Personnel Director Leading Candidate to Become Interim County Executive
While there have been a plethora of well-known Putnam County politicians mentioned as possible appointees for the county executive seat in 2011, Bob Bondi’s successor may be a relative unknown in the Putnam political arena. Paul Eldridge, the county’s director of personnel, has emerged as the frontrunner to fill the position for a year in 2011, sources say. Bondi, though, still may be asked to stay in the position for another year and legislators noted that much can change before a vote is taken. Former state senator Vincent Leibell, who was elected county executive in November, will instead be heading to prison on two felony charges. Voters will have a redo next November, but it will be up to the county legislature to find someone to take over the position next year on an interim basis. Legislators plan to vote on Jan. 1, 2011, when the position officially becomes vacant. Several legislators vowed not to appoint anyone with their eye on the position in the long term, while many legislators called for stability and a candidate who wouldn’t require much on-the-job training. Some also said they didn’t want anyone currently in an elected position. Eldridge, a 58-year-old Cold Spring resident, fits all these criteria. He’s never run for elected office but has worked in the county for 33 years in his current position. He expressed no interest in running next year, saying he would return to his current position in 2012. Eldridge said he didn’t know whether he was the frontrunner for the appointment, but said he was asked if he would be interested shortly after Leibell resigned from the Senate. “I would do it. I’ve been with the county for many years,” Eldridge said. “I love this county. It’s a county that’s been good to me. I’ve spent my career here, and I don’t want to see it flounder and be in a situation that was untenable.” Eldridge’s appointment, though, is far from a done deal, several legislators said. Chairman Vincent Tamagna noted that plenty could happen in the three weeks before the legislature votes. “He is definitely one of the choices,” Tamagna said. “I think Bondi is a choice. [Legislator] MaryEllen Odell is still floating around.” Legislators did praise the work Eldridge has done in the county, having served under three different county executives. “I think he’s done a very fine job in his position,” said Legislator Mary Conklin. “He’d be a great choice, but I’m not going to say now [who I would support].” Shortly after it became apparent Leibell wouldn’t be taking office, many of the legislators brought up the possibility of appointing Bondi, a Republican who has been county executive for 20 years, to serve in 2011. John Tully, who served under Bondi as deputy county executive, called Bondi the logical choice, noting he never lost an election (he chose to retire rather than run again this year). Though Bondi is still under consideration, some legislators are opposed to keeping him in office after hearing from their constituents. The voters will decide in next year’s elections who will fill out the remainder of the four-year term. Odell, a Republican who lost to Leibell in the race for the seat this year, said she will definitely run again. Legislator Tony Hay is also considering a run. “I haven’t made up my mind as of yet,” Hay said. “I have other options. I will make a determination probably within the next few months.” Sheriff Don Smith has also been mentioned as a possible candidate. Smith said he was committed to his role as sheriff but “will always do what I believe is right for the citizens of Putnam County.” Eldridge said he’s well-versed regarding the issues facing the county and would work to find consensus among officials. “I am a good communicator. I like to work with people,” he said. “I think if you work together with the powers that be, you could come up with a good solution if everybody is levelheaded and reasonable.” Putnam Democratic Chair Lynne Eckardt called Eldridge a “good choice,” noting he was an unaffiliated voter and the appointment would not be seen as political. Republican County Chair Jim DiBella also called him a good candidate, noting he knows the system and can work within it. Whoever is appointed will be Putnam’s fourth county executive.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.