Orange County IDA board members blast Skoufis; Senator responds

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GOSHEN – Members of the Orange County Industrial Development Board Wednesday took off their kid gloves and criticized State Senator James Skoufis for his latest attack on the agency.

The senator, who charged the board is not looking out for the best interests of local taxpayers, has proposed a state-appointed monitor to oversee the actions of the board.

At its latest board meeting, members, including Giovanni Palladino, took offense to Skoufis’ criticisms.

“The state, in general right now, they are pushing for state-mandated control of everything from housing to whatever. I’m pissed at what he said to me. I want answers. Do I hire my own attorney and go after this guy,” Palladino said. “It’s ridiculous. He is a politician who is supposed to be a leader. He should act like one and not like a child.”  Responding to Palladino’s comments, Skoufis told Mid-Hudson News “In addition to advancing our state monitor proposal, the Senate Investigations Committee that I chair has an open probe into the IDA’s actions and we look forward to interviewing their board members and staff. The public and Legislature deserve answers for their anti-taxpayer activity.”

“In addition to advancing our state monitor proposal, the Senate investigations committee that I chair has an open probe into the IDA’s actions and we look forward to interviewing their board members and staff. The public and Legislature deserve answers for their anti-taxpayer activity.”

Board member Dr. Vincent Odock said Skoufis owes the IDA board an apology.  Skoufis, fanning the flames between the two sides, responded to Odock in a rebuttal submitted to Mid-Hudson News, saying “I’ll never apologize for protecting the taxpayers that I represent; It’s called doing my job,” and added, “The Orange County IDA should consider doing theirs.”

Acting Board Chairman Dean Tamburri accused the senator of engaging in low-level name-calling.




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