Onondaga County Legislature

STATEMENT by Chairwoman Nicole Watts on the Local Laws passed by the Onondaga County Legislature in the June Session

“I’m seeing and hearing the conversation about the Good Governance Laws everywhere I go in the community. We believe voters should be the ones to make these important decisions on 1) term limits for elected offices and 2) who appoints someone to temporarily represent voters when a legislator steps down.

We will await to see if the County Executive will send these decisions to the ballot for voters to decide.”

Statement on Good Governance Laws - Legislature By Chairwoman Nicole Watts “I’m seeing and hearing the conversation about the Good Governance Laws everywhere I go in the community. We believe voters should be the ones to make […]

Perfect sun 😍 for this past weekend. We ran into Legislators Rich McCarron (District 11) and Jeremiah Thompson (District 4) while on the hunt for plantains, pikliz, lemonade and so many wings 😋

It’s officially Central New York ☀️

Statement from Chairwoman Nicole Watts on proposed local laws coming to Ways & Means Committee Meeting: ..."these local laws warrant our attention and a conversion. They are focused on the safety of residents and re-focusing political and governing power back to residents."

Today’s Memorial Day service, against the backdrop of dew, rain, and flags, was a quiet but resolute moment of reflection on the Americans and the families whose sacrifices made us and keep us a safe and just democracy.

Our legislators were present to greet Gold Star families and share their respects. To all of our military families, thank you for your past and present service. And to those whose families experienced loss while serving, you have our deepest and most solemn respect. Thank you also to and for their visible work to honor families and the veterans memorial site.

We joined Legislator Ellen Block (District 5) at today for a night out with our foster parents. It was impossible to not feel heart tugs at seeing a room filled with certified foster parents sharing stories and support.

Legislator Block is a member of the Health and Human Services Committee and a mental health counselor. She shared words of gratitude and a story of how she encountered hopeful foster families doing the very work our families are doing today—opening their hearts and homes to a child in need of them.

Thank YOU to our team at Child and Family Services (pictured above) for how you show up for our parents and families. Learn how you can become a certified foster parent by visiting www.onfostercare.org.

Today, the gallery is filled with stakeholders sharing testimony on Health and Human Services Committee Public Hearing #1 on how county services can support children and teens.

Viewers can watch at YouTube.com/

The Health & Human Services Committee will continue receiving written comments at [email protected] until Thursday May 14, 11:59pm.

Opinion piece from Chairwoman Nicole Watts, Onondaga County Legislator.

"...we’re serious about our responsibility to represent constituents’ concerns, manage public funds and provide balanced oversight of executive actions. When weaknesses in policy come up, this legislature will act."

Onondaga County Dems: We’re not done governing in alignment with you (Guest Opinion by Nicole Watts) Changes at OCIDA are just the beginning, writes legislature chair. "My commitment is to govern openly, ask hard questions and ensure your voice is part of every major decision."

The Health & Human Services Committee of the County Legislature will host upcoming public hearings on county services provided to children and teens.

Families, young people, and programs are invited to share their questions, ideas, and concerns about county services for children and teens. There are two opportunities to offer remarks:

Health and Human Services Committee Public Hearing #1 May 13 at 12:00 p.m. at the County Courthouse in Legislature Chambers 401 Montgomery St. Syracuse 13202

Health and Human Services Committee Public Hearing #2 May 14 at 6:00 p.m. at Salt City Market Community Room at 484 S. Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13202

“We wanted to have flexibility for people that work during the day and can’t make a noon meeting,” said Committee Chairman Leg. Dan Romeo. “We know that, given the range and complexity of all the things our children and families struggle with, this is an area that needs every voice. Every opportunity to hear from families and the situations they’re struggling with is an opportunity to work with the Executive Administration on improving County services.”

Read more at:
https://onondaga.gov/legislature/2026/05/07/health-and-human-services-announces-public-hearing-on-county-services-for-children-and-teens/