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LEGISLATURE
Jim DiBlasi has been a member of the Onondaga County Legislature, representing the 7th County Legislature District, since January 2000. (A map of the district.) He was last re-elected in 2005 with the Republican, Conservative and Independence party endorsements.
Jim is chairman of the Legislature’s Education and Libraries Committee, which oversees the Onondaga County Public Library and Onondaga Community College.
Jim is also a member of the Legislature’s Planning and Economic Development Committee, Public Safety Committee and Social Services Committee.
“I asked for, and received, memberships on the four committees I believe are most important to my Syracuse and Salina constituents. OCC and the libraries under the Education and Libraries, job creation and business development under Economic Development , crime and detention under Public Safety and anti-poverty programs under Social Services—these are the County activities that have the greatest ability to good in the 7th District.”
Currently he is the only city representative in the Legislature’s Republican majority. This gives Jim a unique ability among city legislators to influence county government decision-making on city issues.
Jim DiBlasi—with Salina Town Councilor Mark Nicotra—was one of the first voices raised locally against Kelo decision, which made it legal for government to take private property from one private person to give it to another. Jim calls this practice “eminent domain abuse.”
Jim DiBlasi was among the first elected officials—city or county—to request the Sheriff’s Department to take on selected policing tasks within the City of Syracuse in support of our fine Syracuse Police Department.
Jim DiBlasi has always been a strong supporter of balanced budgets and property tax cuts.
EMPLOYMENT
Jim DiBlasi is employed at Merrill Lynch, who designs and manages equity and fixed-income portfolios and institutes and manages retirement plans for individuals and businesses. He is a licensed Registered Representative and Investment Management Consultant, who is NASD Series 7, 63, 66 qualified, a state licensed Life and Health Insurance Agent.
MILITARY
As a young man, Jim served as a combat officer in the Marine Corps. During Operation Desert Storm, Jim led more than 100 Marines in ground combat operations, receiving the Commanding General’s Certificate of Commendation and a Combat Action Ribbon.
Jim is also a recipient of the Syracuse “40 Under 40” award, which honors up and coming young leaders.
EDUCATION
Jim received his MBA, concentrating in finance and accounting, from Syracuse University in 1994. He is also a graduate of the State University of New York at Oswego.
FAMILY
Jim is married with four children. Jim, his wife Heather, their sons Stephen, Michael, Blaise and daughter Maggie are pictured at {left:right}.
SERVICE AND COMMUNITY
Jim DiBlasi is active in volunteer and community activities. Among these are:
Chairman, Board of Directors, CNY Works;
Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors;
Board of Directors, Friends of the Zoo;
Member, American Legion.