Supervisor Elect: Budget Officer Will Stay Put in January

East Hampton Town Supervisor-elect Larry Cantwell is putting aside party politics in lining up key appointments for 2014.

This weekend, Cantwell announced Len Bernard, the town budget officer in Supervisor Bill Wilkinson's administration, will retain the position when he takes office in January.

Though the decision is entirely the supervisor's, Cantwell said he has consulted with all members of the town board who will be on the dais in less than two months.

"Len Bernard helped spearhead the financial recovery of the town, reorganize the finance department, and developed strong working relationships with the N.Y.S. Comptrollers Office and the financial professionals who advise the town," Cantwell said. "I want his experience and dedication working with me to continue the town on a path of financial recovery and balanced budgets."

"While we may be loyal members of different political parties, Len and I agree there is no room for party politics when it comes to the financial health of the town," Cantwell said. He is a Democrat, and Bernard is a Republican.

Bernard said he is thankful for the opportunity. "The town has come a long way in four years and I know Larry wants to keep that momentum going applying his 30 years of experience in municipal management," Bernard said. "His willingness to recognize the accomplishments and skills of the current financial team and put good government ahead of politics sets up the town well to continue the move forward."

Bernard said he is also thankful to Supervisor Wilkinson "for giving me the chance to help fix the past financial problems that existed and now I want to thank Supervisor-elect Cantwell for giving me the chance as we move forward to be a part of the effort to deliver the best government to local residents in the most financially responsible way possible."

Cantwell made clear that he plans to include the entire town board, not just the Democratic majority, in ensuring a smooth transition in January. Cantwell and new councilpeople Kathee Burke-Gonzalez, a Democrat, and Fred Overton, a Republican, will join Democrats Sylvia Overby and Peter Van Scoyoc on the board.

"All too often in the past a new majority discusses transition plans for appointments and organization without inviting minority party involvement," Cantwell said. "With the support of the Democrats on the new town board I have invited Fred and he has agreed to be a full partner in our transition planning. I look forward to Fred playing an equal role among the town board members. The election is over and it is time to move forward together."

After he was elected earlier this month, Overton said he was confident he could foster a good working relationship with the board despite being the only Republican.