Utica, N.Y. - Longtime Congressman Sherwood Boehlert has died.
Boehlert, a Republican, was Oneida County Executive from 1979 to 1983 and represented the Utica area in congress from 1983 until he retired in 2007.
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente has ordered all flags on county buildings to be lowered to half-staff in Boehlert's honor.
In a statement Picente said, “I’m am deeply saddened by the passing of my long-time friend Sherwood Boehlert. Sherry was the epitome of what an elected official should be: dedicated, hardworking, effective and always willing to reach a hand across the aisle. "
Boehlert was 84