SYRACUSE -- Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney has appointed what some consider a government outsider to become her second in command. Businessman William P. Fisher becomes Deputy County Executive succeeding Ed Kochian who's retiring after 28 years of service.
Fisher was the CEO of Summit Software Company, a position he resigned to accept the appointment. He headed Mahoney's transition team when she was elected County Executive in 2007. Mahoney was asked if this was a politically motivated appointment. She cited Fisher's business success and his membership as a trustee to the Onondaga County Public Library.
Fisher sees his greatest challenge as helping the county get through struggling economic times. He says he wants to help make the county a place where young people will want to work and raise a family. He also intends to use his expertise to upgrade computer technology in county government.
As Deputy County Executive, Fisher will oversee many of the Mahoney's programs and intitiatives. He will also assume control of the county in Mahoney's absense.
