FISHKILL – Newly sworn-in Democratic Town Supervisor Ozzy Albra has appointed Hal Brilliant to serve as his deputy town supervisor. Brilliant is the former chairman of the Dutchess County Conservative Committee and the appointment has been called “political payback” by Republican town board member Ori Brachfeld.
According to Supervisor Albra, Brilliant was sworn-in on January 1 for the position that pays $8,000 annually. Albra said that the town board knew of the appointment of Brilliant. Brachfeld said he was not advised of any such appointment and that the salary agreement between the supervisor and his deputy is illegal.
“Ozzy does not get to set the salary for that position. It is supposed to be done by the town board through a resolution. We haven’t had a board meeting yet so I don’t know how the salary was determined,”Brachfeld said.
Albra said that he appointed Brilliant to the position based on his past service on the town board as well as his former position as the chief of police in Walden. “Mr. Brilliant is a former police chief and I like to surround myself with people of that caliber,” said the freshman supervisor.
Brilliant called his appointment “a way to give back to the town in which I live and have previously served. I am confident that I can help Mr. Albra carry out his agenda and vision for Fishkill.”
Brachfeld also contends that “Brilliant was part of the administration of Joan Pagones that put Fishkill on the brink of financial ruin.” The veteran lawmaker also said “I would serve as deputy supervisor to save our taxpayers $8,000 a year in unnecessary spending.”
