Comptroller Consulted In Harrison's Clash Over Chief Selection

Supervisor Joan Walsh said she's asked a comptroller from New York State whether Councilwoman Marlane Amelio should play a part in selecting the next Chief of Police for the Harrison Police Department. 

Numerous residents have questioned Amelio's ability to make an impartial decision on the matter because Capt. and Acting Police Chief Anthony Marraccini is married to her niece.

"[Comptroler] issue opinions which I believe govern the question," Walsh said.

She is still waiting to hear back on the comptroller's opinion, but said she personally has her own opinion.

"I don't believe she should be part of the process," Walsh said.

Amelio said Tuesday that she was unaware the comptroller had been consulted and that the rest of the board was also unaware. She said that was an example of the transparency that is lacking on the Town Board. However, she said she is a law abiding citizen, and would follow what the comptroller says.

Last week's Town Board meeting featured residents speaking in favor of, and in opposition of, Amelio removing herself from the process. Amelio said she's also received numerous e-mails on the matter from concerned citizens.

"I've received more e-mails in favor than against me voting on it," Amelio said.

Deputy Village Attorney Jonathan D. Kraut said at Thursday's Board meeting that Amelio can't remove herself from voting.

"Board members cannot delegate duties by virtue of being elected," Kraut said.

Amelio said she was saddened that people think her decision would be based on who married into her family, rather than who is the best candidate.

"I am in no way closed-minded about this," she said.

While Amelio said she takes everyone's opinions seriously, she is bothered by the fact that this is the only appointment that the town is taking public input on.

"In a sense if we're going to do that for this, we should be doing it for all department head appointments," Amelio said.

Walsh disagrees with Amelio on this and said that because the position of police chief is a lifelong position, she thinks town residents should be able to air their opinions.

"No other department has the same interaction with the town. For such a decision that has such an impact on the town, they should certainly be able to give their opinions," Walsh said.

All three candidates for Harrison police chief were require to turn in questionnaires on Friday detailing the following information: their education and training with the police force; their management position within the police department; how they would operate with the current reduction in manpower ; their five- and 10-year plans for the department and answer an open-ended question regarding parts of town they interact with. 

"I found the responses of the candidates to be thoughtful and well-prepared but with significant differences," Walsh said.

By law, the Town Board has 90 days from the date of vacancy--Jan. 1--to make their decision.