A Colonie resident has brought suit against the town, requesting Jack Cunningham and Michael Burick be removed as heads of public works and personnel, respectively, according to information from the Republican Party.
Theodore Ricket filed a petition with the New York State Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 17, requesting the appointments of Cunningham and Burick as pursuant to Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules.
According to information from the Town of Colonie Republicans, who are supporting the suit, Ricket alleges Cunningham does not meet the minimum qualifications, due to his lack of a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Professional Engineering License as recognized by New York State.
It states Ricket believes state law legally prohibits Cunningham from providing engineering reviews, stated in the `Commissioner of Public Works` job description. He is also claiming that Cunningham should be removed on the grounds he does live in Colonie.
`The arrogance of supervisor Mahan and the Town Board to appoint an unqualified individual to oversee the Town’s landfill, public drinking water and the safety of the general public on Town roads appalls me,` Ricket said. `I am extremely concerned for the safety of my family and neighbors, and urge residents to demand the appointment of qualified individuals to our civil service positions.`
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