Onondaga County

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Onondaga County Legislature passed three local laws during its legislative session today. Two of the laws were presented by the Democratic Majority as part of a “Good Governance Slate” of charter change proposals to appear on voter ballots as referendum in November elections.  

The Good Governance laws include: 

An amendment of the County Charter regarding who appoints vacancies in the legislature (Sponsored by Leg. Eriksen, District 6). The local law would shift appointment of a vacated county legislature seat to a vote by the County Legislature, similar to the Syracuse Common Council and other county legislature according to the New York State Association of Counties [Link to Appointments Law]. 

A local law amending the County Charter to impose term limits on the Office of County Executive (Sponsored by Leader Hernandez, District 17). The local law would set a 12-year term limit on the office of County Executive, which currently has no limit [Link to County Executive Term Limits Law]. 

A local law amending the County Charter to impose term limits on the Office of Comptroller (Sponsored by Leader Hernandez, District 17). The legislature also previewed a local law setting term limits on the Comptroller Office for vote in July [Link to Comptroller Term Limits Law].  

A local law to create an Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission (Sponsored by Leg. Ryan, District 8) which will be re-introduced in July.  

“I brought the proposal to Ways & Means, and the County Law Department is finalizing the updates requested at that meeting,” said Leg. Chad Ryan. “We’ve already seen this model succeed in Syracuse. At the county level, voters can ensure fairness, avoid the costly legal battles of the past, and choose how future maps are created,” Leg. Ryan released in a statement. 

Key Moments from Floor Discussions:

Leg. Maurice Brown, District 15 said “What we’re voting on today is an opportunity to give the voters a chance at this November’s election. It’s been mentioned that we’ve only had 10 days to discuss this ourselves, which is true. However, Election Day, when this referendum will be on the ballot, will be in November. We’ll have plenty of time to discuss this at length. I plan on going to several community meetings to talk about this.” 

Leg. Gregg Eriksen, District 6 said “This is an issue that the voters will decide. The end result is that it will go on the ballot for voters to decide what they want to see in their county…. It is absolutely consistent with the separation of powers to adopt this measure. As it stands now, the County Executive has the ability to appoint people to this body. This body is a co-equal branch of government that is supposed to be a check on the County Executive. It is inconsistent with any idea of functioning separation of powers and balance of powers for one branch to be able to appoint the people who are supposed to check them.” 

Floor discussions on the local laws can be viewed on youtube.com/@onondagacountylegislature beginning at 41:30s. 

Local Laws on Public Safety 
Leg. Maurice Brown, (District 15) also sponsored the Onondaga Cycle (Cyclist Yielding and Clearance Lane for Everyone) Safety Act to ensure the safety of vulnerable road users. The law adds definition to the New York Safe Passing Law and defines a “safe distance” as 3-feet. The “3 feet rule” has seen legislative progress in Albany County, Monroe County, Suffolk County, Ulster County, and Cortland County. The law also defines vulnerable persons as pedestrians, bicyclists, individuals riding horses, emergency responders, and construction or roadside workers. 

Exceptions include: 
– The 3-foot requirement often does not apply on roadways with clearly marked bicycle lanes. 
– If a driver does not have sufficient space to safely provide the 3-foot buffer, they must slow down, yield, and only pass when it can be done safely and reasonably. 

Places of Worship Protection Act 

Leg. Tim Burtis (District 3) presented a local law prohibiting protest activity or obstructing or leaving a house of worship. The local law also prohibited pickets, protests, distribution of literature, displaying signs, and engaging in oral advocacy or other forms of expressive or symbolic conduct. Those in violation of the law will be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $250 or imprisonment of a maximum of one year.  

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a more extensive “buffer zone” law on Tuesday that prohibits protest within 50 feet of houses of worship. Leg. Burtis withdrew his local law, today, citing his support for the Governor’s signing of the New York State “buffer zone” into law.   

“It is to my great surprise that New York State has stepped up and taken this on and addressed it. An interesting subject for me. After thoughtful discussion and consideration of the constitutional questions involved, I’ve decided to withdraw the legislation,” said Burtis. “I appreciate the discussion and feel what New York State has done is enough for me today.” 

The Onondaga Cycle Safety Act and Good Governance referendum laws now go to the County Executive’s Office for consideration, a public hearing, and signature. The County Executive can veto the laws within ten days of receiving them. The Legislature will need a total of 12 votes to override the veto and enact the law.  

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