City OKs $5,000 for highway campaign

OGDENSBURG — A group that supports development of a four-lane highway through the north country will get $5,000 from the city in its quest to raise $150,000 to finance a marketing campaign.

The City Council voted 4-3 at a Monday night meeting to donate the money to the Northern Corridor Transportation group. Voting in favor were councilors Michael D. Morley, Douglas Sholette, Daniel E. Skamperle and R. Storm Cilley. Mayor William D. Nelson, Michael B. Powers and Nicholas J. Vaugh voted against the measure.

The vote came despite a written warning from City Attorney Andrew Silver that said: "The state constitution prohibits municipalities from giving money in aid of any private organization. While proponents of the highway could argue that the donation is for the benefit of the public, highway detractors could also argue that the purpose is clearly to advance the efforts of a private entity."

Mr. Silver suggested in his memo that the council get an opinion about the propriety of the donation from the state comptroller before taking action.

"I think it's a worthy cause. However, we have to do it by the law," Mr. Vaugh said before his motion to table the vote failed to get supported by other councilors.

Mr. Morley said that the city has to help with the movement to bring the highway to the region.

"I think the attorney is wrong in his opinion," Mr. Morley said. "We've got to give some money to get a benefit."