William Lansley Confirmed as Parks and Rec Commissioner

October 6, 2009

The Onondaga County Legislature confirmed the controversial appointment of William Lansley (pictured right) as Commissioner of the Parks and Recreation Department this afternoon at the County Court House in Syracuse. The 19 legislators approved him to the post in a unanimous vote.

Despite some misgivings about Lansley’s qualifications, the mood in the Legislature was lighthearted and punctuated by frequent loud laughter when Robert DeMore, R-Fabius moved to confirm Lansley’s appointment.

After 19 “yeses,” Lansley stood and accepted applause. He slipped out through a side door as the meeting continued.

Although the confirmation of his appointment went unchallenged, Lansley’s new position is controversial. His first cousin County Executive Joanie Mahoney appointed him. Legislators didn’t say they had a problem with this, but questioned Lansley’s qualifications.

“He has no park experience,” William Kinne, D-Syracuse said. “They hired him to be manager. The danger you have with that, you're running a park system.” But Kinne was not about to vote "no."

“Everyone knew he was going to pass 19-nothing,” Kinne said. “You pick and choose your battles.”

“These are the folks the County Executive [picks],” Martin Masterpole, D-Syracuse 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 it’s not a fight I’m going to have.”

The Office of the County Executive confirmed that Lansley was Assistant Commissioner of the Onondaga County Department of Correction prior to his new appointment. Before that he worked for the Hamilton Street Boys & Girls Club of Syracuse.

Photo used with permission of David DeGuzman