Appointment irks some in GOP
Walowit upset at manner in which she lost deputy role
A surprise snub of longtime Deputy Supervisor Lynda Walowit, passing her over for yet another two years in that role, has sparked the Clifton Park Republican Committee’s Facebook page to post a rare rebuke directed at Supervisor Phil Barrett.
The post on Facebook said the unexpected move to appoint new town board member Anthony Morelli, who only joined the allRepublican board in
October
2020, was “disgraceful.” The post also said that not discussing it with Walowit “blindsided her.”
“While this appointment is strictly at the discretion of the town supervisor, the supervisor lacked the respect to discuss this with Ms. Walowit prior to (Monday’s) town board meeting,” the post reads. “Clifton Park residents expect their leaders to act respectfully and to communicate effectively.”
Jeffery Jones, the committee’s chairman, told the Times Union that the GOP committee is not rebuking Barrett, but he would not explain further why the post appeared on the committee’s Facebook page. Barrett said that the page is not the official GOP page and that anyone can create a page and call it whatever they like.
Barrett said he knows he injured feelings when he passed over Walowit, who has served on the town board for 25 years, 12 of which she acted as deputy. But, he said, as a public official, one has to put personal sensitivities aside.
At Monday’s town board meeting Barrett said that one of the reasons he appointed Morelli was because he can walk to town hall if he needs to step in as supervisor. Another reason was his military service.
“The recent large winter storm was a stark reminder that weather events can restrict travel,” Barrett said. “He can easily walk to town hall from his home. He possesses extensive experience in town operation. His years of military experience have prepared him for the leadership responsibilities under difficult conditions.”
He also said that attendance is vital during “this crucial time during a pandemic.”
Walowit said she had no idea this was coming and was only told of the change minutes before the meeting by a town employee who was privy to the change.
“I’m disappointed in the unprofessional and disrespectful manner I was relieved of the position only being notified late this afternoon by a fellow staff member,” she said at the town board meeting.
On Tuesday, she told the Times Union she was surprised, overwhelmed and puzzled by Barrett’s selection because “I had no idea there was any discomfort.” She also said that communication between the supervisor and board members is breaking down.
“There is a communication issue for a while now,” Walowit said. “There were a couple times resolutions were handed to us on the night of the meeting. We can’t vote on resolutions we don’t know anything about.”
Other times, there were certain resolutions that Barrett prepared that she and others did not like, but went along with Barrett to “not rock the boat.”
Councilwoman Amy Standaert, who has been on the board for eight years, is also concerned about its direction.
“Communication on the town board has been a little bit difficult in the past several months,” Standaert said. “It has not been as effective. We were not given (Monday’s) meeting resolutions prior to the meeting. We were given a rough draft on Monday morning. … This is the second time this has happened in the last three months. It’s been a disappointment.”
Barrett said he does bring forward ideas at town board meetings, but they require board approval.
“I’m not working unilaterally,” Barrett said. “I’m not doing anything in secret.”
Walowit said that since the pandemic, morale at town hall has been low. She speculates that her efforts to bolster the employees, whom she said “make us look good,” has upset Barrett.
“They give 100 percent,” Walowit said of the employees. “They don’t get the recognition they deserve. They are underappreciated, undercompensated and understaffed. It’s tense at town hall. I went from person-to-person to tell the employees how wonderful they are. I don’t think that was appreciated.”
The perceived slight has Walowit wondering if she will run again. Her term, like Barrett’s, expires at the end of 2021. Despite the Facebook posts, Walowit said she is certain the town GOP will back Barrett for town leader as “Republicans don’t eat our own.”
Meanwhile, the town’s Democratic committee is seeking candidates to run against Barrett, Morelli and Walowit. Also up for election in November are Highway Superintendent Dahn Bull, Saratoga County Supervisor Jonathan Schopf, Clerk Theresa Brobston and Justice James Hughes. All are Republicans.
“We want to have a balance in town,” said town Democratic Committee Chair Patrick Lyons. “We want to make sure all the voices are represented. I think this is systemic of having one-party domination in town. There is no open debate on issues. It’s all behind closed doors.”
He also said Walowit “deserved a conversation.”
“It’s a common courtesy,” Lyons said. “That should be offered to anyone who spends their time in public service, especially someone on your team.”