Rally To Save Oneida Correctional [GALLERY]

Utica, NY (WIBX) - "I want an explanation from the Governor, why? Why did he make the decision? Because he should be in front of these people explaining to them why they're not going to have their jobs in October."

A very upset Rome Mayor Jim Brown particpated in a rally with about 100 workers and their families regarding the proposed closure of the Oneida Correctional Facility in Rome.

State and county officials joined the crowd on Tuesday afternoon, outside the State Office Building in Utica.

"We just got through Rite Aid, 388 employees that we lost over there. Now we're talking about 500 corrections officers. You want to talk about an economic impact, it will take years for us to get through this," said Brown. "When you start to take a look at all the detail and logistics here, it makes no sense. The millions of dollars that we put into this facility that it should close."

"The parameters that the Governor is looking at is efficiency. We know we have to close some prisons, we have to cut jobs, but one of the things that struck me most about my tour of Oneida is that it is the model of efficiency and safety," said Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney. "Those are some of the most important factors that can go into keeping a prison."

Oneida is one of seven facilities in New York State that Governor Cuomo plans to close as a way to consolidate the state prison system and save money.