After numerous questionable hiring practices from the County Executive. Legislators passed a law to add a fourth deputy county executive for economic development and planning with no discussion. The county executive is required to hold a public hearing on new laws. I attended this public hearing and here are my comments:
Good Morning. My name is Elaine Denton and I am a resident of Onondaga County. A 10am public hearing tells me how much the County Executive would like to hear the public’s comment on this local law. But I am here nonetheless to advocate for this local law to be vetoed.
At the last Onondaga County legislature meeting on October 8, the legislature voted to abolish over 60 vacant positions in various county departments including our health department, children & family services, social services and more. These abolished positions had an average salary of $48,000.
Yet at that same meeting, the legislature voted to create a new deputy county executive for economic development and planning that would make over $150,000 a year with no explanation of why we need this position that would be appointed by the County Executive.
With poverty levels in Onondaga County and homelessness increasing in our community, a deputy county executive for economic development and planning sounds like the last thing we need. Looking at the funded positions in the 2025 budget the county has over 350 open positions. Why not focus on fully staffing our county departments before adding another expensive management position.
I also do not support the language changes in our administrative code as each deputy county executive’s description has been changed from performing their duties in specific departments such as financial, human services and physical services to “may be hereinafter assigned and/or reassigned by the County Executive.” Which seems to say these positions could be reassigned to the whim of the County Executive.
I ask you to veto this legislation. Thank you.
