O’Connor appointed as next town supervisor

MALTA, N.Y. >> In a recent unanimous vote, Darren O’Connor was appointed Malta’s fourth Town Supervisor in nearly five decades to fill the term of Supervisor Vince DeLucia.

Following a lengthy legal career, O’Connor has served for three years as Deputy Supervisor and Deputy Town Attorney, including roles in private practice and as a Counsel to the New York State Police. O’Connor’s appointment to this office will be for the balance of the term, through December 2019.

O’Connor said in a news release, “I am honored and humbled to have been appointed Town Supervisor. I pledge to continue to implement the great progress achieved by my predecessor and strive to keep Malta Town-Tax free, while improving economic growth and recreational amenities. I’m grateful to Vince DeLucia for his leadership and guidance over these last three years and look forward to continuing to serve the people of Malta.”

O’Connor has served actively in Town Government and in the community at large for many years. O’Connor was first appointed Deputy Supervisor in 2016 and has since served in the Town’s Ethics Code Review Committee, as a member of the Malta Rotary, and as a key community conduit on major projects, such as rezoning Route 9 North for commercial use.

Former Supervisor Vince DeLucia said in the release, “I can think of no better choice to follow me in Town Hall than Darren O’Connor. Darren’s background, experience, dedication to the Town, and focus on making Malta all it can be will help propel our Town forward. I’m thrilled the Town Board acted unanimously to name him to the post.”

“Darren listens first, asks the right questions and makes decisions based on his informed opinion. I think he is an excellent choice to fill the term left by Vince DeLucia and I wholeheartedly support his appointment to the position of Malta Supervisor. I look forward to working with him,” added Malta Town Council Member Cynthia Young.

Since taking office in 2016, Supervisor O’Connor has worked to lead a shift towards greater balance in development, and increased private investment in the Town.

Officials said he has also worked to protect open space and improve recreational amenities, notably in his role in one of the largest land conservation efforts in Town history in 2018. This strategy has broadened the Town’s assessed tax base and grown the Town’s share of County sales tax revenue, thereby bolstering the Town’s efforts to remain General Town tax-free.