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Deputy Supervisor Thomas McCarthy Has A Change Of Heart
Monday, September 22, 2014 at 10:16PM In a very brief memo to the Supervisor and Town Council, Councilman/Deputy Supervisor Thomas McCarthy announced his intention to offer a resolution rescinding resolution 4.O approved at the September 9 Town Board meeting. The resolution increased the stipend for the Deputy Supervisor $30,000. The position he holds.
In a phone conversation Deputy Supervisor McCarthy explained his vote and his change of heart. Votes cast by Town Board members are cast as “votes of necessity”. According to Mr. McCarthy this vote, although in his opinion legal, was not what he considered a vote of necessity.
McCarthy said he believes that an increase in the Deputy Supervisor’ s stipend is better left as part of the budget process and discussion. He is unsure if the Supervisor will include the $30,000 stipend increase in the Town Budget, but stated that if it is, he would vote.
Reader Comments (2)
It is good that McCarthy decided to do the right thing and rescind his vote... even if it was with journalistic and voter pressure. Elected officials should not benefit from their own vote without the concurrence of the voters. Their vote should be for their successor's salary, or if they do a good job and our reelected, then they should get the salary passed in the prior term. Candidates run for office knowing exactly what the salary and benefits are. Same as with excepting appointed positions with stipends. And in no case should a raise for an elected official ever exceed an increase that would be approved, by them, for the town employees they govern. Has the TOS Town Board ever increased the town employees salaries by 600%?
...and the band played it ain't gonna rain no more...