Congressman Bill Owens leads a X-Country ski group on the Thendara Golf Club trails. Photo by Wende Carr
Congressman Bill Owens paid a visit to Old Forge on Friday, January 11 to meet with area business owners and Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer to discuss their concerns regarding the local tourism industry.
Owens, who was accompanied by staff from his Watertown office, is familiarizing himself with the region following the recent redistricting which resulted in his jurisdiction over District 21.
Councilwoman Kate Russell talks to Congressman Bill Owens about issues in the Town of Webb. Photos by Wende Carr.
Among business operators visited by Owens were Kelly and Katie Noonan, representing Old Forge Camping Resort, Enchanted Forest/Water Safari, and Water’s Edge Inn.
The Noonans expressed their concern over the effects that a large proposed jump in the minimum wage would have on their payroll. They described how their 30-person year-round staff increases to 400 in the summer at Water Safari alone.
They also discussed increases in health insurance costs, as well as delays in implementing Obama’s health care reforms.
Farmer escorted Owens to the Visitor Information Center where he was joined by Herkimer County Legislator Patrick Russell and Webb Councilwoman Kate Russell.
From there, the group departed for McCauley Mountain Ski Area where Owens talked with McCauley staff and witnessed first-hand the activity on the slopes and inside the chalet.
Council-woman Russell, who serves on the McCauley Mountain Improvement Committee, asked for Owens’ support for funding to make needed improvements at the chalet, chairlift and trails.
She told Owens that an energy audit is being conducted as a step toward chalet improvements, and that new windows were on order.
Following the tour, Owens commented on the age span of skiers utilizing the mountain, and the fact that it has turned out a couple of Olympians.
“Today, I learned how integrated the community is with McCauley Mountain, and how much use they get out of it,” Owens said.
Following the McCauley trip, Farmer escorted Owens, a veteran cross-country skier, and his entourage to Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co. where they rented cross-country ski equipment.
They then tested out the gear on the trails at the Thendara Golf Course.
In describing other recreational opportunities in the area, Farmer told Owens how Old Forge is living up to its reputation as “the snowmobile capital of the east.”
“We’re seeing people who have never been here before,” Farmer said
Farmer explained that once visitors come to Old Forge in one season and learn about what the region has to offer in the other seasons, they come back.
Legislator Russell said the tourism activity translates into a huge influx of sales tax for the county.
In concluding his visit, Owens said he invites discussion from those he serves in his district.
“I want my constituents to talk to me. I want to hear what’s on their minds. I want to hear the issues they have, but I also want to hear the solutions they’re proposing.
I’m a straight-shooter. I’ll tell you what I think I can do, but if I can’t, I’ll tell you that as well,” he said.
Following his tour of Old Forge, Owens was headed for a similar visit to Long Lake.
