Meet Utica’s New Economic Development Commissioner
Utica, NY (WIBX) - Randy Soggs, a New Hartford resident, is the newly appointed Economic Development Commissioner for the City of Utica.Mayor David Roefaro says although Utica's residency law can hinder his ability to hire a more qualified candidate, he was able to use his waiver power to select Soggs to fill the position.
He said, "When they talk about regionalization and consolidation how can you have any of these things if you can't cross the line to go right to your neighbors and see if they have any assets in their area that would benefit us. And this is what I call a benefit to us in the City of Utica--economic development has no boundaries, you've got to be able to work across the state and that's what Randy does. And as the Mayor over my Department heads, I have waiver power for my top employees."
Roefaro said these types of jobs are not protected by the Civil Service Department or Unions, he said they are jobs that come and go at the will of one person that would be the Mayor. He added that although he's planning to be the Mayor for another term, it's tough to ask someone to uproot their home for a temporary and political position such as Economic Development Commissioner.
Soggs who has a Masters in Business and a Law Degree said he applied for the position because he saw a need that he believes he can fill. He said, "I thought I could bring a unique set of skills because I work as a developer, I understand the real property side of the business. I've also been a lobbyist for real estate projects like the International Council of Shopping Centers --I was a New York State representative for the project--we lobbied in Albany, we lobbied in Washington, and I just felt that I had a unique position and I also had the rare thing of having a company that can somewhat run it self, and have the flexibility that I can go work full time some place to see if I can help." He added that he saw some opportunities that were missed by the previous Commissioner and that some things could have been done better. His annual salary will be $75,000.
Roefaro said some of the projects Soggs will undertake are Harbor Point, the Downtown Parking Garage, the Rust2Green Program, and the YMCA Veterans Access Center. He said, "I've also asked him to convene a voluntary advisory board made up of local business leaders. As I finish my first term as Mayor, when I spend time planning for the long term, I'm going to focus more and more on local businesses and creating jobs." He says the new Commissioner will play a vital role in ensuring that his three year planning objective continues to produce results throughout the City of Utica.
More From WIBX 950
