Politics & Government

Whalen Retains Chair of Orangetown Housing Authority

The Orangetown Council voted, 3-2, to reappoint former Supervisor Paul Whalen as chairman of the Orangetown Housing Authority during Tuesday's regular town board meeting.

Supervisor Andy Stewart and Councilman Paul Valentine voted no while Councilmen Tom Diviny, Denis Troy and Tom Morr voted yes on the five-year appointment. The Housing Authority oversees the Cortwood Acres apartment complex.

Whalen served one two-year term as Orangetown Supervisor that ended in 2011, when Stewart beat him in the election. 

Stewart said there were unresolved issues he wanted to see taken care of before reappointing Whalen, such as settling a contract for snow removal. 

"There are legal issues that can be solved very easily," Stewart said. "I don't know why they haven't been. They are simple things I'd like to see completed and I view that as unfortunate. I wish Paul the best, but I wish we were doing it with those tasks finished."

The item was taken off the agenda in May, in part because Diviny wanted to look closer into questions about how the committee was being run raised by Robert Tompkins, a member of the Housing Authority. 

"People who know me and Paul know we don't always see eye to eye," Diviny said. "I did my investigation. I talked to members of the board. Every member of the board out there is supporting Mr. Whalen. I respect the people out there tonight. People we respect in the community are telling us Paul does a good job. I know he puts a lot into it and he has a passion for the postion. He keeps the (rental) rates down and the people there happy."

Members of the Housing Authority and residents of Cortwood Acres spoke out on Whalen's behalf at Tuesday's meeting. Councilman Denis Troy, the board's liaison to the Housing Authority, read a letter from member Peter Byrne in support of Whalen because Byrne was unable to attend. Housing Authority member Walter Wettje, Jr., who the Republican nominee to run against Stewart for Supervisor in November, was in attendance but did not speak. 

"I've been on the housing authority board for five years and I support Paul Whalen 100 percent," said Housing Authority member Jack O'Connor. "He puts in numerous hours at Cortwood Acres beyond his responsibilities and he is always looking out for the best interests of the seniors. Cortwood has definitely improved under his leadership."

Patricia Brown and Sharon Ogden, the tenant representatives to the Housing Authority, both supported Whalen.

"We strongly support Paul for this position," Brown said. "His door is always open to us. He is available to us when we have concerns. We have a strong working relationship with Paul that we do not wish to lose."

Tompkins, who was appointed to the Housing Commission in 2012, continued to speak in opposition to Whalen, filed a complaint with the town board, claiming that Whalen has violated bylaws by failing to fill the vacant vice chairman position and not holding elections for officers. He asked the town council to delay the vote again to see if the bylaws would be followed at the next Housing Authority meeting Thursday.

"I fear he will continue to hold illegal votes, such as voting by email without board discussion," Tompkins said. "I hope Mr. Whalen strives to comply with rules the housing board must legally follow."

Troy addressed Tomkins in his comments on the matter.

"He said five years is a long time," Troy said. "We appointed you for five years and I can't believe that. Some people just do not play well with others in the sandbox. That's all I'll say about that."

Editor's note: Check back with Patch for more from Tuesday's meeting. 


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