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Powell Should Resign Position
Editor,
I was concerned when Putnam Valley Supervisor Sam Davis and his two Democratic Council people took office. My concerns were well founded as Mr. Davis, a Democrat, systematically removed from their positions most if not all Republican volunteers on the various committees in Town whose terms had expired. He removed Bill Zutt as town attorney for the Town Board in spite of the fact that Attorney Zutt performed his job with calmness, confidence and legal knowledge that had not been seen prior to his taking the position. But one of the most troubling actions of Mr. Davis was his appointing of Dawn Powell, his business partner, live in girlfriend and confidant as his assistant at a salary of $46,000.00.
Mr. Davis was told by many that the impropriety of his action was apparent and that he should reconsider his position. He did not. He was told to bring forth Ms. Powell's credentials to justify his action. He did not. When asked to remove her due to the public outcry, he refused. However, Mr. Davis stated that he welcomed an ethics investigation into the appointment because he believed that there would be found no ethical problem. He was wrong. The ethics committee has released its findings. It found that it was an ethical violation for Mr. Davis to make such an appointment. That it was improper, based upon existing laws and standards, to place someone in a position that benefited him and her financially, as this appointment did.
The Town Board, in light of this finding confirming the belief of many, should do the right thing. They should request Ms. Powell's resignation. Should she refuse to resign, the Town Board should seek her removal. Mr. Davis, should he value his political future, and although not an easy thing for him to do to someone he lives with and works with, should dismiss Ms. Powell from her position should she decline to resign.
Once this is behind the Town Board, they should move forward with the business of the Town, because to date little has been accomplished under this administration. Instead of bringing forth questionable issues, such as the domestic partner issue and a moratorium for which there is little support, the Town Board should move forward with improving the Town and setting an agenda that is good for the Town and its' residents.
Randall Chiera
Putnam Valley
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