Congressman's comments on Utica continue to spark disgust

By By GARY LIBERATORE

Story Created: Dec 12, 2008 at 3:59 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 12, 2008 at 6:21 PM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - A New York City area congressman isn't too popular here in the Mohawk Valley.

An article in Thursday's edition of the New York Post has a rather interesting reference to the city of Utica. In the Post, a reporter talked to Congressman Gary Ackerman of Queens about the rumored possibility that Caroline Kennedy could replace Hillary Clinton representing New York State in the U.S. Senate. During the conversation, Congressman Ackerman said he wouldn't want to replace Clinton in the Senate because quote....."I don't do Utica, and that's a qualification for the job."

That quote has everyone we talked to here in snowy Utica upset, including politicians. State Senator Joe Griffo of Rome actually has already sent a letter to Congressman Ackerman expressing his disappointment.

Utica Mayor David Roefaro says "I think an apology is due, we're trying to make this community better, and even though he may have said it in jest, he may have taken it the wrong way, I don't do Utica, that's not a very nice comment."

Utica Resident Rob Laducci, says "I think it's absolutely ludicrous. I think if he's not interested in Utica, we don't want him, totally, that's my reaction to it, I'm being very honest." 

 

 

To contact Congressman Ackerman, he can be reached via his website: http://www.house.gov/ackerman/contact.shtml

 
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