County Legislators Speak Out Against Switch To Medical Examiner’s Office

Utica, NY (WIBX) - Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente's recent decision to contract with the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office is drawing fire from several county legislators.

Democrats Frank Tallerino and Chad Davis were joined by Republican Brian Mandryck to discuss possible added costs of getting rid of the county's coroner system.

"It was a rush in so many ways to take on too much, too fast, and it wasn't well thought out in my opinion," Davis said. "It should have been delayed until Januray 1st of 2014, where we could really have all the information."

Davis says by holding off on the Medical Examiner project for another year, the coroners can complete their terms. It also gives the county time to perform cost/benefit analyses.

The legislators also say there should have been a permissive referendum, so it could be put to a ballot.