Binghamton City Council appoints Carla Murley to First District seat

Binghamton City Council on Thursday appointed Carla Murley to fill the council seat for the First District, voting 4–0 with two members absent.

Council members said Murley stood out among several candidates for her experience working with youth and her commitment to city residents. The council held the appointment during a special business meeting; after the roll call and the vote, Murley was sworn in and immediately assumed the duties of the First District council member.

The council president called for a motion to appoint Murley to the vacancy. A motion and a second were made on the floor; the meeting record does not identify which members moved or seconded. Madam Clerk conducted a roll call vote; Council Member Middleton, Council Member Rathbile, Council Member Madivetsky and Council President Dunton voted in favor. Council Members Kavanaugh and Hotchkiss were recorded as absent. The tally was four yes, zero no, and two absences, and the motion was approved.

Several council members offered welcome remarks and said they would support Murley during the transition to City Hall, including practical assistance such as obtaining a parking pass and orienting her to city procedures. After the vote, Murley took the oath of office. She recited: "I, Carla Murley, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of city council member of the First District according to the best of my ability." The oath, as recorded in the meeting transcript, closed with the words, "according to the best of my ability."

The council adjourned shortly after the swearing-in. The meeting record indicates the appointment was intended to replace a former member, though the transcript does not specify that predecessor by name.