In The News

October 22, 2007

Schettino and Finlay Pledge to Be Full-Time Council Members
Islip Candidates: No More Double Dipping by Politicians

(West Islip, New York) – John Schettino and Tom Finlay, candidates for Islip Town Council, today reiterated their pledge to be full-time members of the Islip Town Council when elected this November. This position contrasts with that of their opponents, Gene Parrington and John Edwards, who have indicated they will only serve the Town of Islip when convenient for them.

The town council position pays $77,000 per year plus full benefits, bringing total compensation that can be valued at approximately $100,000 per year.

During a Meet the Candidates Night hosted by the Oakdale and Bohemia Civic Associations on October 8, Schettino and Finlay pledged to give up their full-time jobs when elected so that they could devote their full-time and efforts to their responsibilities as Islip Town Councilmen. Schettino, an attorney, will give up his private law practice. Finlay, a successful businessman, will make the Islip Town Council his only business.

“I will be a full-time Councilman. The taxpayers are sick and tired of double dipping by politicians. Islip residents deserve to be able to walk into Town Hall and know that they can reach their elected representatives,” Schettino said.

Finlay added: “If you don’t have the time and don’t like the salary, then don’t take the job.”

Parrington is refusing to give up his job as a union representative if elected, even though he admitted that it would create a conflict of interest. “Okay then, I’ll abstain from voting” on any contracts with the town’s union workers, Parrington said when pressed on this issue. Considering that a substantial portion of the town budget is comprised of contracts and compensation paid to employees, Parrington would be shrugging off one of his most important responsibilities as a Councilman.

Edwards, an attorney, is refusing to give up his private law practice if elected because he can’t get by on the $77,000 salary, plus benefits. When pressed on this issue, Edwards responded, “Mr. Schettino and I obviously have a difference of opinion as to the meaning of public service.”