Syracuse-area Assemblyman Sam Roberts may soon be giving up his seat to be commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the state agency that handles welfare and disability cases.
Roberts, a Democrat, was nominated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo for the job Wednesday. He needs to be confirmed by the New York State Senate, and then it’s up to the governor to call a special election.
Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, a fellow Democrat from Syraucuse, hopes that could take place during the regular November election.
“I would hope we could get this done for the taxpayers of New York, hopefully in November when everybody else is running for re-election. I would think that would be the time to have that election,” said Magnarelli. “So I’m hopeful the Senate will confirm Sam as soon as possible and the governor would coordinate to make it happen on Election Day.”
Roberts’ district represents parts of Salina, Dewitt, the city of Syracuse, the town of Onondaga and the Onondaga Nation. Magnarelli says it would appear to be a safe seat for Democrats. Some Syracuse common councilors and a former Onondaga County legislator have already expressed interest in the seat.
