ONEIDA COUNTY, N.Y. -- Some hope it's another step forward in the efforts to keep a proposed new hospital out of downtown Utica.

Several candidates running for Utica government announced plans in August to start and run on the "No Hospital Downtown" party line. Only one candidate, Lou Poccia, got the signatures necessary to run on the line, but the validity of 21 signatures was questioned by the Oneida County Board of Elections.

Wednesday, Poccia took the Oneida County Board of Elections to court. Affidavits were provided, and two witnesses took the stand, making it clear that they did sign Poccia's petition in support of him and the party.

In the end, the judge ruled in favor of Poccia. However, the judge wanted to make it clear that Oneida County Board of Elections members did their job correctly.

"This is a big win for 'No Hospital Downtown,' and it's the beginning of a big win for us, and this hospital will be stopped cold in its tracks," Poccia said.

When asked for comment, those representing the Oneida County Board of Elections just said they agreed with the judge -- they did their job and did it correctly.