On Friday, Oct. 27, three days after longtime housing authority director Gerard Zabala was fired, Mayor Valerie Keehn threw her weight behind Acting Director Ed Spychalski as Zabala’s official replacement.
Whenever possible, I believe that public agencies should promote qualified individuals from within the organization, Keehn said in a prepared statement. `In the case of Mr. Spychalski, I am convinced that he is highly qualified by his many years of service to the Housing Authority.`
In her endorsement, directed to Lee Weiser, chairman of the housing authority, Keehn wrote, `Because of the availability of such a highly qualified candidate, it is not advisable for the board to consider any other candidates that do not possess equally impressive credentials.`
The position became officially available three days earlier, when the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority board of commissioners voted to fire Zabala, who hasn’t worked since taking medical leave June 26. Since then, Spychalski, a project manager at the agency, has taken up his duties. Nearly two months after his medical leave, Zabala tendered his resignation.
Although some of the nearly 50 residents of the federally subsidized housing authority attending a press conference Tuesday, Oct. 24, said they support Spychalski’s appointment, they said they fear that Zabala’s successor will be a political appointment.
The Rev. John Rice, who was asked to speak for several housing authority residents at the press conference, said the tenants have felt as though they are being kept in the dark while the board undergoes its search for a new director.
Other citizens of Saratoga Springs have shown their support for Spychalski by putting together a petition of nearly 90 signatures calling for him to serve as the new director.
Weiser said the board has delayed its search until legal issues regarding Zabala’s employment were resolved.
Zabala sued the housing authority in state Supreme Court last month, seeking $542,134 in back pay, sick time and damages. While the suit is pending, the board said that Zabala has used up all of his sick time and vacation for the year.
The position is being advertised, in the interest of keeping the appointment transparent and fair, board members said at their Tuesday, Oct. 24, meeting. Keehn said she also has heard concerns from several residents who want to keep politics out of the decision.
Zabala, who held the job for 16 years, earned just under $72,000 last year, according to civil service records. According to published reports, the job pays approximately $100,000 a year, with benefits.
Spychalski, who has taken a leave of absence from the project manager position to serve as acting director, is expected to apply for the director position. He is optimistic about the appointment, and touts a smooth transition into the position.
`It will be seamless,` said Spychalski. `I’ve been here for nine years.`
The position is expected to be filled in December, board members said.
The housing authority runs 339 units of public housing in Stonequist Apartments, Jefferson Terrace and Vanderbilt Terrace. It is subsidized by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which sets regulations on how the agency is being held. It has approximately 800 residents and operates on a $1.6 million annual budget. “