Onondaga County Legislature Democrats

Majority Democrats on the legislature push through measures imposing term limits and who fills vacancies on the legislature.

The measures aim to shift more power to legislators and voters.

Wednesday's hearing is the second under a new law allowing legislature committees to hold up to two hearings per year.

The majority caucus put forth four nominees last week to replace four existing board members. Terms had expired for two of them, and the other two have been removed mid-term.

They're planning to vote on the appointments at Tuesday's session.

As it stands, residents have very few opportunities to offer their input at the legislature or any level of county government.

The non-binding resolution put forth by Onondaga County Democratic lawmakers is intended to send a message to county leadership and Congress to "protect neighbors from misconduct."

Relative newcomer Maurice "Mo" Brown says he won't run unless he can win against veteran 129th district assemblymember Bill Magnarelli.

Democrats say the rush to approve a dozen appointees to powerful boards is politically motivated.

Democrats won all six contested seats Tuesday, giving them control by a 10-7 majority.