County Executive's Cousin Confirmed as Commissioner of Parks and Recreation

By Stephanie Mangano


County Executive Joanie Mahoney’s cousin William “Bill” Lansley stood proud as the County Legislature confirmed his appointment to Commissioner of Parks and Recreation today with 19-0 vote. The unanimous vote however, was not a representation of the Legislature’s sentiments. County Executive Joanie Mahoney appointed Lansley for the position for which he has little park experience.

The unanimous vote may be due to the legislature's approval of former Commissioner Bob Geraci’s work. “I think under Commissioner Geraci, the parks were very well maintained and taken care of and as far as I’m concerned status quo is fine,” Legislator Martin Masterpole, D-Syracuse said.

Legislator Robert DeMore, R-Fabius spoke highly of Lansley, though, who snuck out of the meeting after his confirmation. “It’s a great parks department and I think they’ve always had down the creative part of it and what Bill does is bring the business aspect to put on top of that and I think he’ll do a great job,” DeMore said after the legislature meeting.

Some legislators however, expressed defeat with the confirmation of Lansley. “Everyone knows he was going to pass 19-0” Legislator William Kinne, D-Syracuse said, when asked about Lansley’s relation to Executive Mahoney. “These are the folks the County Executive picks," Masterpole said. "It's her prerogative. That’s part of being elected County Executive. There are your picks and she felt that he was the best pick, and its not a fight I’m going to have.”