The law would require county leadership to disclose names of donors who gift more than $10,000 to fund the aquarium to the legislature’s chair.
Aquarium Project
Posted inAquarium Project
Friends of the Zoo comes to agreement with McMahon after alleging the county was ‘threatening the very existence’ of the nonprofit
Friends Vice Chair Megan Thomas on Tuesday accused county officials of carrying out a “campaign of retaliation” after the nonprofit declined to contribute $1 million toward the aquarium.
Posted inAquarium Project
Onondaga County officials are ‘threatening the very existence’ of Friends of the Zoo, nonprofit’s leadership says
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon asked Friends of the Zoo officials to donate $1 million toward the county’s aquarium. When Friends officials gave a lukewarm response, pressure mounted, they said.
Posted inAquarium Project
The aquarium gets a new name and new donors — as Onondaga County Legislature Democrats try to curtail McMahon’s power
For the last year, Chief Fiscal Officer Kristi Smiley has been able to accept donations on behalf of Friends of the Aquarium without approval by the legislature. Democrats proposed legislation to change that.
Posted inNews
As the cost of Onondaga County’s new aquarium climbs over $100M, legislature fights over donor transparency
Some legislators raised concerns over “famously anonymous” donor rolls.
Posted inAquarium Project
Onondaga County legislators are still getting emails asking them to stop the aquarium. It’s too late, they say
Legislators acknowledged the aquarium will open this year and plan to turn their attention to making the aquarium work for residents.
Posted inOnondaga County
Onondaga County legislators likely to dump transparency for aquarium donations
The county has made similar exceptions for the Erie Canal Museum and Rosamond Gifford Zoo. An open government expert says it’s not best practice.
Posted inEconomic Development
Syracuse wants your input on its Onondaga Lakefront revitalization plans
The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, which includes the inner harbor, calls for community input. Here’s how to add your voice.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Micron, Interstate 81 and elections: Looking back at 2022 in Central New York
Read some of our best journalism from 2022 on the government and politics beat.
Posted inAquarium Project
How an Onondaga County legislator voted for the $85M aquarium from the Jersey Shore
Legislator Mark Olson voted from the Jersey Shore because of a family vacation he takes every year.