Who will be the new Director of Administration & Finance?

[Lee Chowaniec]

After months of speculation and rumors that current Director of Administration & Finance may not be reappointed should Ron Ruffino be elected Town Supervisor, Dave Brown has decided to retire and has already initiated the process.

At age 59 and after serving the town with integrity and credibility for over 35 years, it appears Brown will be leaving in his best interest. He will be missed by anyone appreciating the service he provided every administration and in serving the community as well. He is well respected by his peers.

More importantly, with Brown’s departure before the end of the month, who Supervisor Ruffino decides to appoint in that position should be equally knowledgeable, a man with integrity and credibility.

And, transparent. From the first time I appeared in his office (near 20 years ago) to get budget information, I was impressed by his openness and honesty. When I remarked on those traits in later office visits, he replied that he worked for the taxpayer and it was his job to provide information to questions asked by the public.

I will truly miss Dave Brown.

Other

Speaking of replacements, there will be a lot of intrigue filling Councilman Ruffino’s vacated seat. The 2020 town board will be made up of 2 Democrats and two Republicans (in my mind a Republican and a RINO).

There is an obvious frontrunner, but patronage and deal-making plays a big role in the political decision process

[gorja]

That's too bad. He was a non-political guy who worked with whomever the supervisor was.
Those are some big shoes to fill. As Supervisor Coleman would say, he has 35 years of 'institutional knowledge'

[gorja]

Originally posted by Lee Chowaniec:
Speaking of replacements, there will be a lot of intrigue filling Councilman Ruffino’s vacated seat. The 2020 town board will be made up of 2 Democrats and two Republicans (in my mind a Republican and a RINO).

I thought it would be 1 Democrat and 3 Republicans

[Lee Chowaniec]

I thought it would be 1 Democrat and 3 Republicans

Can’t say that I don’t agree with that logic considering I thought the same thing 4 years ago when a conservative and a ‘blank’ were endorsed by the Democratic Party. I then learned that Gaczewski and Walters were late in petitioning the Republican Party for an interview and possible endorsement and accepted the Democratic Party endorsement offer as they wanted to serve the town and at the time the Democratic party was hurting for candidates.

Are you telling me that Mazur petitioned the Republicans for an interview and possible endorsement? Or, did the Democrats seek him out and I would then have to question his loyalty? In the last two years, I have had reason to question the Republican then elected on some of his decisions and whether he is not a RINO.

I see it as a ‘weak’ two against two matchup and where the council seat may stay open until next year’s election. The Lancaster Democratic Party is not in a strong position now – it’s endorsed candidate lost the Town Clerk’s race, the one endorsed council member candidate was low vote gatherer, and the highly regarded Erie County Legislator Jon Bruso lost his bid for re-election.

On the Republican side, the flak that ensued from the committee cross endorsing Democrat Terranova for Town Clerk was reprehensible. She deserved being endorsed by all political parties and was, For the Republican BOE Commissioner to mentor and become the campaign manger for a primary challenger under the guise that his candidate was the only true Republican running for the position was ludicrous and vindictive.

This was a suck year considering the machinations that took place in both the primary and election. Now all but the Conservative Party will be cut out of the fusion voting process. They will be the next target. That would be very disturbing to me as I abhor voting on ether the Democratic or Republican line in today’s political climate.

Then again, I can say these things because I am a ‘blank’ and always have been and am no longer surprised by any outcome.

[gorja]

Originally posted by Lee Chowaniec:
Are you telling me that Mazur petitioned the Republicans for an interview and possible endorsement?

No, I'm stating their party affiliation

[Lee Chowaniec]

Rumors are circulating again, Gorga.

The rumor that Mark Aquino was going to replace Brown looked solid. It appears Aquino has withdrawn his name from consideration. It is now rumored that former Erie County Real Property Tax Department Manager is being considered for the position. Heard anything?

It is unfortunate that December 13th is Brown’s last official service day before he is officially retired. Why the town doesn’t act to rehire him is perplexing / disturbing. He has served the town well over 35 years and all he needs is a commitment that he will be reappointed to his position.

Patronage vs. expertise? Ugh!