James Gaughran to resign SCWA chairmanship Dec. 14

Democratic State Sen.-elect James Gaughran says he will step down from his $30,000 a year post as chairman of the Suffolk County Water Authority at the board’s meeting Dec. 14 so a new leader is in place before Gaughran becomes a senator Jan. 1.

A resolution naming SCWA board member and former Suffolk County Executive Patrick Halpin as chairman is expected to be put before county lawmakers at their final meeting of the year on Dec. 18 in Hauppauge.

Gaughran said it was important that there be no gap in leadership at the SCWA. He said there are emergency actions that only the chairman can authorize to deal with emergencies such as snowstorms.