CLAY — Last month, Onondaga County Legislator Casey Jordan resigned from his seat as representative of the 14th District to take a job in the county law department. Now, County Executive Ryan McMahon has named Jordan’s successor: Dr. Cody Kelly.
Jordan, a Republican, had represented the eastern half of the town of Clay since November 2006.
Kelly, also a member of the GOP, is a physical therapist who works with pediatric patients at the Sprout Therapy Group.
Kelly was sworn in Feb. 26 at Clay Town Hall. His appointment was effective the same day.
“I am honored to serve my community as the next county legislator for the 14th District. As a lifelong resident of the town of Clay, I am committed to ensuring our community continues to offer the quality of life we expect and the opportunities we deserve,” Kelly said in a statement. “As a doctor of physical therapy who works with our young people, I also know how critically important it is that we truly address the causes of poverty in our community, create real economic opportunity for all of our neighbors and most importantly, help our community move forward, stronger than ever, after this pandemic.”
In a statement released ahead of Kelly’s swearing-in, McMahon said the freshman legislator “will bring a fresh and unique perspective to the Onondaga County Legislature.”
“He will be a critical partner in helping our community heal and move forward from this COVID-19 pandemic,” McMahon said. “Dr. Kelly also understands the importance of addressing poverty, investing in our infrastructure and creating real economic development for everyone. I look forward to working with him in the coming months.”
Kelly is a referee and coach for youth basketball and a past volunteer for the Doris A. Connor Memorial Fundraisers for Brain Aneurysm Awareness.
Justin Sayles, research and communications director for the county executive’s office, told the Star-Review in an email that Kelly plans to run to keep the seat in the general election this November.
Kelly already has an opponent in Dr. Shanelle Benson Reid, who was nominated Feb. 17 by the Onondaga County Democratic Committee to run for the 14th District seat.
Benson Reid is president and CEO of the ACCESS Global Family of Companies, which provides consulting and coaching for academic and professional organizations in the areas of cultural competency, social awareness, leadership development, and equity in employment and educational opportunities.
In a press release issued after Jordan’s resignation became public, Benson Reid criticized the lack of announcement from Jordan or the legislature. She charged that “there has been a pattern of the legislature and county executive working together to provide a golden parachute to legislators on their way out.”
“When we have just come through a budget season that saw serious cuts to vital services across the county, it is unfair to taxpayers for a legislator to be given a deal like this when many folks are seeing their savings depleted,” she said. “I am committed to building trust with the residents of District 14 and plan to set an example of transparency and fairness in the Onondaga County Legislature.”
