Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.
OPINION: Colleges Must Provide a Safe Learning Space for All Students
New York’s college campuses are no place for antisemitism, hate speech, or violence of any kind, and any university administration that fails to ensure as much has no business running a school in our state. Incidents at Cornell University, where a student was arrested for promoting gruesome violence against the Jewish community, and in our […]
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
New York’s college campuses are no place for antisemitism, hate speech, or violence of any kind, and any university administration that fails to ensure as much has no business running a school in our state. Incidents at Cornell University, where a student was arrested for promoting gruesome violence against the Jewish community, and in our City University of New York (CUNY) schools have led to serious concerns about our state’s learning environments.
“Violence and hatred must not be allowed to fester in our colleges.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul [recently] ordered a probe for incidents of antisemitism at CUNY schools. While I support this measure, there is more we must do to ensure the safety of the students, faculty, and educators living and commuting to our college campuses. For that reason, the Assembly Minority Conference has sponsored new legislation to protect and prevent students from facing unsafe learning conditions on campuses in the state. Additionally, I have called for answers from university officials about these incidents in an open letter that can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wKHutGc0zxEjXEqlwEOCi7oWcfRIJX55/view
Our proposed “Dismantling Student Antisemitism Act” (DSA Act), spearheaded by Assemblyman Ed Ra (R–Franklin Square), would require sensitivity training for students, faculty, and staff and establish baseline reporting requirements for institutions of higher education to combat a growing, unsettling rise in antisemitism.
In the wake of the devastating Hamas terror attack that took place in Israel on Saturday, Oct. 7, we have seen a 400 percent spike in antisemitic incidents. No New Yorker should ever be subjected to hate-based harassment, and that is especially true of our college campuses where students and staff must be free to communicate and learn in safety.
Among the provisions included in the DSA Act are:
• The establishment and implementation of a training program for all current and new employees, and a requirement all college and university administrators, faculty, staff, and students attend training seminars;
• Mandatory consultation with an expert in the areas of antisemitism awareness, prevention, and Jewish history and culture to conduct the training;
• The dissemination of information pertaining to such policies and procedures to the New York State Education Department on an annual basis;
• The publication of such information regarding who to contact with questions regarding the policy and how to report violations of this policy; and
• State-aid penalties for failing to comply with the requirements of the legislation.
Violence and hatred must not be allowed to fester in our colleges. Before this problem gets worse, I am calling for immediate action both on campus and in the state legislature. Anything less from university and government officials represents a willful failure to protect our students and communities.
William (Will) A. Barclay, 54, Republican, is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses all of Oswego County, as well as parts of Jefferson and Cayuga counties.
OPINION: Why Does the House Speaker Matter, Anyway?
It would be a stretch to say that the U.S. government came to a standstill after GOP members of the House unseated Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House at the start of October. The Senate and executive branch both kept working to move their priorities forward during the three weeks before the House finally
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
It would be a stretch to say that the U.S. government came to a standstill after GOP members of the House unseated Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House at the start of October. The Senate and executive branch both kept working to move their priorities forward during the three weeks before the House finally found a replacement — [Mike Johnson of Louisiana]. Federal workers kept programs running and operations on an even keel.
Yet the House’s dysfunction had a clear cost: an inability to act on key initiatives, like aid to Ukraine and to Israel; weeks lost before a looming government shutdown; and a sense both at home and abroad that a key part of our democracy had simply frozen in place. So you might be wondering: How could it be that one vacancy would cause so much trouble?
Interestingly, the Constitution doesn’t say much about the Speaker’s role, though it does mention it, right there in Article 1, Section 2: “The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers…” As the National Constitution Center put it some years back, “The Founders’ intention appeared to be for the Speaker to serve as a parliamentarian and peace maker, more along the lines of the speaker in the British House of Commons.”
Over the centuries, however, the House Speaker has evolved to become one of the most powerful positions in Washington, D.C. — not on a par with the presidency, but not far behind. That’s because the House — the chamber where taxing and spending originate, and indispensable to passing legislation and creating congressional policy — depends fully on the Speaker of the House to operate. The Speaker sets the House agenda, establishes its work and voting calendar, controls committee assignments, and decides which bills will get voted on. The Speaker then oversees the votes themselves, determines how debate will unfold on the floor, and appoints the staffers who are key to the House’s functioning, like the parliamentarian.
The Speaker is also the leader of his or her party in the House, with the power, at least in theory, to call the tune on the party’s legislative initiatives and to make or derail a president’s agenda. An effective Speaker of the House does all this by using the incentives and punishments under her or his control to keep legislators — especially rebellious ones — in line. This is crucial: The House is a fractious place, filled with big egos, powerful politicians, and multiple factions forming around ideology, geography, legislative priority, and other fault lines. In a sense, the Speaker’s role is to make the chamber work in spite of itself.
When I served in the House, new members learned quickly that if they wanted to get something done, the first call you made was to the Speaker. And that you should never try an end run around the Speaker.
Because of the Constitution’s vagueness, the Speaker’s role has always been a matter of tradition, precedent, and a response to the needs of the moment. Early on, under the parliamentary manual written by Thomas Jefferson and made a formal part of House rules in 1837, the Speaker wasn’t even supposed to talk on the House floor during debates. So it’s hardly unprecedented for legislators to agitate for a relatively weak Speakership. The question faced by the majority of House members who actually want to get something done, however, is how long they’re willing to countenance a Speaker who’s so hemmed in by rank-and-file members that the House — the so-called people’s body — can’t do its job.
Lee Hamilton, 92, is a senior advisor for the Indiana University (IU) Center on Representative Government, distinguished scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, and professor of practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Hamilton, a Democrat, was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years (1965-1999), representing a district in south-central Indiana.

