State of the County: Pandemic Gave Broome “Chance of a Generation”

While the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar is looking at a “glass half full” in his latest State of the County Address.

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The Democrat’s annual speech to the legislature and residents was held virtually for another year due to the ongoing spread of the latest variant of the coronavirus. But Garnar touted the resilience and perseverance of the community saying the county has a chance, coming out of the pandemic, for a once-in-a-generation opportunity to “truly transform our County.”

He praised the community for adapting and remaining strong during the past year as the county’s economy continues to work toward recovery.

While noting recent steps toward reuse and reinventing facilities like the Oakdale Mall and the Endicott Johnson Victory building, Garnar is setting additional investment goals for increasing availability of affordable housing, promoting new business development and improving infrastructure beyond fixing roads to include investment in better internet and broadband.

Other points in the speech addressed public safety, food insecurity, education and mental health.