After serving two administrations over the past four years, John Smolinsky is stepping down as Bethlehem’s deputy town supervisor to place more attention on his new role as planning board chairman.
At the town’s organizational meeting held Wednesday, Jan. 8, Supervisor John Clarkson confirmed he was selecting Councilman Jeffrey Kuhn to take over the deputy supervisor role. Kuhn, who is also chairman of the town’s Democratic party, was then sworn in along with Bethlehem’s newly elected officials.
“I do think it’s traditional in most other towns for the supervisor to chose a member of the board to serve as deputy,” said Clarkson in a later interview. “That’s what it’s usually been in our town in the past.”
Clarkson said he decided to keep Smolinsky on as his deputy supervisor in 2012 in order to provide a smooth transition from the administration of former Supervisor Sam Messina and because he valued Smolinsky’s advice. Now in his second term, Clarkson says he feels more comfortable in his role leading the town. Smolinsky was part of the transitional committee created to help Clarkson in the weeks before he took office.
“I think John was the best choice for the time,” said Clarkson.
The deputy supervisor position is an appointment, but the person selected must still be sworn in as a town official in order to preside over meetings should the need occur.
Kuhn said he was proud to be asked to take over the deputy supervisor role and commended Smolinsky on a job well done.
“I take this responsibility very seriously, and I’ll discharge it to the best of my abilities,” said Kuhn. “We’ve obviously accomplished a lot over the past several years, but there’s always a lot left to do.
Kuhn said he wants to continue to work with the town’s elected officials and staff to “continue to make Bethlehem a model of municipal government” and a town resident’s can look to with pride.
Clarkson said he picked Kuhn because he believes the councilman to be a fair moderator when issues arise on the town board. He also admires Kuhn’s knowledge of environmental law.
“I think he’s very good at bringing us together as a group,” said Clarkson.
Smolinsky said although he has only been needed to preside over meetings a handful of times, he also worked with the town on contract negotiations and advised on land-use regulation. He has now been appointed chairman of the town’s Planning Board following the retirement of George Leveille.
“I view this as a natural succession for me,” said Smolinsky, who has been on the planning board since 2007.
Leveille was honored at the organization meeting for his years of work with the Planning Department by former Supervisor Terry Egan. Leveille, who served under four supervisors, was seen as instrumental in the development of the Vista Technology Park, was the chair of numerous citizen committees, including the one that created the town’s comprehensive plan and worked to create the town’s Economic Development Zone.
“It’s been a wonderful tenure working in my hometown, and I will miss it every day, but the town’s in great hands,” said Leveille.
Clarkson said he is confident in Smolinsky’s ability to lead and will continue to rely on him as the town increasingly faces questions about balancing development and open space.
