Election Chiefs Retain Posts After ‘Brouhaha’

Putnam’s long time elections commissioners had to sweat it out on the hottest night of the summer season during their reappointment process.

Democratic Commissioner Robert Bennett who has served in that capacity for more than 35 years and GOP Elections Commissioner Anthony Scannapieco, a two decade veteran, were both appointed at Tuesday evening’s meeting by narrow margins.

Scannapieco received a 5-4 nod while Bennett’s reappointment was made by a 6-3 vote.

Legislators Dan Birmingham, Tony Fusco, Tony Hay, Dini LoBue and Mary Ellen Odell backed Scannapieco with Legislators Mary Conklin, Sam Oliverio, Richard Othmer and Chairman Vincent Tamagna voted against.

Those supporting Bennett’s reappointment were Birmingham, Fusco, Hay, LoBue, Odell and his fellow Democrat Oliverio.

According to Bennett, “much too much was made about all of this. They each have their own axe to grind. This all could have been handled very simply but instead they questioned our combined 60-plus years of experience and knowledge and made a bigger case out of it than it needed to be.”

Bennett called their reappointments “an easy call on the part of the legislature.” I’m glad it’s over with for another four years…I am happy to be reappointed but a bit dismayed over the unnecessary brouhaha.”

Scannapieco agreed: “I wish to thank the legislature for reappointing my long time colleague and me. A lot has to be done in the weeks and months to come in the wake of our recent move from Southeast to Carmel.”

When asked about the closeness of the vote, Scannapieco remarked, “There are outside forces out there who want to change and control everything and they have been able to influence the legislators.”

When asked about the so-called “outside forces,” Scannapieco answered: “People know who I am talking about.” He did not elaborate further.

Assemblyman Greg Ball told the Courier that he thinks Scannapieco was referring to Senator Vincent Leibell, who as he said, “spent 30 years engineering politically. He controls every town and planning board. Bennett and Scannapieco are generally good and independent people who won’t be bought—so Leibell is trying to control them too.” Ball, of course, is a longtime Leibell rival.

Several sources who wish to remain anonymous told the Courier that Leibell’s chief of staff, Ray Maguire, called members of the legislature to try and persuade their vote against Scannapieco. Maguire would neither confirmed nor denied making these calls. Leibell said he personally made no such calls but said it isn’t uncommon for legislators to call and consult him.

The New York State Legislature is in the midst of a debate limiting any county elections commissioner to serve as party chairman. Scannapieco not only serves as commissioner but is also the Putnam GOP chairman and chairman of the Carmel Republican Town Committee.

The bill has been approved in the Senate but has been bottled up in committee in the Assembly since January.

Legislator Birmingham told his colleagues should the law take effect, “Tony will have to make his decision—either GOP chairman or commissioner. That’s his call.”

Legislator Odell explained that the legislature was “merely ratifying decisions made by the two parties. They chose these two veterans to run the Board of Elections.”

Legislator Oliverio described both Scannapieco and Bennett as “outstanding in their roles as commissioner. I have no problem with that. My difficulty is that Mr. Scannapieco serves as county chairman. My ‘no’ vote is not a reflection on the man’s job. An elections commissioner and political party chair should not mix.”

Scannapieco has held both jobs for quite some time.