Tom Croci's last Islip meeting before his deployment features some acrimony

The last town board meeting for Islip Supervisor Tom Croci before his deployment overseas as part of the Naval Reserves featured some of the acrimony that has marked his relationship with his Republican-dominated town board.

Before voting Tuesday on Croci's resolution to make deputy supervisor Eric Hofmeister a voting member of the foreign trade zone and industrial development agency boards, Councilman Anthony Senft proposed a change banning Hofmeister from voting on either board.

Croci said Hofmeister's ability to vote would provide continuity and alleviate the chance of a 2-2 vote. "I think they elected me, and I did appoint the deputy," he said. "There wasn't a coup."

"I believe anyone voting on any resolution . . . should be answerable to the voters of the Town of Islip," Senft said. "And while appointed, even though it's an elected official making that appointment, that person is not answerable as an elected official." Senft's resolution passed, 5-0.

Croci, a Navy commander, was applauded earlier in the meeting for his service by residents and members of the local U.S. Navy Sea Cadets. In a brief speech at the meeting's close, he bid farewell and told residents: "You're in good hands."