Leon Koziol, Where are You?

It has been well over a month since Mr. Koziol announced his candidacy for Oneida County Executive -- and we have not heard a peep out of him since.

We had looked forward to his candidacy as an intelligent, articulate alternative to the current powers that be. Appearing to be no "yes" man for anyone, we had hoped that his candidacy would at least result in the thorough vetting of the many issues that plague this county. But while issues presenting opportunities for discussion have arisen, Mr. Koziol is no where to be found.

Leon, what are you waiting for?

Your silence gives us a license to speculate.

Are you waiting for "support" from your Democratic Party? If you are, then a reassessment of your intelligence is in order. You know you were double crossed by your party last year, when they got you to drop out of running for Congress with the promise of an "endorsement" for State Senator -- only to have your party give you a primary. Don't expect any support from them -- but you might get support from grassroots members if you show them that you mean business.

Are you trying to "get even" for what your party did to you last year, by taking up the top spot on the ballot and then intentionally losing the election? If so, how do you know that you are not giving your party exactly what it wants? The public has long suspected that there is no real two-party system operating locally -- just a bunch of insiders making deals with each other behind closed doors. Wouldn't it be sweeter to win the election, and then tell party leaders to go to hell when they come knocking at your door for patronage?

Are you not really interested in the position? That would be understandable. You appear to have a successful law practice that you would have to put aside. Perhaps you are unprepared to make that sacrifice. If so, why did you announce for the position? Was it out of frustration at seeing the region go down the toilet? Or was it merely vanity?

Do you think you need money for advertising? There are plenty of alternative venues for getting your word out. Your opponent has become a boring fixture on WIBX with nothing substantive to say. From your performance in last year's TV debate, you would be much more interesting -- and listeners might learn some things from you. There is also Common Cents, public access TV, your own website, letters to the editor, press releases, etc. etc. These alternatives can be better than advertising because you can develop the issues. People already know your name -- but they need to know how you think.

Do you think you have to have solutions to all our problems? If so, then you would be wrong. Our problems are numerous and complex, and have developed over many years. They will take a long time to solve. "Quick fixes" to old problems have only bought us new ones. What the public is looking for is someone who displays an understanding of the issues that face the county, a willingness to listen to what the public has to say, and an ability to address the public's concerns in arriving at solutions. Do you have these qualities? If so, then show the public that you do.

We know your feelings on the sales tax, and the Indian land claim. What are your feelings about

• the Consent Order, and the manner in which it was handled?
  
• the Park Ave. parking proposal?
  
• EDGE's performance?
  
• the Marcy Chip-Fab site?
  
• the old OC Airport and Homeland Security Training Center?
  
• the Griffiss Institute?
  
• the region's urban sprawl without population growth?
  
• the use of authorities to provide municipal services?
  
• continuation of the County's responsibility for the Part County Sewer District?
  
• tax-base sharing?
  
• cooperation vs. consolidation of services vs merger of local governments?
  
• windmills?
  
• municipal power?
• Oneida County's relationship with Herkimer County?
  
• etc. etc. etc.

There is plenty to talk about.

Leon, let us hear from you!