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Oneida County officials are contemplating legal action against New York Governor Kathy Hochul following her executive order that prevents local governments from hiring corrections officers fired after a recent prison strike. The order affects around 2,000 officers who participated in the strike, barring them from state and municipal employment unless they undergo a specific recertification process.
County Executive Anthony Picente has criticized the governor's decision as an overreach, arguing that it infringes on the county's ability to govern its hiring practices. According to Spectrum Local News, Picente stated, "Executive order no. 47.3 is an abuse of the governor's authority and discretion, and unlawfully intrudes upon the county’s powers of home rule."
The Oneida County Board of Legislators has passed a resolution permitting the county attorney to explore legal options against the state. As reported by Utica Observer-Dispatch, the board's decision was unanimous, with Picente emphasizing the impact of the order on local governance and hiring capabilities.
Sheriff Robert Maciol of Oneida County has expressed concern over staffing shortages, noting that hiring former corrections officers could alleviate overtime and staffing issues. He stated, "They can't take 24-hour shifts, and they can't deal with all the issues at these facilities that lead to the strike."
The executive order has sparked debate over civil liberties and local governance, with WKTV reporting that Senator Joseph Griffo criticized the order as unacceptable and urged Governor Hochul to rescind it. The county is currently reviewing legal pathways before proceeding with any lawsuit.