Town Clerk Keeps Business Moving in Hartwick Despite Inner Conflicts, Resignations

By DARLA M. YOUNGS
HARTWICK

Town of Hartwick officials continue to struggle to find common ground following the resignation of Supervisor Robert O’Brien who, having moved, left this month as expected, and the early departure of town attorney William C. Green, who was originally set to exit that position as of January 1, 2025.

Both the budget public hearing on Thursday, November 7 and the town board meeting on Tuesday, November 12 were soured by allegations of ethics violations by board members Chris Briggs and Bryan LoRusso. The already tense atmosphere was exacerbated by the recent discovery that Briggs, who serves as deputy supervisor, failed to sign the oath of office for that position. As per state law, the oath book must be signed within 30 days of appointment. Thus, the town also now finds itself without a deputy supervisor.

Enter Andrea Vazquez, Hartwick town clerk, who has jumped in to unofficially fill the void until a new supervisor and deputy can be secured. Appointed chair of both meetings, Vazquez had her hands full as the rift between board members—Briggs, LoRusso, Bruce Markusen and Tom Murphy—continued to disrupt town business.

Budget Hearing, November 7

While town officials approved the draft budget unanimously last Thursday, they reached an impasse regarding bank signatories in the absence of a supervisor. Vazquez is not permitted to sign checks—only to print them. Briggs has been an approved signatory for the last eight years, in his role as deputy supervisor, but his failure to sign the oath book has further complicated matters.