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Olney Press Release On Jeff Smith Remarks On The Closing of The NYSP Investigation - 5-9-25

Former Mayor Jeff Smith has been accused of misleading the public regarding a closed investigation into the Watertown City Council's 2022 land purchase, despite no wrongdoing being found. The New York State Police confirmed the investigation's closure, and the City Comptroller stated that no federal funds were used in the purchase. The document emphasizes the need for truth over political attacks and calls for a focus on the city's future.

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6K views1 page

Olney Press Release On Jeff Smith Remarks On The Closing of The NYSP Investigation - 5-9-25

Former Mayor Jeff Smith has been accused of misleading the public regarding a closed investigation into the Watertown City Council's 2022 land purchase, despite no wrongdoing being found. The New York State Police confirmed the investigation's closure, and the City Comptroller stated that no federal funds were used in the purchase. The document emphasizes the need for truth over political attacks and calls for a focus on the city's future.

Uploaded by

Newzjunky
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 9, 2025

Subject: Former Mayor Jeff Smith Misleads Public Despite Closed Investigation

WATERTOWN, NY — Former Mayor Jeff Smith is once again misleading the public in an
effort to smear elected officials and revive a narrative that has already been discredited by law
enforcement, the courts, and the city’s own records.

On May 6, 2025, the Watertown City Council was notified by the city attorney, Kristen Smith,
that the New York State Police have officially closed their investigation into the city’s 2022
purchase of 63 acres of land including the Watertown Golf Club. No charges were filed against
any council member, and no wrongdoing was found.

Despite this closure, Mr. Smith has posted inflammatory and factually incorrect claims on social
media, suggesting that criminal behavior occurred and that federal officials could become
involved due to the use of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds. That claim is categorically
false. As confirmed by the City Comptroller, no ARPA funds were used in the land purchase.

Mr. Smith’s tactics are clear:

 He is knowingly spreading misinformation about the outcome of the investigation.


 He is attempting to manufacture scandal where none exists, relying on cherry-picked
hearsay and innuendo.
 He is doing so in coordination with the current mayor, Sarah Compo-Pierce, who has
herself implied wrongdoing even after being informed the investigation found none.

Let the facts speak louder than fiction:

 The State Police case is closed.


 The Supreme Court upheld the legality of the land purchase.
 The Comptroller confirmed no federal funds were used.
 The public deserves truth, not political theater.

The three councilmembers who were responsible for investing in and adding 63 more acres to
Thompson Park acted within the law and in the best interest of Watertown taxpayers. It’s
time to move forward from these politically motivated attacks and refocus on the city’s future.

Contact: Councilmember Cliff Olney

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