Oneonta Council Fills Vacant Seat, Advances Veterans Tax Relief
By BRANDON RAUL RAMIREZSUNY Institute for Local NewsONEONTA
The Oneonta Common Council filled a vacant Fifth Ward seat and advanced a new property tax exemption for seriously disabled veterans at its September 1 meeting. During a busy session, the council also addressed a number of City of Oneonta Fire Department matters, including approval of funding for replacement fire equipment and recognition for the retirement of longtime captain Don Tubia.
The evening’s most significant action was the appointment of Edward May Jr. to the Fifth Ward seat left vacant by the resignation of Len Carson, who resigned in early August due to family obligations. Mayor Dan Buttermann nominated May to serve through the remainder of the year, and the council approved the appointment under Section C-23 of the city charter.
The resolution passed with councilmembers Elayne Mosher Campoli, Shannon McHugh, Kaytee Lipari Shue, Scott Harrington and Carolyn Marks voting in favor. Cecilia Walsh-Russo abstained. Following the vote, May was immediately sworn into office and signed the city’s official record book before taking part in the remainder of the meeting.
May’s appointment came after the city received four letters of interest from residents seeking the temporary appointment. Two of those applicants, Valarie Cole and Amun Zo, previously completed the requirements necessary to appear on the ballot for the November election that will determine who serves the full 2027 term. Cole will run as the Democratic nominee and Zo as an independent on the Oneonta United line.
Mayor Buttermann praised May’s willingness to accept what will be a relatively short appointment.
“In the position we’re in, having to fill this seat, when he stepped forward to fill this seat, knowing it will be for about four months, or a limited period, I’m certainly appreciative of his willingness to do that,” Buttermann said.
