Levinson: Vote of Opposition on Harbor Council

STONE HARBOR — Councilman H. Brian Levinson voted against rehiring Council Solicitor Michael Donohue and the new standing committees at the borough’s reorganization meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 6.
“In my 30 years experience as a lawyer, things have come up that I’ve found unacceptable,” he said. Levinson is retired from working as a lawyer in Binghamton, N.Y.
Levinson commented that residents should be able to “understand the thought process of government,” however refused to share his.
He continued that “it is not a matter of competency” but he finds some of Donohue’s practices “unacceptable.” He wouldn’t state specific incidents but said, “Mr. Donohue knows.”
“I think I’ve done a good job and had the borough’s best interest at heart. I think most borough officials would agree with me,” Donohue said.
Levinson was also the only dissenting vote to authorize new council standing committees.
“The mix could have been made more effective with different people. It’s not all wrong and there are many strong individuals on the committees already who could have been placed differently. We’ve got something good but it could be better,” he said.
Again, Levinson refused to further comment.
Levinson was re-appointed as chairman to the Natural Resources Committee. Councilman Barry Mastrangelo is 2009 chairman of Public Works. New Council woman Joanne Vaul will lead the Beach and Recreation Committee. Councilman Thomas Cope was appointed chairman of the Public Safety Committee. Councilman Randall Bauer is chairman of the Utilities Committee.
As 2008 council president, Levinson contested incumbent Mayor Suzanne Walters during Republican Primary last June with running mates Karen Lane and G. Wayne Harris vying for council seats.
“New year, new challenges. I look forward to a fun festive new year at this table,” Councilman Karl Giulian, chairman of the Administration and Finance committee, said during the comment portion of the meeting.