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Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, November 21, 2024
Volume 17, No. 4
Town Clerk Keeps Business Moving in Hartwick Despite Inner Conflicts, Resignations By DARLA M. YOUNGS
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HARTWICK own 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. “Following legal consultation, Briggs is not the deputy because the oath book was not signed within 30 days of appointment. In these circumstances, a new deputy must be appointed,” Vazquez explained. “He can be the deputy, but the board has to appoint him.” “I have been the deputy for eight years. I have functioned as deputy, I have performed as deputy, I have signed checks as deputy,” Briggs said at the meeting. “No one said anything about [signing an oath] when I became deputy. This is a brand new technicality brought on to me yesterday.” “This is a non-issue until it becomes an issue,” Vazquez said of the unsigned oath book. “That’s how I feel about it at this point.” Vazquez informed board members that Briggs was the only remaining Continued on page 10 INSIDE ► the exemplary life of clifton wharton, page 4 ► gohs explains banner cycle, page 4 ► marcus: FamPlan delivers, page 5 ► bigger dreams nailed ‘dracula’, page 6 ► shop local, support oneonta’s small Businesses, page 7 ► CAA, smithy set goal for project, page 9 ► ACT Rule May result in millions lost, page 12 Follow Breaking News On
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Excellus BlueCross BlueShield honored Bassett HealthCare Network’s New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health with a Circle of Excellence Innovation Award for its meaningful impact in the quality of patients’ lives through clinical leadership and vision to promote continuous improvement in the health care system. From left: Erika Scott, deputy director, NYCAMH; Sue Ackerman, center manager, NYCAMH; Shannon Campbell, value based payment clinical consultant, Excellus BCBS; Jennifer Barretta, value based payment account manager, Excellus BCBS; Heather Chauncey, clinical case worker, NYCAMH; Mary Stubley, director of value based payment account management and payments, Excellus BCBS; and Julie Sorenson, director, NYCAMH.
NYCAMH Honored By Excellus
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COOPERSTOWN xcellus BlueCross BlueShield recently honored Bassett Healthcare Network’s New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health with a Circle of Excellence Award for their highquality and innovative health care delivery and patient care. NYCAMH received the health plan’s 2024 Circle of Excellence Innovation Award, recognizing the healthcare organization for its meaningful impact in the quality of patients’ lives through clinical
leadership and vision to promote continuous improvement in the health care system. Led by Clinical Case Worker Heather Chauncey, the NYCAMH Farm Partners Program provides free and confidential case management and therapeutic counseling to the farming community and individuals with occupational health issues. In addition to connecting members of the farming community with a wide array of resources and assists in filing and Continued on page 10
Angel Tree Program Celebrates Spirit of Christmas
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OTSEGO COUNTY he Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta” are partnering with The Salvation Army again this year to help ensure a joyful Christmas for area families through the Angel Tree Program. This tradition dates back to 1921 with the creation of The Freeman’s Journal Christmas Fund by Editor and Publisher Rowan D. Spraker Sr., as a way for neighbors to help others enjoy a happy holiday. This is the 103rd year of this community tradition. The Salvation Army has gathered the Christmas wish lists, grouped by family, below. You can help Santa, and be an angel, by
“The Freeman’s Journal,” 21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown, or at the Salvation Army Chapel, 25 River Street, Oneonta.
Family #1 8-year-old female Size: 14/16 Shoe size: 2 Likes: Bluey, Stitch, Barbies, Descendants selecting a family to sponsor. Gifts should be both new and unwrapped (price tags removed, please), and received no later than Friday, December 13, to allow the elves time for wrapping and loading. Gifts may be dropped off at the offices of
3-year-old male Size: 4T Likes: Blippi, educational toys, Elmo
Family #2 12-month-old male Size: 12 mos.
Likes: Push-along toys, learning toys Needs: diapers size 3 (only Huggies or Pampers, due to allergies)
Family #3 18-month-old male Size: 2T Likes: learning toys, baby toys 4-year-old female Size: 6 Likes: Paw Patrol, princesses, Minnie Mouse
Family #4 10-year-old male Size: 10/12 Continued on page 10
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S AWARD-WINNING WEEKLIES 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
STD PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ONEONTA PERMIT NO. 890