Jim Farrell is running for his fourth term in the Onondaga County Legislature, 4th District. 

Election day is November 6, 2007. 

Following is a brief statement of four important elements that guide my decision-making and actions as your county legislator. 

The STREAMLINING OF GOVERNMENT is critical to improving our local economy, providing new jobs, and enhancing the quality of life shared by the residents of Onondaga County.

• I am a strong proponent of  "government modernization".  I am active participant in our drive to move government into the 21st century.
   

• I believe the first step would be the consolidation of those redundant services having similar goals & service delivery systems.

Simple and straightforward ideas which I have put forth as county legislator include:

• The county DOT sharing with all municipalities within the county it's snowplowing route optimization software (the county's use of this software has resulted in substantial increase in efficiency and reduction in cost

• The county offering to each municipality to share and utilize the county's self-insured health benefits plan.  Over the past several years, the county has been successful at limiting the cost increases for providing healthcare coverage to its employees.  Today, equivalent coverage is less expensive for the county than for most municipalities.

Everyone agrees, our TAXES are high.  

• High state and local taxes are the primary reason that our local economy struggles and appears less vibrant than those in other states.

• There is no simple answer. 

• I have years of experience owning and managing multi-million dollar businesses - balancing revenue with expenditures; implementing growth measures when affordable.

• The key to lowering costs is by increasing the efficiency and productivity of our government offices.  

• I bring a businessman's approach to county government, an understanding that we cannot continue to increase costs - taxes.  If we do, our customers - our residents, our children - will look at other locations, no longer wishing to pay the price of living in central New York.  Over the past 5 years as a county legislator, I have been a consistent voice for reasonable, prudent spending. 

 An economy is most healthy when fueled by good JOBS that pay a good wage. 

•  We will build an economy of good jobs only if we continue the push to attract new companies and, more importantly, to grow our local companies.  
   

• As county legislator, I approved of the county executive's addition of 2 business development specialists in our economic development office. 

• I supported the county effort to attract new investment through the dedication of personnel and funding of a robust, business attraction program. 

• In addition, for the past 5 years, I have been a member of the Onondaga County Empire Zone Administration Board.  According to the state, our Zone is the best managed zone in NY.  Our board is a model for how to do it right.

LEADERSHIP is a quality any elected representative requires.

• A leader is created by his or her experiences, successes and failures.  A leader must have the wisdom, courage and ability to look beyond their own circumstances, and to make difficult decisions when others choose not to. 
   

• I have the breadth of experience necessary to represent constituents well, as any leader should.
    

• I have the experience of creating new solutions, challenging the old, and building alliances.