Lansley is Unanimously Confirmed as Head of Parks and Recreation

The Onondaga County Legislature confirmed William Lansley as commissioner of Parks and Recreation this afternoon.

Despite being confirmed by a unanimous vote, there are members of the legislature who question Lansley’s qualifications. “They hired him to be manager, the danger you have with that, you're running a park system...he needs someone with park experience," William Kinne, D-Syracuse said.

Before Lansley was confirmed head of Parks and Recreation he worked as a manager in the recreation and amusement industries as well as working in a managerial role at the Hamilton Street Boys and Girls Club and was the assistant correction commissioner for one year.

Kinne intends to keep an eye on Lansley saying, “now in the process over the next year, I'm going to hold his feet to the fire and see if he does the things he says that he's going to do.”

Although some democrats are unhappy with Lansley’s appointment, they felt it was important to unanimously confirm Lansley. Kinne felt it was necessary for Lansley to start his job with the appearance of the legislature’s confidence. “Everyone knows he was going to pass 19-nothing,” Kinne said. When Lansley was confirmed all 19 legislators stood and applauded.

Lansley is the cousin of County Executive Joanie Mahoney. However, Kinne does not seem uncomfortable with Mahoney appointing her cousin to such a high position. There is one consensus among people who know Lansley. “He’s a nice man,” Kinne said.

We were unable to reach Lansley for a comment.