Letter: Firing of commish raises questions
Islip Town Hall in an undated photo. Credit: Erin Geismar
As a former Islip Town councilman, I am concerned about the recent unceremonious firing of Islip Planning Commissioner Dave Genaway ["Deputy replaces planning commish," News, Nov. 8].
The town has prided itself for years on having a professional and independent planning department. I found Genaway to be a bright and experienced planner who always put the best interests of the town and residents before any pressure from developers or politicians.
The apparent sudden firing of this vital commissioner is disturbing. It occurred at a budget meeting and in the absence of Supervisor Tom Croci, who had retained Genaway as his commissioner -- and only days removed from an election. The fact that no member of the town council would comment on the firing is also disturbing.
I can only hope that this is not a sign of another political power struggle within Town Hall and that politicians are not attempting to undermine the supervisor or the importance of having an independent planning commissioner.
John Edwards, Islip
Editor's note: The writer is a Democrat who served on the town council from 2008 through 2012.
