The Onondaga County Legislature confirmed six appointments to the Board of Directors of the Onondaga Civic Development Corporation by a unanimous vote this afternoon. The appointments came under scrutiny by Democrats during the floor discussion because three of the appointees- James Farrell, Donald Colon, and Dale Sweetland are former Republican legislators.
"They're all entrenched Republicans," Sam Laguzza, (D) - Syracuse, said
William Kinne, (D) - Syracuse, criticized Republicans for not making the appointees' political backgrounds clear before the vote.
“I thought [the Democrats] knew what happened, so I was surprised,” Republican Floor Leader Kathleen Rapp said. “It’s been on the desk for two weeks.”
The board of directors of the Onondaga Civic Development Corporation is comprised of seven members. Six are Republicans and one seat remains vacant.
“My concern is that there are very few female and minority representatives on the board,” Kinne said. “The greater the dynamic of the group, the better ideas you get.”
The Onondaga Civic Corporation was created after St. Joseph’s Hospital requested assistance in financing a large expansion project. The corporation is designed to promote growth and create jobs. The board of directors determines how the corporation's funds are allocated.
"They're an independent board, they aren't influenced by other forms of government," Rapp said. "They aren't political."
The five-year expansion project, expected to cost $220 million, will employ 600 construction workers and create 200 new healthcare jobs, according to an information sheet for the Onondaga Civic Development Corporation.
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