Monroe County Legislature President Yversha Roman has recommended a Conservative Party official for an appointment on the Monroe County Water Authority Board. Scott Nasca, the chairman, would be appointed to a third term. The position pays $10,500 to the chairman.
“There is no way this is about bipartisanship. This is a party that is anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ rights, and anti-labor union. Why would any Democrat support this, especially given the history of that board?” said Legislator Barnhart. “This smells like a deal from the bad old days of the Water Authority.”
After multiple MCWA scandals, a grand jury released a report in 2009 that recommended changes to board appointments and term limits. At the time, the seven-member board only had Conservatives and Republicans. To this day, there are no Democrats on the board.
Mr. Nasca is the Executive Vice-Chair of the Monroe County Conservative Party and as a member of the New York State Conservative Party Executive Committee. The Conservative line is seen as valuable because New York has a fusion voting system, in which candidates can appear on multiple ballot lines, potentially increasing their chances of winning.
“Believe it or not, there are Democrats who flirt with the Conservative Party either to get cross-endorsed, or get them to stay out of races. Mr. Nasca’s power to influence endorsements is an inherent conflict of interest that should be disqualifying,” said Legislator Barnhart. “I don’t believe this appointment has anything to do with his qualifications, as there are multiple candidates who are not party officials who could serve in the role.”
Roman withdrew the legislation to appoint Nasca from Agenda-Charter at the last minute yesterday, knowing at least two members of the committee would loudly rebuke the appointment. She informed the Democratic Caucus she would submit the appointments to the full legislature in November.
Roman has introduced two Democrats as well, but bundled the appointments in one piece of legislation. When asked by members of her caucus to sever the appointments so we could vote individually, she refused.
If the measure is approved, according to recent voter files, the makeup of the board would be three Conservatives, one Republican, one unaffiliated and two Democrats. Conservatives make up less than 2% of Monroe County enrollment.
“Democrats finally have the majority after 30 years and it’s painful to see our President squander it with this divisive, sleazy appointment,” said Legislator Barnhart. “Unfortunately, the Bello administration, aided by Roman, is rife with cronyism that betrays the values of our party and the voters who put us here.”