Oberacker Calls on State to Provide Immediate Relief To County; Businesses
Mishandling of SUNY Oneonta outbreak shouldn’t rest on county, businesses, and taxpayers
Oneonta, NY – Otsego County Legislator and candidate for New York State Senate, Peter Oberacker, called on the state to provide immediate financial relief for the damage caused by the mishandling of the COVID-19 outbreak on the SUNY Oneonta campus.
“Otsego County relies heavily on tourism for both business success and to generate revenue for the County. After a devastating summer season, the mishandling of the COVID-19 outbreak at SUNY Oneonta is another blow to our already hurting communities. It will cost millions of dollars and will cost many their livelihoods,” Oberacker said.
Oberacker acknowledged the quick response by SUNY Central and SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras, but said unfortunately the damage has already been done.
“Many local businesses were looking forward to returning students to help boost the terrible summer. Now not only are the students being sent away, but by making Otsego County a COVID ‘hot spot’ it will deter visitors for the upcoming Fall tourist season,” Oberacker said.
Oberacker continued by calling on the state to provide immediate financial relief for Otsego County and the local business community, saying Otsego County, its residents, and business owners have already sacrificed enough.
“Business owners and residents have been vigilant and following all the rules and guidelines during COVID. We had one of the lowest infection and hospitalization rates in the state. Everyone was working to reopen in a safe and responsible manner.”
“Now, the failure to adequately prevent and respond to the crisis at SUNY Oneonta has resulted in our county having one of the top infection rates and has put us on the front page of every paper in the state,” Oberacker continued.
“We need help and since this predicament was caused by a state institution, we now look to the state for the aid and relief we so desperately need,” Oberacker concluded.
###