COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS

AND DEPARTMENTS

DECEMBER 5, 2002,  2:30 PM

MINUTES

LEGISLATORS:             Chair, Swanson, Ryan, Bronz, Young

STAFF:                           Simpson, Mauro

GUESTS:                       William Randolph, Andrew Newman

Chair Swanson called the meeting to order at 2:20

Reappointment of Reginald LaFayette as Board of Elections Commissioner. 

Mrs. Swanson wanted Mr. Lafayette in to explain to the committee regarding the New Castle letter to the editor by Maureen Keating-Tsuchiya on September 14, 2002 which she stated she tried to get a copy of the re-canvas schedule of the election machines in the 89^th Assembly District but was refused by Mr. Lafayette.

Mr. Lafayette stated he was not aware of this letter until Commissioner Sunderland pointed out to him that Thomas Abinanti had forwarded it to all the legislators.  He stated that the whole letter was untrue because the Journal News and other media was following this election and all the information was made public and was on the internet. 

He said he could submit a copy of letters that were sent to all candidates.  He has no personal knowledge of even speaking to Maureen Keating-Tsuchia.  It would normally not even be brought to his attention.  His assistant, or his deputy, or one of the clerks would have handled such a simple question.  Mr. Bradley knew when the re-canvassing date was because it was printed in the newspapers and the media because he had asked if they could change the date due to the jewish holiday and they honored his request.  He believes she is confused since she is on the executive committee which recommends his appointments who feels he should not be the Commissioner of Elections and she took this route to cause him trouble. 

Mr. Ryan was aware of this letter and looked at it as part of the scrapping that went on because of the primary. 

Mr. Young feels that this should not have been brought up at this meeting to question Commissioner LaFayette.  He feels it should not be tied into our discussions with him in regard to his reappointment.  He said it is probably not the only letter of complaint that has been received over the past two years by the Board of Elections.  Commissioner LaFayette stated that Chair Bronz has forwarded copies of other complaints and at no time did we call either of the Commissioner’s in until now.   Mrs. Swanson explained that she asked Commissioner LaFayette to come in and explain the letter so that we could Receive and File it.  It was put on our agenda and Mr. Lafayette had no problem coming in to do so.  Mr. Young agreed with that, he only takes exception to the timing where it was tied into voting for his reappointment.  Mrs. Swanson said it had nothing to do with timing.  She gave Commissioner LaFayette the option to come in and explain, which he did so, and was not offended.  He felt better explaining it to all legislators.

On motion from Mrs. Bronz, seconded by Mr. Young, letter was received and filed.  Vote 4-0.

Item A-4 – Letter from George Oros which was received and filed from Public Works regarding employee staff change.  Mrs. Swanson would like a motion to R & F.  On motion by Mr. Young, seconded by Mrs. Bronz, motion carried to Receive and File.  Vote 4-0.

Reappointment of Carolee Sunderland as Board of Elections Commissioner and Reginald LaFayette.  On motion by Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Ryan, both were reappointed.  Vote 4-0.

Items 8 and 9 to Receive and File.  Motion by Mr. Young seconded by Mrs. Bronz, motion carried to R & F.  Vote 4-0

On motion by Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Ryan meeting adjourned at 2:35. Vote 4-0.