Two aides to new Councilman Keith Romaine (left) became embroiled in a noisy argument last week, causing a stir throughout Brookhaven Town Hall and leaving one of the combatants without a job.
The argument arose between Romaine’s aide Lori Ann Casdia and the board member’s $40,000-a-year secretary, who was being let go and working her last day. Romaine said the secretary, 21, although being terminated, also filed a letter of resignation that morning.
Romaine, who was not present, acknowledged that it “got loud outside the council door,” but maintains there was “no punching, hitting or touching.” He said Casdia then told the secretary to leave work early because the situation had become “unprofessional.”
Romaine said constituent work in his office is “very intense” and the job was not what the secretary expected it to be. “On the day of termination, no one is in a good mood,” said Romaine.
Rick Brand
Comments (20)
I am shocked that Newsday would publish such paultry stories as this and would hope that all of the good that mr romaine is doing would get even more attention.
I used to work for an elected official before coming to long island in Delaware and I must say that it is by no means easy work. Tempera run high and so do nerves as you try your best to get seniors their prescription benefits or scouts their certificates. With that said I know mr romaine will find another staffer and keep batting a thousand for our community here in mastic.
Thank you for all that you do. You remind me very much of Theodore Roosevelt.
I have to laugh at this. Batting a thousand? Hardly, and especially not while he has Ms. Casdia working for him. She has clearly proven herself to be a perfect fit with the Republicans and their dirty and boorish tactics.
I have to agree. Has anyone whos ever dealt with her (Casdia) had a pleasant experience? If there is anyone, I haven't heard of them!
“no punching, hitting or touching.” - what a quote! Has it gotten so bad that no punching, hitting, or touching is a GOOD point? Romaine and Casdia BOTH need to go, along with the rest of the board. This is insane. They are ALL childish, immature, and unprofessional.
Councilman Romaine :
The behavior of your aides is a direct reflection on your office. If Ms. Casdia cannot conduct herself in a civil and professional manner, you should replace her. It is in the best interests of your constituents for your office to be respected, not looked down on and laughed at.
let's see he is in office a couple of months, and he has been accused of being unprofessional during work sessions, and his office staff who he appointed has now been documented as being unprofessional at work, wow the next two years should be a lot of fun, not for the citizens he will need to represent though
take your former fat ass to kfc and get a ten piece. Keith is unmoved by your stupidity.
Keith Romaine is doing a great job for us. Anything negative written about him are silly democrats with an axe to grind.
Keep up the good work.
Mr Romaine,
You are a jerk! I cannot bear to look at your fat rosy red cheeks as you sit on our town board- and someone is comparing you to TEDDY ROOSEVELT???
OMG, I want to puke!!!
And by the way, can someone answer what job you held BEFORE the idiots in your district elected you?
As I told you before, take your formerly fat ass to KFC and get that 10 piece!!! Throw in an extra side for you boss Kooky Connie.
Keith Romaine is actually quite akin to Teddy Roosevelt. He puts the people first.
Typical slimy Crookhaven republican politics, have the office make a press release that hints some action took place by quoting it didn't. Why not just put "... and no flamethrowers or bazookas were used". So unprofessional, so typical. I've called your office pre and post the "stir" so I now know the delightful 21 year old $40,000 from the 60 year old $80,000 and miss the former...
Typical slimy Crookhaven republican politics, have the office make a press release that hints some action took place by quoting it didn't. Why not just put "... and no flamethrowers or bazookas were used". So unprofessional, so typical. I've called your office pre and post the "stir" so I now know the delightful 21 year old $40,000 from the 60 year old $80,000 and miss the former...
$80K? Is that accurate? Isn't that more than Council members themselves are paid?
Keith, Kathy, Jane and Tim are awesome! I love them!
She sold her soul on Tallgrass and flipped on Caithness. She just can't be trusted. Jane and Tim and Keith and Kathy are getting work done. Steve F-R is getting work done too. Connie is doing zip and Brian has been too busy sobbing for months.
I think that it is hilarious that Romaine hires an aide that doesn’t even live in the district. I had met Mrs. Casdia at meetings before and she conducts herself as if she is better that everyone else. As an answer to a previous post, she makes 70,000 a year while he makes around 66,000. Romaine’s secretary was a down to earth and very personable person on the phone. She was always happy to help and I think she should crossover to the democratic side because they will treasure the jewel that she is.
Ms. Casdia has to sleep around to get the $ 70,000 job that she has because she lacks the talent and sociability. She reflects upon Keith Romaine and if she continues to be his aide then he shouldn’t be voted for in the next election. She does not believe in the 6th district, she is too busy with her north shore stuck up activities to care about the people . Caring in general is definitely not her forte.
Wow.
#1 - isn't it a bit absurd that the aide makes more than the council member?
#2 - Agreed - she could care less. It's all about her and what she can get out of it, not about the people.
#3 - I hope Councilman Romaine is reading all this press, and will make the wise decision - Casdia needs to go!
Keith, stay focused on why I voted you in for the 6th, and it wasn't to be a thorn in Brian's side. There is no point to systematically undermining his authority - I voted him into that office too. Stripping departments and then placing connected people in charge, and firing someone that was doing a perfectly good job just because he or she is not the same "religion". That's how my country has gotten into so much trouble, I really would hate to see my county fall to the same stupidity and pettiness.