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. Continue reading
