Islip Town Board Eyes Expansion of Powers

The Islip Town Board on Tuesday is expected to set a February public hearing that will focus on shifting some administrative power from the supervisor to the board as a whole.

According to a Town press release made public late in the day this past Friday, the public hearing is expected to focus on amending Town Code relating to oversight of several Town departments to the Town Council. This would include Labor Relations, Communications and Media Relations, Information Technology, Central Mail Services, Purchasing and the Safety Office.

In the press release, council members said they were hopeful that these departments would benefit from the “guidance, administration and leadership" of the Town Board.

“Our goal is to restore the historical responsibilities of several Town functions to ensure that full oversight is realized by all five Town Board members,” said Councilman Steve Flotteron, the longest serving member of the Town Board.

Councilwoman Trish Bergin Weichbrodt, who also holds the title of Deputy Supervisor, said the proposed change would allow for a more open, transparent and more accountable government in Islip.

“Our constituents expect their Town to run as efficiently as possible and five sets of eyes are the most thorough way to ensure greater responsiveness to residents’ concerns,” she said.

Noticeably absent from the press release was comments from Supervisor Tom Croci.

In an interview with Newsday, Croci spoke out against the move by his fellow Republicans.

“This appears to be an attempt by a political arm to make puppets out of the honorable people who serve on our board,” he said, adding that he was unsure how he would fight the measure.

Tuesday’s Town Board meeting is set for 2 p.m. at Islip Town Hall.