu shot, please click below:

County Executive McMahon provides update on the Broadband Installation Initiative that will expand Broadband to more than 1500 addresses in rural Onondaga County

The County Executive hosted his annual Halloween Party for County employees and their families in his office. Trick or treaters enjoyed plenty of treats while showing off their creative costumes!

Village of Marcellus

Daniel's Grill in the Village of Marcellus shows off its new exterior.

Hamlet of Lakeland

Upgrades to accessibility improvements were recently completed at the Carno Recreation Center in Lakeland.

Village of North Syracuse

Fergerson Funeral Home in the Village of North Syracuse received a new face lift.