Assemblywoman Russell supports re-appointment of town supervisor in Morristown

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell said she has been advised the governor's legal staff is reviewing a request from Morristown town officials to appoint a town supervisor.

A series of procedural errors has left the board with just two duly elected officials on the five-member board.

The two remaining board members, lacking a quorum, are unable to make appointments to fill the vacancies on the town board. The remaining two board members are also not authorized to sign checks, so the municipality is currently unable to pay its bills, including its payroll. The town's next payroll is March 17.

"I have been looking into the town's options and in contact with the governor's staff. I have been told they are researching the request and are working on it in an expedited fashion," Russell said.

She noted she would support former Supervisor Frank Putman being reappointed to a position he has held since the late 1990s.

"The residents of the town of Morristown deserve a functioning government. The taxpayers in the town of Morristown have paid to have their services provided, and they need a functioning government," she said.

Russell said the appointment of the supervisor is necessary so the town can pay its bills and meets its payroll.

"This is a busy time of year for the highway department as winter transitions into spring. The board needs a quorum so it can pay for necessary supplies for its road maintenance work," she noted.

Russell said she is also advocating the town call a special election to fill the remaining two vacancies on the town board.

"I know there will be a cost for a special election, but I think it is warranted in this case so the residents of the town of Morristown can make the determination if this is just a case of clerical errors or there are broader issues that warrant change. That needs to be a local decision. I also feel it is a decision the voters need to be able to make in a relatively short period of time," Russell said.