Islip pol's husband on Facebook: Croci has 'ego'
This Facebook image shows a post from Randy Weichbrodt, husband of Trish Bergin Weichbrodt, who was recently dismissed as deputy supervisor in Islip by Supervisor Tom Croci. (Jan. 31, 2013) Credit: Facebook.com
The husband of Islip Councilwoman Trish Bergin Weichbrodt, who was stripped of her role as deputy supervisor amid political infighting on the town board, has waded into the rift.
In a posting on Facebook late Wednesday, Randall C. Weichbrodt, an attorney with a practice in East Quogue, sharply criticized Islip Town Supervisor Tom Croci and asked supporters to rally around his wife. The posting, of which Newsday received a copy, was removed Thursday.
"Clearly his ego has gotten the better of him as he feels he can make better decisions behind closed doors," the post said, along with more biting comments.
In a text message response to a request for comment, Bergin Weichbrodt said she was "unaware of my husband's actions. It was immature and emotionally driven. I have apologized to Tom."
She said her husband "will not be commenting."
Croci declined to comment.
The Facebook post is the latest row in a power struggle among board members. The board Tuesday proposed a pair of resolutions that would transfer responsibility for hiring, firing and contract negotiations from the supervisor to the board. The move was unprecedented, political observers said, because four out of five council members, including Bergin Weichbrodt and Croci, are Republican.
Croci, who opposes what some have described as a power grab, asked Bergin Weichbrodt for her resignation following the meeting and appointed Linda Angello, the town's director of labor relations, as his new deputy.
Councilman Steven J. Flotteron said he understood Weichbrodt wanting to stick up for his wife. "Your family members get upset for the person they love; sometimes you might strike out. I understand that," Flotteron said. "But you know, we have to try to be civil."
