O’Connell takes a round about way back to Library Board

Salem town Supervisor Patrick O’Connell is still on the Community Library Board representing Salem — at least for now.

Patrick O'Connell

But his fate was decided in a roundabout way at Monday’s Salem Town Board meeting

At an agenda item on making an appointment, Supervisor Jo Weidman on Monday moved to reappoint O’Connell. That motion passed by a vote of 3 to 1 with Chairman Linda Valentine voting against it and O’Connell not voting.

But Jim Valentine, the chairman’s husband, was recognized to speak from the audience. He pointed out that he believed that the town chairman was supposed to make the appointment, with the Town Board ratifying. That interpretation was supported by town attorney Richard Scholze, after a bit of impromptu research.

“I think the action taken didn’t comply” with state statutes, Scholze said.

If the board did not approve Valentine’s appointment, or she made no appointment the current representative — O’Connell — would remain, Scholze said.

Valentine deliberated some on her next move, eventually  saying she would revisit the possibility of making an appointment next month.

“Pat, you’re on for another month,” Valentine said.

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