The appointment of Gene F. Quadraro of New Hartford to the county Industrial Development Agency’s governing board was confirmed by the county Board of Legislators this week.

The lawmakers backed the nomination of County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. by a 20-6 margin with three absences. Wednesday night’s approval followed the unanimous backing of the Ways & Means Committee.

Minority Leader Michael J. Hennessy, D-2, Sherrill, said he opposed the county executive’s appointment because he said he had been assured previously in conversations with IDA people that the agency’s next board appointment would be someone from western Oneida County.

"I feel a commitment was given," he said.

Joining Hennessy in voting against the appointment were: Chad Davis, D-18, Clinton; Edward C. Stephenson, D-3, Waterville, Joseph M. Furgol, D-27, Utica; Michael J. Clancy, D-12, Verona; and Larry Tanoury Jr., D-25, Utica.

Tanoury said there was a lack of diversity in the appointments coming before the board for confirmation and voted no on Quadraro.

The IDA board has seven seats.

Besides Quadraro, the board members are: David C. Grow, chairman; Natalie Brown, vice chairman; Ferris Betrus Jr.; Michael Fitzgerald; Michael Valentine; and Stephen R. Zogby.

IDA board seats are volunteer posts. The agency offers financial incentives for industrial and manufacturing projects, as well as others. Retail, in limited circumstances, was recently added. Incentives available include payments in lieu of taxes, relief from mortgage recording tax, and relief from sales tax on materials, machinery, equipment and furnishings.

The legislature’s meeting was the first for new legislator Peter A. Caruso, D-26, Utica, who was sworn in at the start of the session. The Utica deputy fire chief replaces Daniel LaBella, who resigned after he was named Utica’s permanent police chief.