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Committee splits on employment restrictions: two-year ban defeated, full removal approved in committee
Summary
Committee members debated two companion measures: one to lengthen a prior-employment restriction to two years (local law 12/2024) and another to remove the restriction entirely (local law 13/2024). The two-year expansion failed in committee while the proposal to eliminate the restriction advanced out of committee.
The Ulster County Laws, Rules and Government Services Committee debated two related proposed local laws addressing a prior-employment restriction for county hires and took opposing votes on each measure on Feb. 13.
The first proposal, local law 12 of 2024 (introduced by Legislators Maloney and Stewart), would have increased the existing restriction on prior employment from one year to two years. After discussion, the committee held a roll-call vote and recorded that the motion to approve was defeated, with the transcript stating the outcome as "defeated 1 to 6." Chair Criswell indicated that the sponsors were not present for that item and several members questioned whether the extension was warranted.
The second proposal, local law 13 of 02/2024 (introduced by Legislator Nolan), would have removed the prior-employment restriction entirely. Nolan urged support, saying the body already has confirmation authority for appointments and that the restriction is no longer necessary. Chair Criswell described the existing restriction as "antiquated" and said it was created in a different political era and targeted at a specific individual.
Committee members expressed a range of views. Supporters of removal argued the one-year rule prevents the county from accessing qualified candidates and that appointments are subject to confirmation by the legislature. Opponents emphasized optics and the risk of a perceived "revolving door" if elected legislators move immediately into county employment. Deputy Chair Levine said she was torn but voted to advance the removal out of committee for floor consideration.
Outcome: The committee defeated the two-year expansion (local law 12) and approved advancing the proposal to eliminate the restriction (local law 13) out of committee. The committee recorded the defeat of local law 12 as 1-to-6; the committee recorded that the motion to advance local law 13 was adopted in committee (vote tally recorded on the transcript as "Motion is adopted.").
Next steps: Local law 13 will move to the full legislature for consideration. Members asked that the record and any public materials clarify how legislative confirmation serves as a check on appointments.
