Graham:
Smith Wrong on Alternative Energy, Shows Partisanship
by
Timothy W. Scee II
Special to Newzjunky.com
Published September 15, 2011
WATERTOWN, N.Y. — In his second announcement of his candidacy for mayoral reelection, Mayor Jeffrey E. Graham touted a record he claims “can deliver results” before blasting his opponent, Councilman Jeffrey M. Smith, on several issues.
“I’ve shown the work ethic, knowledge and relationships needed to continue to build on a record I am proud to compare and contrast to my opponent,” Graham said.
The mayor touted his record with mentions of lower property taxes, “a reorganization of Parks and Recreation,” and an appointment to the governor’s Regional Economic Development Council.
“Those roles will allow me to work on the development of jobs,” Graham said.
“Elections are about records and the prospects for the future,” he continued. “Elections are also about choices and voters are going to have to do some comparison shopping in a couple weeks.”
In his first remarks about his opponent Graham criticized the councilman’s interest in “failed alternative energy plans” after Smith had publicly shown interest in installing geothermal energy throughout City Hall and solar panels.
“Those subsidized schemes are costing taxpayers in this nation money and they are not affordable by average citizens,” Graham said. “At his urging, the city spent $35,000 on a report to tell us about 70-year paybacks on geothermal.”
Almost a year to the date Wednesday, Graham, along with rest of the City Council, agreed to visit Smith’s home where the councilman gave a presentation on personal solar panels installed on the roofs of his garage and home.
Graham continued his speech by accusing Smith of showing partisanship at a recent event in St. Lawrence County.
“Last week my opponent ignored our tradition of non-partisan city government by being introduced by the local democratic chair at a labor endorsement meeting held in Gouverneur,” Graham continued. “Our government in recent years has prospered as I have maintained independent but working relationships with members of the major parties at high level.”
Graham, who admitted to being introduced by 2010 Congressional candidate Matthew A. Doheny, R-Watertown, during his first April reelection campaign announcement, said his own situation was different from Smith’s.
“Anybody who thinks that you can accomplish what this area needs to accomplish by lining yourself up with one party or another is a mistake,” Graham said. “I’m probably the only person in the city who’s gone to Democratic and Republican dinners and things over the years so I get to buy two sets of tickets for all these things.”
Graham said bi-partisan relationships are necessary to maintain in a “fair and equitable manner.”
“You’ve got to be able to work with everybody,” Graham said.
