Community News

The City of Oswego's elected officials gathered on Monday at noon in the Common Council chamber to inaugurate Robert "Rob" Corradino as Oswego's sixty ninth mayor.

Officiating at the ceremony was New York State Supreme Court Justice Greg Gilbert, who administered the oath of office to Corradino, as well as to the city's seven common council members and to City Court Judge Tim Kirwan. Corradino will serve a four year term, while the councilors will run for election again in 2026. Kirwan's term is ten years in length.

The Council Chamber gallery was packed to capacity, and an overflow crowd spilled over into the rotunda. Past mayors Terry Hammill, John Gosek Sr. and Billy Barlow were in attendance. They were joined by family members of the new officials, city and county department heads, and a myriad of other well wishers.

Mayor Corradino welcomed those attending and made some brief remarks. He spoke of the successes that the city has achieved in the last eight years under the leadership of outgoing Mayor Barlow, along with his own stewardship as Common Council President. He gave thanks to his family, particularly his wife Eva, daughter Lauren and son Joe for supporting his decision to take part in local government. The Mayor also credited area labor unions for supporting his candidacy and aiding in getting voters to turn out in November.

When Mayor Barlow was introduced, he was given a standing ovation from the audience in thanks for his ten years of service to the community, especially his leadership during the pandemic. Barlow, the Vice President of Public Affairs & System Development for Oswego Health, when asked what he'll be doing now that he is no longer Mayor said, "I'm leaving on vacation early tomorrow morning!"

City Historian Mark Slosek spoke about the long history of the city, from its incorporation as a village in 1828 through several ensuing eras of development. Slosek said that in the post-World War II era the city had experienced a general decline in its economy and population, but since 2016 has seen a resurgence in confidence and the beginnings of a return to prosperity. Mayor Corradino echoed Slosek's sentiment in his own remarks, emphatically stating, "The City of Oswego is BACK!"

Following Slosek's remarks, Justice Gilbert began the swearing-in process with Mayor Corradino. Following were the seven council members: Kyle Walton, Shawn Burridge, Jesse Vanucchi, Shawn Walker, John Gosek Jr., Timothy Plunkett and Peter Allen. Judge Kirwan's was the final oath administered, followed by an invocation by Rev. John Cannoro of Christ the Good Shepherd Parish.

The first Common Council meeting of the year was then called to order. The brief meeting sets the ground rules under which the council and city will operate during the coming year. 6th ward Councilor Tim Plunkett was appointed as President of the council, while the 2nd ward's Councilor Burridge will be Vice-President.

Mayor Corradino stressed during his remarks that his administration will be a team effort. "I need the support of the seven council members who are sitting here before you, along with all those in City Hall, the DPW, and the Fire and Police Departments," he said. "I am optimistic that together we can build on the firm foundation we've created in the past eight years. Together we can make Oswego an even greater place to live, work, and play."

CORRECTION, JANUARY 2, 2024: An earlier version of this story mistakenly listed 4th ward Councilor Shawn Walker as President of the Common Council.