Picente passes on bid for Congress, focuses energy on county initiatives

He said that “Washington is broken” and has often made it harder for him to do his job and move the community forward. In spite of that, he is proud of his record as county executive.

“During my administration, we have modernized government; created a national partnership model with the Oneida Indian Nation; made unprecedented investment in education and infrastructure; protected farming and farmers; addressed mental health, drug abuse, and school safety; fought the COVID-19 pandemic; rebuilt our healthcare system from the ground up; revolutionized our economy; and have not raised property taxes in nearly a decade,” he said.

Rather than run for Congress, Picente said it’s important to him to serve in a capacity where he can “get things done.” He noted previous accomplishments such as the Utica Comets, the upcoming Nexus Center in Utica, the opening of Wolfspeed at the Marcy Nanocenter, The Wynn Hospital under construction, the expansion of Rome Health, and more. There is still more to see through, he added.

“There is no better way to do that than to remain as county executive,” he said. “I am going to continue to do what I have done: lead this community forward with strong partnerships and tangible results. I thank you all for your unwavering support.”