CARMEL – The removal of Putnam County’s former Commissioner of Finance Mike Lewis by County Executive Kevin Byrne has been sharply criticized by Putnam Legislator Paul Jonke.
At the conclusion of this week’s legislature meeting, Jonke described Lewis’ departure as “sudden and unceremoniously.”
He charged the 2025 budget process had been a “disaster. No one had answers to our questions. Mike Lewis was honest enough to tell us when questioned: ‘I don’t know.’ I don’t understand why he was relieved of his duty, but I thank him for his service during the past two years.”
Byrne has replaced Lewis with Putnam’s former Commissioner of Finance William Carlin, who had supervised Putnam’s financial affairs prior to retiring in 2023.
On Friday Byrne responded. “As county executive I am entrusted with the people of this county to make many difficult decisions that are in the best interest of Putnam County. When making decisions of going in a different direction, I do my best never to cast dispersions or criticize those who just didn’t work out. I am grateful that Bill has decided to return. His extensive knowledge of the county’s financial systems and his deep commitment to fiscal responsibility make him the ideal candidate to guide the department during this transition period. Bill’s experience and dedication to the county will be invaluable as we continue to move forward with our financial operations as his leadership will ensure a seamless continuation of the county’s financial functions and provide the stability needed during this time of change.”
Legislature Chairwoman Amy Sayegh described Lewis as being “transparent,” adding, “I wish him well.
Legislator Greg Ellner called Lewis a “good guy. Mike is a person of high caliber and any financial questions we had on the legislature were always answered promptly and thoroughly. The county has lost an excellent financial commissioner.”
And Legislator Nancy Montgomery of Philipstown said she was surprised by the change. “I appreciated working with Michael especially his steady, conservative approach to county finances and his openness to working with me, always respectful of my views and navigating complex conversations. He consistently took the time to communicate clearly, even through tough issues.”
During his remarks at the conclusion of the meeting, Jonke also called on Byrne to relieve County Attorney Compton Spain of his duties.
In a letter sent to Byrne, Jonke stated, “In your role as Putnam County Executive, it is my opinion that based on the inappropriate, unprofessional, and unethical actions of the current Putnam County Attorney, Compton Spain you should exercise your authority to remove him from his position. The appointed County Attorney, like any county employee, has a responsibility to work in accordance with the rules and procedures related to their position. County Attorney Spain, as a long time professional in the field of law, is well aware of this. Unfortunately, he has willfully taken actions that are not in line with the rules and procedures of the Putnam County Law Department.”
Byrne responded saying, “Paul’s memo is recycled nonsense, riddled with baseless accusations and rumor. Every claim has already been addressed and soundly refuted by this administration, repeatedly, in writing, going back as far as 2023. Despite what he may attempt to present, Paul is not the Legislature. He is one of a nine-member body, epitomizing his lame-duck status focusing instead on personal vendettas and obstruction. This is the same tired routine from someone more interested in petty grudges than public service. He’s wasted taxpayer dollars and time dragging others into his personal crusades, de-funded the Board of Ethics’ request when it didn’t suit him, mishandled sensitive confidential materials, and tried to settle political scores with anyone who dared question him; including community members such as a former Cornell Cooperative Extension board member, the past president of the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board, and most recently the County Attorney.”
Byrne said he would “not interfere with the important work of the Board of Ethics. They are an independent entity that works to ensure the integrity of our public institutions and should not be subject to outside political pressures and whose work should have remained confidential.”
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