Resident Demanding Answers Over Recent Village Resignation

At least one Greenport resident is demanding answers about the recent resignation of Jack Naylor, the village's utilities director.

William Swiskey, who lost a bid for a village trustee seat at the last election, said he has had questions since Oct. 3, when a special village board meeting was held to announce that an agreement had been reached with Naylor, who had submitted his resignation.

The resignation followed a leave of absence Naylor took from his post in August, which the village board discussed in a public meeting.

According to Swiskey, Greenport Mayor David Nyce said 
the agreement was not up for public discussion because it was "covered by a confidentiality agreement."

But, Swiskey countered, "This is not a court case. And there is no such thing when you spend public money. Also, since they claim they are not going to fill his position, they could have simply not reappointed him in April, as I advocated in the debate."

Swiskey said he was concerned about the cost of the "buyout" to the taxpayer.

And while Swiskey said he has filed for documentation under the Freedom of Information law, he would like an answer from elected officials. Patch has also sent in a FOIL request for the documentation.

"I would like an explanation," Swiskey said. "Not the mayor's lie that this was on the advice of labor counsel. Even if he was civil service, eliminating his position would have done the job and cost zip."

Nyce did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Naylor could not immediately be reached for comment.