LYNCH VOTES ‘NO’ ON MANAGER,
CITES SUPPORT FOR HUNGERFORD
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
