Nominating Committee Will Seek New Fisheries' Consultant

After the East Hampton Town Board as the consultant for the fisheries committee, the committee has decided to form a group  to find a new consultant.

Although Leo does not have a clear role in the committee, he showed up at the first meeting since the decision with a document entitled "Accomplishments 2008-2011," in an effort to refute Town Supervisor Bill Wilkinson's allegations that nothing has been done during his four years.

A chart on the document shows an increase in total allowable landings for four different types of fish. Of Wilkinson, Leo said, “He keeps saying fishermen have gotten less and less fish but they have been getting more the last three years.”

Wilkinson joined the committee for a part of the meeting in a conference room at the old town hall. One reason was to address an issue that some budgetary money for the fisheries committee was about to go to waste if they did not use it. Wilkinson said, “I just found out we did not use the budget. That is going to be gone. There is another $15,000 that was sort of blown.” 

But, regarding his position on the consultancy position, Wilkinson said the decision was firm: “The vote from the board was 3-2. That will stand.”

Wilkinson said he would not discuss performance openly, so the public, including Leo, left.

Upon Wilkinson’s departure, the public returned to the meeting. Bonnie Brandy, the executive director of the Long Island Fishing Association said, “We made a unanimous recommendation letter and it was drop-kicked.”

Eric Braun pointed out, “We are going to start missing meetings without Arnold representing us. North Carolina is next week.”

Bruce Hoek said, “We have no one else. Who can go down there? Could you imagine me going to that meeting? I don’t know anyone down there.”

Bill Grimm said that while Wilkinson was in the meeting, “I told Bill  [Wilkinson] that they know Arnold” and have for years.

The question became who would be willing and able to do the job.

Ricky Etzel, the chairman of the committee, said they are going to have to create a nominating committee to nominate a consultant. He said, “I don’t think we will have it organized in time and we will miss a meeting or two.”

Leo suggested trying to propose to the board to reinstate him. Etzel said that is an option that will have to be discussed.

Since Leo is not a member of the committee, but he also suggested that the committee make him an honorary member as a bayman. He has been the secretary of the East Hampton Baymen's Association for over 30 years. The idea was tabled until the next meeting.