Tensions Erupt Between Legislator, Challenger At County Meeting

by Steve Yablonski | July 13, 2017 10:45 pm

OSWEGO, NY – Tempers boiled over at Thursday night’s Oswego County Legislature meeting as the Democrat representing Fulton nearly came to blows with his likely GOP (Conservative) challenger in this fall’s election.

At the end of the meeting, Marc Holliday spoke at the public session.

“I’m here today to speak about Michaud. Frank Castiglia is my representative for the 25th District. I am running against Frank. However, that’s not why I’m here,” he began.

At that point, Legislator Dan Farfaglia (D-24th District) of Fulton jumped up and accused Holliday of campaigning on the floor of the legislature.

Holliday apologized saying he wasn’t campaigning.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know the policy. I didn’t mean to upset anybody. I’m asking…” Holliday began.

“He’s campaigning!” Castiglia interrupted.

“That’s not what I’m here for,” Holliday replied. “I’m here to invite everybody. I put this rally together to save Michaud. I came here tonight to reach out to all of you for bipartisan support. 113 professionals are going to lose their jobs; 65 elderly are going to be displaced.”

He said that he has spoken with Terrence Gorman, CEO of St. Luke’s (owner of Michaud) and was told they need $5 million to keep the facility open.

“Whether or not we get it, I hope we do, wherever it comes from, state or federal, to keep these jobs,” Holliday said. No other information regarding the rally was offered.

“He’s been campaigning for five minutes,” Castiglia complained.

Chairman of the Legislature Kevin Gardner called the next scheduled speaker to come to the podium, thereby cutting off Holliday’s remarks.

As Holliday walked past Castiglia, he said something to the legislator.

“Hey!” Castiglia yelled, jumping out of his chair. “What did you say to me? Say it out loud! Say it to my face!”

Immediately Legislator Jacob Mulcahey and others rushed in between the two men to keep them separated.

“Frank, take your seat,” Chairman Gardner ordered as he banged his gavel repeatedly. “Gentlemen. Please, take your seat. We have two more speakers and then we’re done.”

Holliday left the Legislature Chamber without further comment.

Castiglia claims Holliday called him a derogatory name as he left legislature floor.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/oswego/tensions-erupt-between-legislator-challenger-at-county-meeting/

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