Patrick O’Brien
May 5, 2016 By Christian Murray
Community Board 2 Chair Patrick O’Brien is expected to announce that he is stepping down from the top job at the board’s monthly meeting tonight, the LIC Post has learned.
O’Brien, who was elected as chair in December 2014 amid controversy, is expected to announce that there will be an election for the chairmanship in June, according to a well placed source. He is likely to stay on as a Board member.
O’Brien said he had “no comment” on whether he was stepping down, adding, “wait for the meeting tonight.”
Some of the executive board members have been notified of his intention to step down, the source said. Denise Keehan-Smith, who is on the executive board, said she had “no comment” on the matter. Executive board members Lisa Deller, Diane Ballek and Sheila Lewandowski could not be reached for comment.
A June election would provide potential candidates several weeks to be prepare for a vote. Only Board members are eligible be chair.
O’Brien was elected just two days after former chairman Joe Conley announced that he was stepping down. Conley had held the top job for two decades before notifying the board that the top spot was vacant.
The timing of Conley’s announcement came as a great surprise to many and was the cause of much debate.
Several members said that they were caught off guard by Conley’s sudden announcement and wanted to delay the elections a month in order for all the Board members to evaluate whether they wanted to run.
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One Comment
I am sorry to hear Pat is resigning as Chair and whatever the reason, at least he is giving proper notice in allowing ALL board members time consider their vote.