Oneonta Official: you walk fine line when appointing to city positions

Tools

Story Created: Jun 19, 2009 at 2:50 PM EST

Story Updated: Jun 19, 2009 at 4:18 PM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Utica Mayor David Roefaro and his choice for the city's police chief position it's still the buzz around town, and still one of the top five stories at www.wktv.com.

The mayor appointed former Public Safety Commissioner and good friend, Dan LaBella to the position of Police Chief. This all happening despite the fact that two other people out-scored LaBella in the civil service exam.

John Nader, the mayor of Oneonta was on NEWSChannel 2 at Noon for our monthly "Ask the Mayor" series. He wouldn't comment directly, but did acknowledge there's a fine line you walk when appointing people to high profile city positions.

"I've tried to be very guarded in appointing friends to positions," Nader said. "Certainly there are no paid positions to which I've appointed anyone along those lines. And those in Oneonta require an action of the common council. In terms of boards of commissions, you're always looking for someone who has some vision for the betterment of the city. You're not necessarily looking for someone who agrees with you on each and every issue that might come before them."

Utica Mayor David Roefaro is defending his choice for police chief, saying he based his decision on merit...not friendship.

Utica Weather

Icon
Current Temp 48.0 °F
Overcast
More Weather

AP Video

Stock Quotes

Permanent Client link holder

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On