ALBANY, 08/01/13 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today announced legislation he  sponsored that will allow Herkimer County to choose a county public health director from outside the county has been signed into law by Governor Cuomo.  The legislation (S.3949/A.5666) follows a home rule request from the Herkimer County Legislature.

“As Herkimer County seeks to fill an extremely important public job, it is vital that the most qualified applicant is hired,” said Senator Seward.  “On occasion, the candidate search for certain positions, that require highly specialized training, may stray from the county borders.  In this case, the ultimate goal is to make certain that Herkimer County’s medical needs are proficiently met.”

New York State law requires that the county public health director be a resident of the county.  This measure will allow Herkimer County to fill the position with a candidate from adjoining counties as well.

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