ASHLEY (GREENLEE) OSBORN has joined Riger Marketing Communications as an account executive. Osborn was previously the marketing director for Maguire Family of Dealerships, based in Ithaca. Prior to that, she worked as the digital marketing manager for Jim Rollo State Farm, based in Endwell. She was previously a client of Riger’s at Maguire. At Riger,
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
ASHLEY (GREENLEE) OSBORN has joined Riger Marketing Communications as an account executive. Osborn was previously the marketing director for Maguire Family of Dealerships, based in Ithaca. Prior to that, she worked as the digital marketing manager for Jim Rollo State Farm, based in Endwell. She was previously a client of Riger’s at Maguire. At Riger, she will direct and coordinate day-to-day client service and deliverables on behalf of the agency’s current and new clients. Osborn is a graduate of Lyndon State College in Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in new media studies.

Solvay Bank recently hired FELECIA FOX, JOSEPH SKINNER, and GRAHM SYLVESTER. Fox joined the bank’s Baldwinsville branch as an assistant branch manager. She has four years of banking experience and worked as a retail banker III at Woodforest, before joining Solvay Bank. Fox is a graduate of Rome Free Academy and has previous volunteer experience
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
Solvay Bank recently hired FELECIA FOX, JOSEPH SKINNER, and GRAHM SYLVESTER. Fox joined the bank’s Baldwinsville branch as an assistant branch manager. She has four years of banking experience and worked as a retail banker III at Woodforest, before joining Solvay Bank. Fox is a graduate of Rome Free Academy and has previous volunteer experience at the Salvation Army.
Solvay Bank added Skinner to its commercial-lending team as VP, commercial-loan officer. He has 13 years of commercial-banking experience and worked at HSBC Bank and M&T Bank before joining the Solvay Bank team. Skinner received his MBA in business finance at Niagara University and was a board member on the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation, as well as a member of its finance committee.
Sylvester joined the Solvay Bank customer relations and operations team as an assistant VP, customer relations & operations assistant manager. He has worked in the banking industry for six years, with previous experience in branch management and retail-operations consulting. Sylvester is a graduate of Waldorf University.

