OSWEGO COUNTY, N.Y. -- The trouble for former Oswego Mayor John Gosek started during his second term. There was controversy over a pay raise for himself, the use of city vehicles, even his choice for police chief. Then, Gosek was arrested, accused of attempting to solicit sex from whom he thought were two 15-year-old girls.

"My thought at that time was they needed to put him away for a very long time. Because not only did he break the public trust but we're talking about children," said Oswego resident Simeon Rombough.

Gosek pleaded guilty to the charges against him. And, in exchange for information about alleged corruption, he was sentenced to 37 months in prison. Now, 32 months later, he's out.

"He did his time. Hopefully he learned his lessons. And I have a feeling we should all five him a chance to get on with his life," said resident Bill Malone

"I don't think it's right. I think he should still be there," said resident Kristine Carver.

In addition to how he hurt his family and constituents, some people in Oswego say Gosek sullied the name of the city with his scandal.

"I honestly think it's something people are well aware of. And they look it doesn't bring a good view to the city and the area," Carver said.

"He made a lot of very good people look very bad," said Rombough.

After Mayor Gosek was arrested in late 2005, he resigned from office. Randy Bateman took over as acting mayor and was later elected to the post. Mayor Bateman didn't want to talk with us about Mayor Gosek's release. But people here say Mayor Bateman and his staff have helped the city move forward.

"The politicians have really strived to be a lot more responsible and a lot more trustworthy. The current group knows they're under the gun because after that happened, I think people are paying more attention and they should," said Rombough.

People also know Gosek is back in his Oswego home, where they say they hope he will rebuild his life, free of trouble.