Bondi Bows Out

The many expressions of County Executive Robert Bondi were witnessed last week when he announced his intention of stepping down at the conclusion of his term on December 31 after serving for 20 years in office. Eric Gross Putnam County Executive Robert Bondi has ended months of speculation by announcing his intention to retire at the end of his current term.

Bondi’s announcement came last week at a news conference held before three members of the media and some two-dozen department heads and staff members who congregated in the executive’s suite on the third floor of the Putnam Office Building.

The session resembled a trip down memory lane with a variety of photos and newspaper clippings from Couriers in the past on Bondi’s table highlighting zero budget tax-rate increases and many of the executive’s achievements during his 20 years as county executive.

Bondi began his remarks by talking about the first interview he had soon after taking office when he was elected to the Putnam Legislature in 1979: “A young reporter by the name of Eric Gross came to my door at the Wendelin Apartment Complex in Mahopac to report on a leak in the building that filled up my boot. I really wasn’t interested, but Eric persisted and completed the interview. Over the years, Eric frequented my office for chats and when he visited he always brought a gift of food—mainly donuts and an occasional stick of gun. So, here you are—it’s my turn to turn the tables on you. Here’s a piece of gum!”

The room erupted into laughter.

Bondi told the gathering that he enjoyed serving the people of Putnam County for more than three decades at the grassroots level where “our work affects people up close and personal. I always received a tremendous source of satisfaction knowing that I was helping a person in need.”

Bondi complimented Putnam Legislature Chairman Vincent Tamagna for “helping to bring government closer together. We are working on many positive projects and will continue to do so as we go forward. I intend to continue working closely with Mr. Tamagna and the entire legislature as we adopt the 2011 county budget and advance our redesigning government project.”

Bondi recognized his department heads and county employees for their efforts and dedication to the people of Putnam County. Bondi commended the members of his staff for their support: “Each one of you is special, including the late Donald Smith Sr. and the late Mary Ann Loughran.”

Smith served as Bondi’s first deputy county executive while Loughran was Bondi’s chief of staff.

Bondi said he learned an important lesson from the late political giant: “Don taught me to pass the torch of good government along to my successor once my tenure ends. I will pass that torch onto the new county executive on January 1.”

When asked what he would like to be remembered for, Bondi replied: “I was always a team player who worked with other officials to get things done. During my 31 years much was accomplished due to the ‘team together’ approach. We all achieve more when working in unity such as the creation of the 650-acre Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area in Patterson, the Tilly Foster Farm, the 370-acre Putnam National Golf Club in Mahopac, the 167-acre Camp Wilbur Herrlich in Patterson, as well as a variety of facilities—the new Putnam Courthouse, the Putnam Correctional Facility, the Donald B. Smith Sr. Campus, Putnam’s new Emergency Operations Center, and new senior centers in Mahopac and Putnam Valley, with Kent on the horizon. All of these projects have gotten our county ready for its future needs.”

Bondi announced that he had no intention of leaving the county after his term ends on Dec. 31: “I hope to serve my county as a volunteer.”

Bondi is in the process of recertifying his EMT license through the Putnam Bureau of Emergency Services. Bondi served with the Mahopac Fire Department for many years and even was first aid lieutenant for a term.

Last month, State Senator Vincent Leibell announced his intention of running for county executive in November.

Was his stepping down because he felt Leibell was unbeatable?

Bondi replied: “I think Senator Leibell is a very knowledgeable and experienced elected official. I will not comment further other than to say by not running again I am doing what is best for me after much reflection and with the support of my family. I enjoy service and love the people of our county. If I can’t serve in this office, I want to do the next best thing and serve the community as I did before becoming an elected official.” Leibell declined to comment on the announcement when contacted by the Courier, but Tamagna said Bondi acted properly by “taking this opportunity to start a new chapter in his life. Bob loves his farm upstate and I know he is interested in helping the people of Putnam County in other capacities.”

Legislator Sam Oliverio of Putnam Valley, the lone Democrat on the nine-member governing body, also reacted to the announcement: “Bob has done a good job over the years but it’s time for a change. During the past couple of years he has been out of the county on numerous occasions. I wish him well. He has made the right decision.”

Bondi was asked if he would change anything if he could turn back the clock.

“I made several mistakes along the way,” he said. Bondi did not elaborate.

The executive talked about his educational career. Bondi was a tenured professor at SUNY. He said he was pleased to have switched career paths: “I was able to do a lot more with my skill set which allowed me to provide a career of public service.”

Bondi is only the third county executive to hold office in Putnam County. Democrat David Bruen of Southeast was the first executive. He served for two terms before being defeated by Republican Peter Alexanderson, a Southeast attorney. Bondi was elected in a three-person race four years later.