Amy Paulin (WWA), George Hosey (Chair - CBAC & member Co. Plan. Board)

The Committee discussed item B-3, a proposed local law to change the procedures for filling a vacancy in the Office of County Executive. Leg. Abinanti explained that there are currently four proposals in Committee.

The first proposal requires a special election within 90 days after the vacancy. This legislation would affect all vacancies which occur up to 6 months before the end of the term. The Committee amended this first proposal to change 6 months to 9 months.

The second proposal, drafted by Leg. Abinanti, provides that anyone who accepts appointment to fill a vacancy in the Office of County Executive cannot run for the Office of County Executive while serving as appointee any time during the preceding 4 months.

These proposals would be effective immediately on the vote of the electorate.

Proposals three and four are identical to proposals one and two except that they would become effective January 1, 1998.

Leg. Oros suggested a different approach. Noting that the proposed legislation would entail an expensive special election and would eliminate the opportunity for a primary election, he suggested that the Board consider changing the office of Deputy County Executive to an elective position with the office to be filled concurrently with the election for County Executive. His proposal is modeled after the Federal and State format.

Leg. Delfino had the following objections:

1. a special election will cost $850,000 to save only 9 months of appointment;

2. a special election deprives the voters of an opportunity to have a primary;

3. these proposals diminish the power of the Board Of Legislators; and

4. most special elections have low voter turn out which is not a desirable way to select a County Executive.

Leg. Latimer mentioned that odd-year elections traditionally have lower voter turn out than an even year. He also discussed how the current law allows a possible 13-month appointed incumbency.

Leg. Latimer moved to sign-out for public hearing proposal number two to amend the charter to prohibit an appointee from running for the office in an election within four months of serving as an appointee (effective upon the approval of the voters). Seconded by Leg. Oros. All in favor [4-1] (Leg. Mosiello voted in the negative.)

Leg. Latimer moved to sign-out for public hearing the proposal that amends the County charter to change the selection process for County Executive (effective upon the approval of the voters). Seconded by Leg. Mosiello. All in favor [5-0].

Leg. Delfino moved to sign-out for public hearing the proposal to that amends the County charter to change the selection process for County Executive (effective Jan. 1, 1998). Seconded by Leg. Oros. All in favor [5-0].

Leg. Latimer moved to adjourn. The meeting ended at 3:15 PM.

(A taped copy of this meeting is on file)