A press conference was held at the main lobby of City Hall this morning regarding the passing of Oneonta Mayor Dick Miller on Saturday.

Oneonta City Attorney David Merzig described a warm and longstanding relationship with Mayor Miller.  He described him as having a "unique style" and said that the mayor "took his personal and public life seriously but also with a great sense of joy."  He said the mayor, who also was a former president of Hartwick College, "had deep contacts and connections throughout the state" which benefited the City of Oneonta.  With emotion in his voice, Merzig characterized Mayor Miller as a "dynamic personality" who had a "distinctive manner and style all his own."

City Manager Martin Murphy said that council member Russ Southard will take over as acting mayor for the near future.  He also said plans are still being formulated with the Miller family for a memorial service this Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m., November 2, at Foothills Performing Arts Center.

Murphy closed by saying "Oneonta is a small yet tight knit community and our resolve is being tested.  We will emerge in time and will continue Mayor Miller's great legacy with the promise that it will put the City of Oneonta on the road to prosperity."

 

Floral tributes on the steps of Oneonta City Hall in memory of the late Mayor, Richard "Dick" Miller
Floral tributes on the steps of Oneonta City Hall in memory of the late Mayor, Richard "Dick" Miller
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