Nacerino Tapped to Lead County Legislature in 2016
A new chairperson was named to lead the Putnam County Legislature last week, and after the past couple years brought tense debate, the appointment of Ginny Nacerino was rather controversy free.
In an 8-1 vote, Nacerino was selected to replace Carl Albano as chair of the legislature. The Republican from Patterson fresh off a successful re-election bid had previously been the vice-chair of the lawmaking body. Assuming her old position was Legislator Joe Castellano, who also is starting another three-year term.
Nacerino is the third woman to earn the title of chairperson. She is the first since 2012, when another former legislator from Patterson, Mary Conklin, was tabbed. The first ever woman was the late Ethel Forkell in 1979 when the county moved from a board of supervisors to a legislature and county executive government.
In an interview, Nacerino said she was “humbled, honored and proud” to be selected to her new position. She had a long list of issues the legislature would be ready to face, including emergency services, police consolidation, Tilly Foster Farm, expansion of the Carmel senior center that also serves Patterson and Southeast seniors, the annual budget, and roads and infrastructure.
“I can certainly say that I’m fair and I can be objective,” Nacerino said. “I believe that each individual is entitled to their own opinion and respected.”
Legislator Bill Gouldman, who nominated Nacerino, said she had the character and qualities to be a “true leader.” Gouldman went on to call Nacerino “the voice of moderation, the voice of reason, and the voice of decency in public service.”
Legislator Barbara Scuccimarra added Nacerino brings a “common sense approach” to proposed legislation and ideas.
Castellano was nominated by Albano, who noted Castellano is “extremely devoted” to his position and has voted consistently with “careful consideration and logic.” Nacerino described Castellano as “a good listener and always has the best interest of the people of Putnam County at heart.”
The lone legislator to vote against the appointments was Republican Roger Gross of Southeast.
Gross said he voted against Nacerino and Castellano because he questioned how independent they were from the county executive office.
“The legislature is sliding toward being basically an extension of the administration,” Gross said. “And I had some questions of credibility and trust with those two and I wasn’t comfortable with them being in positions of leadership.”
Gross added there’s a perception “inside the beltway and out in the community” that the “concept of checks and balances” in Putnam is “minimal.” After being on the legislature almost as long as former chairman Carl Albano and Legislator Dini LoBue, Gross admitted he’s disappointed he hasn’t been tapped for a leadership role. In 2014 and 2015, Gross had been nominated for chairman and vice-chairman, but fell short both times.
Nacerino scoffed at Gross’ notion, calling it an “inaccurate assumption” and noted Gross has tried to cast that same net about other legislators, which is “simply foolhardy.”
Nacerino said she has a good working relationship with the administration and believes in effective collaboration and communication. Mutual decisions can still be reached, while maintaining checks and balances, she said.
“I believe having the mindset that east is east and west is west contributes to the dysfunction we see in the government,” Nacerino stated. “I am proud of my independence voice on the Legislature, as well as my seven-year tenure on the Patterson Town Board. The 8-1 vote cast by my fellow colleagues, in support obviously dispels such absurdity.”
