Chairman Meyer called the hearing to order at 2:25 p.m.
The Clerk called the roll and the following legislators were present: Legislators Lesniak, Stott, Rapp, Rhinehart, Buckel, Corbett, Stanczyk, Holmquist, Kilmartin, DeMore, Warner, Jordan, Kinne, Laguzza, Masterpole, Williams, Winslow, Meyer.
The Clerk read the notice of public hearing. Chairman Meyer asked if any speakers wished to be heard.
Larry Corso, veteran Belongs to many veterans’ organizations, including Post 41 American Legion; proudly a member of the Veteran’s Bar. Now seeking the Legislature’s help and endorsement for the veterans. Every veteran that took the oath is under, was under orders of the President of the United States. When they are called into action, they go into action. There is nothing going on right now, but you never know what is going to happen. Our veterans all take the oath of following the orders of the President of the United States — the veteran does not stand alone. Most of the time, the veteran has a wife, children, family, friends, comrades. Anything that you can do to help the veteran is going to help those people I just mentioned.
William Davern: Seconds what Mr. Corso had to say. I would really appreciate your support on this, and I would like to share with you more an example of why non-combat veterans are so important. I am a full-time alumni member of the 174th• I had the opportunity and the honor to be activated for the Cold War Early Crisis. What was important to us over in Europe is that our combat-ready fighter squadrons had to be almost 100 percent ready in case the Russians came over the border. The most important thing we heard from the top down was, “Be ready!” Our non-combat support people kept us there. Our fighter squadron was 95 percent ready for combat as compared to many in Europe at about 78 percent. The non-combat veterans really helped us a lot with all of our equipment, our fighter planes, and keeping us ready to go. I really believe they deserve this exemption also. I also am on the Town Board of Camillus, and I do know when you pass this we will consider this. I am sure it will pass in the Town of Camillus.
Jesse Moleski: II have been waiting 51 years for some recognition. I spent three years in the army, 26 months in Europe, and I was ready to go when the Russians invaded Hungary, or the Hungarian people.
Ed Szczesniak: Supports this property tax exemption for the Cold War Veterans for a particular reason. I had twenty six years of service. I was fortunate to be able to serve during the time of VietNam; be there; do my thing; do my part. Throughout the service there was always a time when they considered the active duty folks, as well as the permanent active duty folks, the National Guards and the Reserves. Many times people saw the National Guard and the Reserves as step sisters and step brothers to the active force – but throughout my service there were no less of a commitment from those folks than there was from the full-time active duty folks. This is a small token of recognition for the type of service that they have always given to our country and to all of us in this room. Encouraged legislators to support this property tax exemption for Cold War Veterans.
There being no further speakers, Chairman Meyer closed the hearing at 2:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
DEBORAH L. MATURO, Clerk
Onondaga County Legislature