Oswego County Legislature Honors John Bucher, 9/11 Victims

OSWEGO – The Oswego County Legislature began their monthly meeting last night September 10, with two separate moments of silence.

The Legislature stopped to reflect on County Director John Bucker who passed the morning of September eighth after a fall at the Oswego County Legislative Building. Bucher was the Director of Facilities and Technology for Oswego County.

The second moment of silence was to honor the lives of those lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Clerk of the Legislature Christopher Jones led the supplication.

“Before the invocation this evening, we’ll ask for two separate moments of silence; the first is in remembrance of nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, which included over 400 First Responders who sacrificed their lives trying to save others. I’ll ask that we take a moment to remember those who lost their lives that day,” Jones said. “The second moment of silence is for one life lost. He was a County Employee, a department head, a husband, a father, and a friend to many of us. John Bucher’s tragic passing on Tuesday silenced us all. Although each of grieve in our own ways, I’ll ask that we all come together at this moment tonight to remember John Bucher.”

A specific item discussed during the evening was the county unemployment insurance bill issued by the state for COVID-19 unemployment benefits. Legislator John Martino led the discussion, pointing out the inflated amount the county was now required to pay.

“This is a little breathtaking for us,” Martino said. “Our general insurance payment is normally between 12 and 18 grand. We received a bill for $83,000.”

Martino deflected the problem onto state government employees unable to give essential oversight to the system, citing fraudulent practices as part of the issue, with employees being unable to work due to the pandemic.

Legislator Marie Schadt pointed toward politicization of the issue, noting that all employers, including her, were experiencing the same financial challenges.

“Mr. Chairman, if I may, this has nothing to do with political anything,” Martino said. “They’re not working; they’re still out. That’s where the delays are coming from. It would be no different if we were in the same position and we didn’t have people in our office. It’s not political in any way, shape or form.”

Neil Barney Jr. spoke during the public hearing portion of last night’s meeting, rehashing Sheriff Hilton’s display of a flag bearing President Trump’s image on a county boat during on-duty hours at an Oneida Lake flotilla.

Barney spoke passionately about the “lack of appropriate actions taken against Sheriff Hilton”, his “fabricated media apology,” and Hilton’s “disregard using county property for personal reasons.” Barney spoke at the last county meeting, reiterating his stance last night for Hilton’s resignation.

“The apology was laughable and left me confused as to whether it was an apology or a campaign memo attempting to quantify the Sheriff’s patriotism,” Barney said. “I do not accept that apology. Taking responsibility means you take what’s coming concerning the consequences for your actions. As far as I know, there have been no consequences… I firmly believe that we as a county can recover from this embarrassing chapter in our history. We can wipe the slate clean and move on together, in a positive way that makes people confident and proud to be an Oswego County Resident… Remember, nothing changes if nothing changes.”

All items on the agenda were passed. County Legislature Meetings are held the second Thursday of every month.

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