Changing The Guard

Local Democrats scoffed in 1995 when the Republican majority on the East Hampton Town Board appointed Robert Savage as town attorney. "Since when is a job with the town the reward for losing an election?" asked one Democrat, referring to Mr. Savage's first unsuccessful bid to be Town Justice the month prior.

Now, with the Town Board majority back in Democratic hands, the victors are scanning a list of their candidates who lost at the polls to find nominees for appointed positions.

It is inevitable that changes in party control result in new political appointments. Appointments made to implement a majority party's policies make good sense. Those made simply to fulfill political obligations are less attractive.

As the new year approaches and, with it, openings on the Planning Board, for example, Supervisor Cathy Lester and her advisers, not the least of which are Councilman Peter Hammerle and Councilman-elect Job Potter, should hold their appointees up to the same light they shined on Republican appointees two years ago.

Some nominees among the Democratic candidates who lost this year's election will be worthy of important positions. Others may not be the best choices.

Two years ago, the Republicans were clearly partisan when they declined to reappoint Bradley Loewen to the Planning Board; Mr. Loewen had proven himself a dedicated and conscientious member during his first term and deserved a second. He could get it now. Henry Clifford, the former chairman of the Planning Board, who resigned rather than serve as a board member when the Republican majority replaced him as chairman, may have forfeited his future on the board.

The 1998 appointments won't be made until the entire board votes on Jan. 2 to set government in motion for another year. However, it has been confirmed that John Jilnicki, a deputy town attorney, has been given his walking papers.

Mr. Jilnicki has served in the town attorney's office in Democratic and Republican administrations and is credited with carrying its heaviest workload. His ability to work with both parties is praiseworthy. Word has it that he is being let go to make way for one of two lawyers who sought office unsuccessfully this year as Democrats. Mr. Jilnicki's departure from town government will be as regrettable as was Mr. Loewen's.

Can we ask the victors to think carefully before taking all the spoils?