Ex-Mastic Beach mayor cites work conflict

A day after resigning, Mastic Beach Mayor Paul Breschard cited his "untenable relationship" with the village board of trustees as a critical factor in his decision to quit.

Breschard, who cited health concerns when he abruptly resigned during a Wednesday night meeting, released a statement Thursday that elaborated on his leaving. He had been the only mayor in the 18-month-old village's history until the board appointed trustee Bill Biondi as his successor on Wednesday.

Breschard said in his statement that health issues, which he did not specify, were "aggravated by the stress" of working with four trustees who did not include him in discussions of village business.

"Recent resolutions orchestrated by the Mastic Beach Village trustees outside of publicly-noticed meetings and without my participation have compromised my ability to carry out my duties as mayor," Breschard's statement said.

Breschard's resignation came in a month when he clashed with the trustees about a proposed waterfront development district -- which was later tabled -- and about the board's decision to fire village attorney Joseph Prokop. He voted against the firing.

Trustee Ken Olivo said it was unfair of the mayor to blame the trustees for his resignation. "I believe that's a misconception that we refused to work with him," Olivo said. "It's really a shame, in my opinion, that he felt that way."

But the village released a statement in which Biondi acknowledged "there has been some tension between the board and Paul over the last few months" and defended the board's decision to fire Prokop. Attempts to reach Prokop were not successful.

Biondi, who will serve the rest of Breschard's term as mayor and be up for re-election in March 2013, said he will "continue to work with the residents of Mastic Beach to try to make peace."

Attempts to reach trustees Bob Morrow and Gary Stiriz were unsuccessful.

Breschard's resignation preceded next month's village trustee election, in which residents Gail Cappiello and Alan Chasinov hope to unseat trustees Olivo and Morrow. Cappiello and Chasinov said Breschard's resignation highlights the need for a change at village hall.

"This village is just in turmoil because of the actions of this board," Chasinov said, adding that Breschard's decision to quit took "courage."

Biondi must appoint a trustee to fill his term on the board. The appointment will likely occur within 30 days, said Fred Towle, a village spokesman. That trustee will also be up for election in March 2013.