Embattled Legis. John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), who is waging a primary after being denied the GOP renomination, fired one legislative aide yesterday and plans to reassign a second out of his office until she retires next month.
Carl Yellon, who makes $58,751 a year, was fired and Priscilla Smith, who’s paid $63,945 a year, is expected to be reassigned to the central legislative staff in Hauppauge until she retires on June 16.
Kennedy said that Yellon is a member of the Smithtown GOP executive committee and Smith voted to designate lawyer Vincent Tricmarco, who the party put up last week to run for Kennedy’s seat.
“I’m a reasonable man but you can’t be more blatant than that,” said Kennedy, who is fighting for his political life. “It’s no secret we were not necessarily on the same sheet of music or pulling in same direction.
Rick Brand
Kennedy, who is allowed two aides and a secretary, says he will hire two-part time aides shortly — one who is entering law school and another who is a graduate student in public administration. “I need people with additional skill sets,” he said.
Legislative sources say, however, that Kennedy has clashed with his staff since late last summer, refusing to sign their time sheets. They also say Kennedy had earlier raised the idea of hiring his wife Leslie as an aide.
Kennedy said yesterday he may add other staff but has no plans to hire his wife, a move that would require a legislative resolution under the county’s nepotism law.
Yellon said he “did 100 percent” of what Kennedy asked of him and tried to be completely loyal. He also said that he did not vote during the convention and would have “put Kennedy’s name in nomination at the convention if he asked.” Smith declined to comment yesterday.
Bill Ellis, Smithtown GOP chairman, said both aides are “able and highly qualified” and previously worked for former Legis. Andrew Crecca (R-Nesconset) before he became a judge. “It seems to me that John is acting a little bizarro,” he said.
Frank Tassone, Trimarco’s spokesman, said while their campaign is focused on issues like taxes and sexual predators, “our opponent is seeking revenge on hardworking people and leaving his office understaffed at the expense of constituents.”
Comments (11)
Way to go John Kennedy. Rid this government of the likes of Bill Ellis and his political hacks. You are thoughtful, intelligent, and have a heart. Unlike some of the people mentioned in this blog entry.
To Frank Tassone - You are truly a dissappointment. Does money drive you so much that you will compromise the truth?
The decision to no renominate John Kennedy is made by party leaders, who are not chosen by the public, who are not accountable to the public and whose actions are largely invisible to the public, with exception for such dubious deeds.
Kennedy should be ashamed of himself that he did not do this sooner. His long inaction on these sabotaging staff members damaged his service to his constituents. By not firing them before, he is guilty of tacitly endorsing them. That alone disqualifies Kennedy as someone worthy of our trust. As far as Tassone; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Go John GO!
Make them pay!
Well sounds like Carl Yellon and Vince Trimarco have something in common then. Carl has been dating a married women for years and from what i heard then finally succeeded in breaking up the family and then moved on to his next victim. This is not a real man!!! Make sure you keep away from him before its too late!!!!!
Carl the day you die I make sure to spit on your grave
You want to talk about tramps? The mother of his baby Jackie Guzzi Evans is really a piece of work.
TRIMARCOO .........
THE MOTHER OF HIS CHILD, JAQUELINE, JACKIE TSCIALOS,GUZZI,EVENS,KEEPS CHANGING HER NAME TO ESCAPE HER PAST BUT........ SHE CAN'T HIDE HER REPUTATION.... SHE IS KNOWN ALL OVER SMITHTOWN .... QUITE A REPUTATION...... HE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HIMSELF. HOW COULD HE POSSIBLE RUN FOR OFFICE WHEN HE CAN'T MANAGE HIS PERSONAL LIFE? PASS ON THIS CANDIDATE FOR ONE THAT HAS GOOD JUDGEMENT. THIS CANDIDATE...... HE HAS TOO MUCH BAGGAGE!!!!!!!
Anyone who attacks nonelected women and children and posts this trash under the guise of "politics" is not welcome in the Kennedy camp. I sincerely doubt that anyone from our side would engage in such victimization of victims, as they are aware of what has been done to my girls and I in the last 3 yrs. I have had the misfortune to attempt to work with some, who call themselves "political operatives" who would print this in order to get the pity vote for their new candidate, Trimarco. You people disgust me. Stop the attacks against the victims. Get a soul. Leslie Kennedy
"HOW COULD HE POSSIBLE RUN FOR OFFICE WHEN HE CAN'T MANAGE HIS PERSONAL LIFE?"
I was present at Nesconset day stopping by the Chamber's booth when I witnessed John Kennedy's wife verbally abuse Vincent Trimarco in front of at least 15-20 people, calling him "White Trash." Kennedy can't even manage his wife let alone his staff that has a disgraceful myspace page up on the internet.
When you lie about my children I will call a spade a spade!!! And oh, while name calling is never appropriate, and with 102 temperature, I was not myself, be on notice, if you feel that a husband should "contol" a wife, you must be either a republican or conservative operative!!!! As usual, you left out the facts!! Have a good day!