Appointments should be done based on merit
Bee Editorial
The Town of Amherst's employee review program is awful - it doesn't exactly exist. So when it comes time to reappoint an employee, one wonders how that is done.

There are some town departments that seem to be flawless, getting their work done and being on top of everything. There are others that need work. Maybe it's the fault of the supervisor and Town Board, who haven't made effective decisions on appointing department heads.

The Assessor's Department is currently being run by Harry Williams, a man who has more than two decades of employment - but no future - with the town. Supervisor Satish Mohan has boldly said he will never again reappoint Williams, whose contract ended in September. Mohan has yet to present a new name for the position. Here comes the wonder: How can a department run under such conditions? Especially when a reason why Williams won't be reappointed has not yet been stated.

At the first board meeting of the year, it is the tradition to make appointments to positions where terms have expired. Town Engineer Jeff Burroughs has completed his first two-year term. Nothing has been said as to whether Mohan will be putting his name on the Jan. 7 resolution. But every time Burroughs is asked for an explanation he has one. He also admits when the state has come down on the town, pointing out issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible. And just recently, asbestos was found at Plant 16, possibly causing major health concerns. Burroughs handled the situation, sending out the details to the media. He is operating a massive department - without a plant manager - and appears to be doing a good job. The board has not chastised him in public and often praises his work. One would think he is on his way to being reappointed, but what's the process?

The same can be said for the attorney's office, where several terms have ended, including that of Town Attorney Tom Jones. This group of men are walking town code books. If you have ever watched a board meeting you know how often their opinions are asked. It seems the town board can't take any initiative without hearing from Jones first. All the while, the attorneys are frequently in court, defending the actions of the Town Board.

The comptroller's position is also up for reappointment. With three comptrollers - one interim - in two years, the department has had some issues. It appears Frank Belliotti has started to get a handle on the millions of dollars the town deals with. But without a process, how can decisions be made fairly?