Clinton County Legislature reappoints Harry J. McManus as chair; adopts rules on 5-4 vote

The Clinton County Legislature convened its 2018 organizational meeting Jan. 3 in the Legislative Chambers in Plattsburgh and reappointed Legislator Harry J. McManus as chair, the body announced.

Legislator Patty Waldron nominated Harry J. McManus to serve again as chair, and Legislator Rob Timmons seconded; the motion carried, with the record showing nine votes in favor and one vacant seat for Area 3. "His ability to put people before politics should be recognized by all who live here," Legislator Patty Waldron said, praising McManus's leadership and approach to deliberation.

Why it matters: Organizational meetings set leadership, committee composition and administrative appointments that guide county business for the year. The Legislature also filled other leadership posts and appointed several county officers whose roles affect legal representation and indigent defense services.

The Legislature selected Robert Hall as deputy chair and confirmed Patty Waldron as majority leader and Jonathan Beach as minority leader. Officials appointed by unanimous recorded votes included James Coffey, Esq., as County Attorney and Gary Favro, Esq., as Assistant County Attorney. Justin Meyer, Esq., was appointed Administrator of Indigent Defendants, and Sydney Sue Garrant was named Off Track Betting director for 2018; the transcript records each of these motions as carried by a 9-0-0 tally with one vacancy.

On a procedural item, the Legislature adopted the Rules of Order for 2018 on a recorded vote of 5-4. The transcript notes the split vote but does not list individual yes or no votes.

County Attorney James Coffey reported he had no items to present. County Administrator Michael Zurlo announced a Discipline Review Committee meeting scheduled for Jan. 4 at 9 a.m.

Chairperson Harry McManus told members he plans to circulate committee and liaison assignments within the month and invited legislators to identify committees they wish to chair or join. He said he will present a State of the County talk at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Jan. 18, focusing on "progress, opportunity and cooperation."

The Legislature adjourned at 5:25 p.m. after a motion from Legislator Robert Hall, seconded by Legislator Patty Waldron.

Votes at a glance: Resolution #1 (Appointing Chairperson) — carried 9-0-0 (vacancy Area 3); Resolution #2 (Deputy Chairperson) — carried 9-0-0; Resolution #3 (Majority Leader) — carried; Resolution #4 (Minority Leader) — carried; Resolution #5 (Adopt Rules of Order) — carried 5-4; Resolution #6 (Appoint County Attorney) — carried 9-0-0; Resolution #7 (Appoint Assistant County Attorney) — carried 9-0-0; Resolution #8 (Administrator of Indigent Defendants) — carried 9-0-0; Resolution #9 (Appoint OTB Director) — carried 9-0-0.

The meeting record shows a vacancy in Legislative Area 3 and does not provide a roll-call listing for the 5-4 Rules of Order vote.