Sen. Aubertine Joins 2,000 to Support Ogdensburg Correctional Facility

OGDENSBURG (March 12, 2010)--State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine today joined community leaders and about 2,000 concerned citizens to show support the Ogdensburg Correctional Facility, which Gov. David Paterson slated for closure in his proposed budget.

“Make no mistake, keeping this facility open tops my list of my priorities,” Sen. Aubertine said. “It is shows of support like this that will help us achieve our goal of saving this facility and protecting the interests of this community. The people of Ogdensburg are being heard. Senate Leadership has heard you. The Upstate Caucus has heard you. The Senate Taskforce on Government Efficiency has heard you, and whether they want to listen or not, I’m going to make sure the governor, and his administration, hear you as well.”

Senator Aubertine has been working to protect the prison since the release of the Governor’s proposed budget which included notice of the intent to close four correctional facilities, including the Ogdensburg Correctional Facility in 2010-11—a cut that would provide no savings for the current budget crisis, but eliminate 287 much needed jobs for 2011-12. This move will surely damage the surrounding economy well beyond these jobs and the Senator is working to put language in the 2010-11 budget that will protect the facility for years to come.