Cortlandt Changes Mind On Hiring Ex-Supervisor As Consultant

CORTLANDT, NY — Former Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi, who has been out of office since Jan. 1, was set to become a consultant for the town receiving $6,500 per month.

During the Jan. 11 Town Board meeting, the council voted to authorize an "executive consultant contract."

According to the resolution, the board deemed it appropriate "that an agreement be entered into allowing the current administration to call upon the prior Supervisor for background information, etc. on various issues."

However, after receiving "many concerns voiced" over the past week, Supervisor Richard Becker said in a news release Tuesday he and Puglisi "have mutually decided that she will no longer be accepting the position of advisor to this administration."

He said Puglisi has agreed to continue as a volunteer with a few committees and organizations.

For her part, Puglisi issued a statement that was included in the town's news release, saying she appreciated the offer but decided not to accept it.

"Having had 30 years as Town Supervisor we thought it would continue the excellent transition we had in the two months after Election Day to bring my experience to the new administration," she said.

"It's difficult for me to not be involved so I will be available to assist only as a volunteer to Supervisor Becker and his administration when and where needed," Puglisi said.

"I would never do anything to negatively impact the community that I care for so deeply and have worked so hard to make it better over the years for our residents," she said.

The resolution that the board approved cited Puglisi's 30 years as supervisor, during which "many events occur, some of which are not brought to conclusion" and the fact that the town was the location for Indian Point, "which is quite unique and required PILOT Agreements, cessation funds, and other special issues."

Before becoming supervisor Jan. 1, Becker served for 14 years on the Town Board. He was deputy supervisor under Puglisi and served on the Zoning Board.

In a candidate profile published on Patch prior to the November general election, Becker said that because of his 14 years experience, he knew every town employee, including department managers, and was "ready to take over today."

He is a local cardiologist and graduated with a medical degree from New York Medical College.

Had the resolution gone into effect, Puglisi would have been paid $6,500 per month for no more than 10 months. She would not have been entitled to any fringe benefits.

Only one board member — Frank Farrell — voted against the resolution, the Journal News reported.

There was no discussion during the meeting about hiring Puglisi, who was making $179,000 per year when she left the position, nor did the agenda mention her name, the Journal News said.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was modified from its original version to include information provided by Supervisor Richard Becker that the offer of the consultant position was being withdrawn.