TRICIA STICCA recently joined Emergent, a coaching and consulting firm, as an associate coach. She joins Emergent after gaining firsthand experience as a client. With a career spanning more than 25 years in the business sector, Sticca brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in sales and relationship management. Her credentials indicate her passion for
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
TRICIA STICCA recently joined Emergent, a coaching and consulting firm, as an associate coach. She joins Emergent after gaining firsthand experience as a client. With a career spanning more than 25 years in the business sector, Sticca brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in sales and relationship management. Her credentials indicate her passion for coaching and expertise in the field. Sticca has been certified by the International Coaching Federation (or ICF), specializing in transitions and leadership. Her certifications as a full focused planner certified professional and positive intelligence coach further underscore her commitment to personal and professional growth. Sticca’s addition to the coaching team marks an important step in Emergent’s continuous growth and commitment to delivering exceptional coaching services.

CESAR VAZQUEZ, JR. has been appointed senior retirement-plan consultant. Vazquez will work directly with Tompkins’ wealth advisors and affiliate partners as their subject-matter expert. They will collaborate and identify ways in which Tompkins can bring value with improved retirement-plan solutions, as well as enhanced plan design, services for plan sponsors, and coordination of vendor relationships.
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
CESAR VAZQUEZ, JR. has been appointed senior retirement-plan consultant. Vazquez will work directly with Tompkins’ wealth advisors and affiliate partners as their subject-matter expert. They will collaborate and identify ways in which Tompkins can bring value with improved retirement-plan solutions, as well as enhanced plan design, services for plan sponsors, and coordination of vendor relationships. Vazquez comes to Tompkins Financial Advisors with 35 years of work experience, including 22 in the retirement-plan industry (with extensive knowledge in retirement-plan designs, compliance, and industry knowledge), 13 years in the financial and banking industry, having previously served as the retirement-plan service manager and consultant for Wealth Enhancement Group’s QCI Team, EPIC Retirement Plan Services, Lifetime Benefits Solutions, and more. He holds an associate degree in business administration from Monroe Community College, a bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. John Fisher College, and certification from Accredited Investments Fiduciary (AIF).

MOHAMMAD FAHAD ALI, MD, who is currently the director of endoscopy at Oswego Health, was recently appointed as chief of gastroenterology and hepatology and director of the Center For Gastroenterology & Metabolic Diseases. In this new role, Dr. Ali will assist and oversee the establishment of protocols and patient pathways related to the provision of
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
MOHAMMAD FAHAD ALI, MD, who is currently the director of endoscopy at Oswego Health, was recently appointed as chief of gastroenterology and hepatology and director of the Center For Gastroenterology & Metabolic Diseases. In this new role, Dr. Ali will assist and oversee the establishment of protocols and patient pathways related to the provision of gastroenterology services to increase efficiency. He will also serve as a mentor to Oswego Health providers and staff to ensure safe, quality, and efficient care. Dr. Ali joined the Center for Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases in March and is already making an impact here in the community, the health system said. Dr. Ali has experience treating a variety of gastroenterology diseases and has a special interest in GI motility and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Prior to joining Oswego Health, Ali worked at the Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, where he served as the chair of the Department of Medicine and the chief of endoscopy since 2021.
Oswego Health also recently added two physician assistants, KATELYN QUEHL and HELEN WILLIAMS, to support specialty care services throughout the community. Quehl joins the Center for Surgical Services. Originally from Pulaski, Quehl earned her physician assistant master’s degree in August from Upstate Medical University and her bachelor’s degree in biology in 2015 from SUNY Polytechnic Institute. In 2017, she also received her paramedic certification, and for the past six years has worked for both Menter and NOCA Ambulance as an RSI and vent-certified paramedic. Williams joins the Center for Orthopedic Care. Originally from Skaneateles, she earned her physician assistant master’s degree in August from Upstate Medical University and her bachelor’s degree in athletic training in 1999 from Springfield College in Massachusetts.
Williams has worked as a strength and conditioning coach, caring for athletes from junior high school to collegiate to professional. Most recently, she was a health and wellness director in Skaneateles, overseeing operations and managing all health and wellness-related programming. In addition, Williams assisted in program implementation for LiveStrong at both the Skaneateles and Auburn YMCA branches.

UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health has added BETH BEASLEY, a physician assistant, to its urgent care team. Beasley earned her bachelor’s degree in physician assistant studies from Butler University. With more than 20 years of experience as a physician’s assistant, she previously worked at UR Medicine Thompson Health in urgent care, family practice, and pediatrics.
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health has added BETH BEASLEY, a physician assistant, to its urgent care team. Beasley earned her bachelor’s degree in physician assistant studies from Butler University. With more than 20 years of experience as a physician’s assistant, she previously worked at UR Medicine Thompson Health in urgent care, family practice, and pediatrics. UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health urgent-care services are designed for all minor injuries and unexpected illnesses including orthopaedic injuries, dental pain, minor wounds requiring sutures, minor cuts and burns, sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections, colds and flu-like illnesses, sore throats, earaches, and cough. UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health has two urgent-care locations in Geneva and Seneca Falls.

CORY POPLAWSKI has joined Barclay Damon as an associate in the law firm’s torts & products liability defense and professional liability practice areas. His primary office is Syracuse. Poplawski has litigation experience drafting and arguing motions, conducting legal research, and witness and trial preparation. He also has experience conducting depositions. Prior to joining Barclay Damon,
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
CORY POPLAWSKI has joined Barclay Damon as an associate in the law firm’s torts & products liability defense and professional liability practice areas. His primary office is Syracuse. Poplawski has litigation experience drafting and arguing motions, conducting legal research, and witness and trial preparation. He also has experience conducting depositions. Prior to joining Barclay Damon, Poplawski was assistant corporation counsel for the Tort Division of the New York City Law Department. He also served as a law clerk at a law firm in Syracuse.
Ask Rusty: Why is my Age 70 Benefit not Higher than my January Amount?
Dear Rusty: I plan to retire in 2025 (the year I turn 70). Given that I’m still working, I’m delaying my Social Security until that year. I noticed on my Social Security statement that my payment in January 2025 will not be much different than my age 70 amount in October 2025. If that is
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
Dear Rusty: I plan to retire in 2025 (the year I turn 70). Given that I’m still working, I’m delaying my Social Security until that year. I noticed on my Social Security statement that my payment in January 2025 will not be much different than my age 70 amount in October 2025. If that is truly the case, would it not be better for me to start taking Social Security payments starting in January 2025? Am I missing anything here?
Signed: Uncertain Senior
Dear Uncertain Senior: Your benefit in October 2025 at age 70 will be about 6 percent more than it will be in January 2025. If that isn’t shown on your Statement of Estimated Benefits, it may be due to a particular nuance in Social Security’s rules relating to delayed retirement credits (DRCs). When benefits are claimed mid-year after full retirement age (FRA), the DRCs earned in that year aren’t applied until the following January. Thus, people who claim benefits to start mid-year will initially get the DRCs they have earned through the end of the previous year, but not immediately get credit for the additional DRCs earned during the claim-year. Those extra DRCs earned between January and the month benefits started will be applied the following January.
By way of example, if people who are beyond FRA claim benefits to start in October 2024, their initial SS retirement benefit will be what they were entitled to at the end of 2023 and would not include DRCs earned between January 2024 and September 2024. Those individuals will collect that initial January 2024 benefit until January 2025 when the DRCs earned in 2024 are applied, at which point their benefit would increase by 6 percent. There is, however, one exception to this rule, which is that all DRCs are immediately credited when benefits are claimed to start in the month age 70 is reached. So, despite what your Statement of Estimated Benefits might reflect, if you claim for benefits to start in the month you turn 70 (October 2025) you will get your maximum age 70 benefit immediately and won’t need to wait until January 2026 for those extra DRCs to be applied.
Unfortunately, Social Security’s benefit estimator doesn’t explain how this nuance works and may show someone claiming mid-year receiving the same benefit as for the preceding January, without further explanation. That is, in my opinion, a flaw in the estimator which may result in people making a wrong decision on when to claim their Social Security benefit. Nevertheless, rest assured that your benefit in October 2025 (the month you turn 70) will be your maximum amount — 6 percent more than it would be if you claimed benefits to start in January 2025, and you won’t need to wait until the following January to get the DRCs earned earlier in 2025.
Russell Gloor is a national Social Security advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC). The 2.4-million-member AMAC says it is a senior advocacy organization. Send your questions to: ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.
Author’s note: This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). The NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity.
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.