County removes Vets Director
By Donna Comella

After complaints of delays in claims, the Wayne County Board of Supervisors has removed the Director of the County Veterans Services Agency, Ray Cook.

Supervisors said yesterday that they will replace Cook, but they did not offer a name. Veterans Advocate Michael Montemorano of Clyde was present at the Tuesday meeting, but was not on the agenda to speak. He did present the Board with a written proposal that suggested the Veterans Agency clerk, Christina Savage, be made full-time; that Pat Skelly be placed as Director; and that Dan Wilkinson be retained as full-time driver. The Board took no other action other than to release Cook from his duties.

Five of the current Supervisors will meet one last time with the board on December 30, for year-end clean- up. Four of the supervisors lost their November elections and Carm Pascarella of Rose chose not to run for re-election. Those who lost their town elections included Chairman of the Board Marvin Decker of Wolcott. Decker was presented a plaque and a County Flag for his 35-plus years of service. Don Colvin of Savannah (who retained his seat by only 22 votes) said that Decker had been Chairman for 25 years, and applauded his work.

He commented that it wasn't easy working with 14 other supervisors and 50 department heads. But Decker replied, 'No one person can do it alone.' There was a standing ovation and applause for Decker in the courtroom, and following the meeting, he was surprised downstairs with a farewell fete.

In regularly scheduled business, the Board:

Recognized Jeana Ganskop with the Mildred Taylor Award for her work as an intern in the County Historian's office. The $300 award was presented by County Historian Peter Evans.

Defeated a request from the Treasurer's office to hire a full-time receptionist and abolish an Account Clerk position.

Authorized Sheriff Richard Pisciotti to fill the post of Undersheriff at a salary of $58,957. The post will be vacant at the end of the year, due to the retirement of William Pulver. Pisciotti said he has no name to offer at this time.

The Board will meet Friday, December 30 at 9 a.m. to tend to end-of-the-year resolutions and set a date for the 2006 Organizational Meeting.

top of page

Copyright © 2005
Courier-Gazette, 613 S. Main St. Newark, N.Y. 14513 - 315-331-1000
All Rights Reserved