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Massena Mayor Wants Economic Developer Out

Story Published: Feb 1, 2012 at 7:26 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 1, 2012 at 7:53 PM EDT

Massena Mayor James Hidy wants Business Development Corporation Executive Director Jason Clark to either resign or be fired for focusing more on what he describes as "self interests" than bringing local jobs to the struggling community.

"No one's gonna come knocking on your door. You have to go out and find it..I don't see where he can rehabilitate himself to do what's necessary and that's why I asked for his resignation," said Hidy.
 
The mayor has been a vocal opponent of Clark's job performance, suggesting too much time has been spent promoting the I-98 four lane highway concept and not enough time recruiting new business and jobs.
 
"I feel that Mr. Clark is utilizing the I-98 as a self-motivating interest," said Hidy.

In a letter to BDC officials, the mayor cited what he described as Clark's "lack of commitment" to bringing new jobs to Massena.

But BDC officials say economic development doesn't happen overnight.

The agency's board of directors has also met with Clark and redefined its expectations.
 
"We're working to clarify our expectations of his day to day workload," said BDC President Dan Pease.                                                                                
 
Jason Clark, who also chairs the Northern Corridor Transportation Group, didn't return our phone calls for comment.

Pease tells us that included among the agency's top priority is the redevelopment of the former General Motors property.
 
Monday, May 20, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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