OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Legislature held its 2026 organizational meeting today, Jan. 6, when the body re-elected its chairman and clerk and elected a new vice chairwoman. Six new legislators were sworn into office and opening business was conducted.
First elected as chairman in 2019, James Weatherup has been a member of the Legislature since 2014. He represents District 9, which encompasses the village of Central Square and portions of the town of Hastings. He has held leadership positions on numerous legislative committees, previously serving as chairman of the Legislature’s Finance and Personnel Committee. He was also the majority leader of the legislature in 2018. Prior to becoming a county legislator, Weatherup served as Hastings Town Supervisor and a member of its town board.
Legislator Mary Ellen Chesbro was elected as vice chairwoman of the Legislature. She represents District 10, which includes parts of the towns of Volney and Schroeppel. She joined the Legislature in 2018 and has served as the body’s majority whip and as chairwoman of the Economic Development and Planning Committee.
Betsy Saunders was re-elected as Clerk of the Legislature. Saunders has worked for the Oswego County Legislature for over 10 years. She first served as deputy clerk and then became clerk of the legislature in 2021.
Chairman Weatherup announced that Legislator John J. Martino, District 6, would once again serve as the majority leader of the Republican caucus, while Legislator Paul Connolly, District 20, was named as the new majority whip.
He also reported that the Democratic caucus named Legislator Marie C. Schadt, District 19, as its new minority leader and Legislator Lee Walker, Jr., District 15 as the new minority whip.
The xix newly elected members of the Oswego County Legislature sworn in were Lee Walker, Jr., District 15; Christine Novak, District 16; Dorothy Caldwell, District 17; Joseph Arduini, District 22; Gena Bartlett, District 24; and Ryan Taylor, District 25.
Incumbent legislators also took their oaths of office.
Oswego County Clerk Terry Wilbur and Oswego County Treasurer Kevin Gardener were also sworn in to their positions during the Legislature meeting.
Oswego County Court Judge Armen Nazarian administered the oaths of office.
The Legislature’s next regular meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12 in the Legislative Chambers of the Oswego County Office Building, 46 E. Bridge St., Oswego.
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