Croci reverses, won't seek resignations
Tom Croci greets supporters at Suffolk County Republican Headquarters in Hauppauge. (Nov. 8, 2011) Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
The incoming Islip Town supervisor has decided against seeking resignation letters from town department heads and deputies wanting to keep their jobs with the new administration.
In a letter dated Monday, Rick Lazio, head of Supervisor-elect Tom Croci's transition team, wrote to outgoing Supervisor Phil Nolan, clarifying the new administration's tack.
"We request that those employees interested in re-applying for their current position or any other position within the Town of Islip, submit their resume with a cover letter to the Supervisor-elect Tom Croci Transition Office" by Dec. 13, the letter states. Interviews will begin within the next week.
The letter was circulated to commissioners, their deputies and other employees in exempt positions, about 85 in all. Commissioners serve at the will of the town board and have responsibility for hiring and firing department employees.
On Nov. 29, Croci -- an Obama transition team member -- issued a statement in which he said "in keeping with successful Presidential transitions," he'd requested all commissioners and their deputies, about 25 employees, who seek to remain beyond Jan. 1 submit a letter of resignation and a resume for evaluation.
Croci could not be reached for comment Tuesday but asked to explain the change in approach, Lazio said that with further consideration, the new administration wanted to make it clear any incumbent employee would be considered.
"Given the time limitations that exist, with only three weeks til [Croci] assumes office, it was decided it's more appropriate to streamline the process and simply ask people for a resume and cover letter so that they can be considered," Lazio said.
The resignation request didn't go over well with town rank-and-file, sparking talk the new town board planned a wholesale clean out of exempt positions, especially after it emerged Islip Conservative Party chief Mike Torres had sought salary and job title information of all such employees.
The new board will comprise Croci, a Republican, incumbent GOP council members Trish Bergin Weichbrodt and Steve Flotteron and newcomers John Cochrane Jr., a Republican, and Anthony Senft, a Conservative.
