Ex-Bethlehem Supervisor Jack Cunningham is expected to be appointed at the Thursday, Jan. 7, organizational meeting as Colonie’s department of public works commissioner, according to officials.
Colonie Town Supervisor Paula Mahan said she sought out Cunningham because of his experience in administration considering the size of the department.
He served short of three years as Bethlehem’s supervisor.
I approached him in exploring this option that was before us, she said. `He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.`
She said he oversaw a reorganization of Bethlehem’s department of public works, and combined with his financial background he was an ideal candidate.
Mahan said cutting costs is a priority included in the town’s 10 year financial plan and Cunningham can help do so.
Mahan said the appointment was not a case of patronage, and she was not approached by anyone in the Democratic Party who influenced her decision.
`This has nothing to do with politics,` she said. `He’s an excellent candidate for residents and taxpayers.`
Mahan wished outgoing commissioner Bob Mitchell well, and said he has done an admirable job for the town. She said his two-year term was up, though, and it was time for the town to move on.
She said when she won her first term two years ago she kept him on along with many other employees already working in the town, something that many new administrators might not have done.
`Most people that started here are still here,` she said.
Her administration is only interested in keeping and hiring the most qualified candidates to perform their public service well, she said.
Cunningham said since losing the Bethlehem supervisor election to Independence Party member Sam Messina in November, he has maintained an interest in public service although he considered returning to work privately in information technology.
`My preference would be to work in government,` Cunningham said.
He said although Colonie is larger than Bethlehem, local government appeals to him and a position in the department of public works is `more in line` with what he wants.
He said when Mahan approached him regarding the position saving money was among some of the items discussed.
`We agreed it’s probably a good fit for both of us,` he said. `For me, this is a great opportunity to use my skills in finance and municipal government.`
Like Mahan, he said this position has nothing to do with political patronage, and said from his own experience as supervisor, patronage is `the last thing` a supervisor thinks about when making appointments. He said finding qualified personnel is a priority.
`This has nothing to do with patronage at all,` he said.
He said a number of bloggers who have addressed the issue are misinformed.
`These people have no idea what its like to be supervisor,` he said. `They have no idea what its like to do that job.`
For an update to the story, check back at www.spotlightnews.com or see the Wednesday, Jan. 13 issues of the Spotlight.
“