CNY Official Slams Gillibrand: I Expect Better

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente is weighing-in with some harsh words for a U.S. Senator regarding the potential appointment of a new federal judge in the Northern District of New York.

U.S. District Court Judge David Hurd had been seeking senior status - a form of semi-retirement for a federal court judge - but has since rescinded the request following the nomination of an attorney based in the Capital District. Hurd's served the court for more than two decades and presides over cases in the federal Alexander Pirnie Building in downtown Utica.

Jorge Alberto Rodriguez, an attorney working for Attorney General Letitia James, is based in the Albany area and lives in Saratoga County - according to the Albany Times Union. Rodriguez was recommended for the nomination by New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, however, local officials, including Judge Hurd, have objected to someone from outside the district serving in the position.

Oneida County Executive Picente is latest to chime-in, calling out Gillibrand in a letter to her colleague, Senator Chuck Schumer:

In it, he calls the recommendation of a candidate from outside the district 'wholly unacceptable', saying the junior senator is attempting to "marginalize my community in favor of a community where she sees more political support, campaign donations and ultimately votes," the letter reads.

Picente asks Schumer to 'take a role' in the nomination process to ensure that the "...Mohawk Valley, Oneida County, and the Greater Utica area are not forgotten by Senator Gillibrand."

The Times Union cites sources 'familiar with the plan' as saying Rodriguez would move to the area to preside over cases locally, if his nomination is to be approved.

However, Picente and others have stated there are many eligible and qualified individuals already from and living-in the district who could serve in that role:

“It is an essential piece of our justice system to have representation in the Mohawk Valley, Oneida County and Utica when it comes to the federal judgeship in our U.S. District Court. The appointment of someone from the Capital District, who we are well aware will not preside in our area, is a blatant attempt to steal a judgeship from our region and move it to the Capital District.

“I expect better from Senator Gillibrand...", Picente said.

You read Picente's full letter to attachment-Hurd Letter .

15 Of New York State's Most Wanted Criminals- August 2022

Below are individuals wanted by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's (DOCCS) Office of Special Investigations who have been designated as its Most Wanted Fugitives. They should be considered armed and dangerous. This list is current as of 08/01/2022:

NEVER attempt to apprehend a fugitive yourself. If you have information on the location of any of these fugitives, you can contact OSI 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to report it. All leads and tips are treated as confidential information.

If an immediate response is necessary, such as you see the wanted person at a location, please call “911” and report it to the police.

You'll Most Likely Get Pulled Over HERE In Central New York For Speeding

New York State's Top 20 Attractions

Are you truly a proud New York resident if you haven't visited these Top 20 attractions?

Attractions of America put together a list of some of the top attractions New York has to offer. Let’s explore some of the top attractions in New York State that you’ll have to add to your bucket list during your next visit. Keep track of how many you have already seen or been too. Which ones surprise you on this list? Text us on our app to let us know.