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

Tags

Related Articles

City of the Hills Festival Puts Local Artists, Community at Center Stage

The free festival, presented by the Community Arts Network of Oneonta, runs from noon to 5 p.m. both days along Main Street, including activity and performance areas at Mueller Plaza and the corner of Ford Avenue and Main Street. The event, held in various forms since 1971, is marking its 55th year and has stretched to two consecutive days since 2023.…
September 17, 2026

Grand and Glorious Fall Fair Returns to Neahwa Park on Sept. 13

The Grand and Glorious Fall Fair will return to Oneonta’s Neahwa Park on Sunday, September 13, bringing vendors, live music, family entertainment and a major fundraising opportunity for the Catskill Choral Society. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and marks the fifth year the fair has been held at the city park.…
September 9, 2026

PUTTING THE COMMUNITY BACK INTO THE NEWSPAPER

For a limited time, subscribers to AllOtsego.com pay a reduced rate ($25.00 for one year) and can choose to have $5.00 of the subscription fee donated toward refurbishment of Otsego County’s Civil War Memorial.

Visit our “subscribe” page to sign up

SUBSCRIBE