UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - A comment in the New York Post from Queens / Long Island Congressman Gary Ackerman regarding the replacement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as a U.S. Senator after her appointment as Secretary of State, has left many locally, including officials, angry, and disappointed.

The New York Post reads "Ackerman also joked that he had taken himself out of the running for the Senate in a way that appeared to highlight (Caroline) Kennedy's lack of statewide experience. He said he wouldn't want to replace Clinton, 'because I don't do Utica, and that's a qualification for the job."

"At a time when nothing is as important as building the unity of this state, I am very distressed, disappointed and disgusted at the comments by Representative Gary Ackerman in the New York Post regarding the selection of a Senator to fill the vacancy to be left by Secretary of State - designee Hillary Rodham Clinton," said Utica Mayor David Roefaro.

Roefaro called Utica a city "known worldwide as the town that loves refugees," and said that the attitude displayed by Congressman Ackerman while "ridiculing Utica" is one of the reasons Roefaro feels many voters are excited about change under a new president - Barack Obama.

Roefaro was not alone, with State Senator Joseph Griffo, and Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito have also voiced their dismay.

State Senator Joseph A. Griffo sent Ackerman a letter expressing his disappointment with comments made by Ackerman regarding the city of Utica.

In a New York Post story regarding Caroline Kennedy’s possible selection for the soon-to-be-vacant seat of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the story says, “He (Ackerman) said he wouldn't want to replace Clinton ‘because I don't do Utica, and that's a qualification for the job.’”

“At a time the Democratic Party is trying to bill itself as the Party of Upstate, and at a time when the needs of Upstate have never deserved more attention, the people of this region have just been slapped in the face by a congressman who should know better,” Griffo said. “His comments showed not only a lack of understanding, but a lack of respect. The people of Utica deserve visits by anyone interested in serving the entire state to gauge how well these candidates will or will not serve the entire state.”