Advertisement. Advertise with us

LYNCH VOTES ‘NO’ ON MANAGER,

CITES SUPPORT FOR HUNGERFORD

A beaming Common Council poses with Oneonta's new city manager, Martin Murphy, after last evening's vote.  From left are Council members Dave Rissberger and Madolyn O. Palmer, Murphy, Council members Larry Malone, Bob Brzozowski and Chip Holmes, Mayor Dick Miller, and Council member Russ Southard, deputy mayor and chairman of the search committee.  (Ian Austin/allotsego.com)
A beaming Common Council poses with Oneonta’s new city manager, Martin Murphy, after last evening’s vote. From left are Council members Dave Rissberger and Madolyn O. Palmer, Murphy, Council members Larry Malone, Bob Brzozowski and Chip Holmes, Mayor Dick Miller, and Council member Russ Southard, deputy mayor and chairman of the search committee. (Ian Austin/allotsego.com)
Council member Lynch prepares to cast his "nay" vote.
Council member Lynch prepares to cast his “nay” vote.

ONEONTA – The appointment of Martin Murphy as Oneonta’s second city manager was a love fest last evening, except for Council member Mike Lynch’s “nay” vote.

After the session where Mayor Miller, Deputy Mayor Russ Southard, Council member Madolyn Palmer and others expressed their delight at the quality of their new hire, Lynch told a reporter he voted against Murphy because he continues to support Director of Finance Meg Hungerford, the interim city manager, as the best candidate.

“She’s done a terrific job,” the Fourth Ward Council member was quoted as saying.  “He’s very well qualified.  I’m sure he’ll do a very good job.  He just wasn’t my #1 choice.”

The city Charter Revision Commission raised the flag about Hungerford early in the search, when it was learned the recruitment ad said a bachelor’s degree with experience was sufficient qualification, when the charter requires a master’s in public administration or the equivalent plus experience.

The Hungerford application posed a secondary issue:  She resides in the Town of Meredith, and the charter requires the city manager to live in Oneonta.   In hiring the director of finance, would the candidate move to the city?  Or would Common Council have to waive that section of the charter as well?

Asked that question two weeks ago, Lynch hung up.

REVIEW MARTIN MURPHY’S RESUME, ANNOUNCEMENT OF APPOINTMENT

 

Posted

Related Articles

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO: 05-31-23

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO for WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 Seniors Learn To Paint With Oils SENIOR PAINTING—10-11:30 a.m. Seniors aged 55+ are invited to learn to paint with oils with library curator Judith Jaquith, an accomplished artist who has exhibited several times. Free, space limited, registration required. Materials provided. Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309 or visit facebook.com/WorcesterSchenevus WARD MEETING—6 p.m. Residents of the First Ward of the City of Oneonta are invited to a meeting hosted by Common Council Member Luke Murphy. Held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 258 Main Street, Oneonta. lmurphy@oneonta.ny.us…

Stagecoach Coffee Permit Applications Withdrawn

As per a letter to City of Oneonta Deputy Community Development Director and Code Enforcement Officer Stephen Yerly dated today, December 15, Stagecoach Coffee owners Matt and Chris Grady have officially withdrawn their Site Plan/Special-Use Permit Application to open a neighborhood market at 31 Walnut Street in the City of Oneonta.…

Editorial: A Tale of Two Housing Units

Need for housing of all types has been identified by the City of Oneonta in its own comprehensive plan. Need for housing of all types has been identified by the Village of Cooperstown and by the NY Forward Local Planning Committee. Why, then, are the RSS and Averill Road projects so controversial?…