Grucci press man takes over after split board ousts PIO
By Lee Lutz	write the author
July 11, 2008 | 12:46 PM Brookhaven's "darkest days" are returning, according to Democratic Supervisor Brian Foley. The supervisor's hyperbolic statement came in response to the latest removal of a Democratic hire and replacement by the Brookhaven Town Board's Conservative majority. In this case, Public Information Officer Tom Burke was fired, replaced by former PIO Kevin Molloy, who filled the post during the administration of Republican Supervisor Felix Grucci. Councilwoman Jane Bonner (C-Rocky Point) sponsored the resolution to fire Burke, introduced as a "late starter" at Tuesday Night Town Board's meeting, a continuation of the board's July 1 meeting. At a board meeting last month, Burke addressed the council and apologized for "one dumb mistake," referring to a release issued by his office that criticized some Town Board members. Foley called the measure to remove Burke a "rush to judgement" and said "his professionalism and ethics are unquestioned." Bonner's resolution to remove Burke was approved 4-3 along partisan lines. The councilwoman then introduced a bill to appoint Molloy as Burke's successor. Bonner cited Molloy's "20 years as a communication professional," his bachelor's degree in journalism from St. John's University and his experience serving as PIO from 1996 to 2000 — the town's "darkest days," according to Foley, under Grucci's watch. The supervisor recalled trying to deal with Brookhaven during that time, when he was a member of the Suffolk County Legislature. "Communication was very difficult," he said. "I don't recall ever getting any letter from your legislative office," replied Molloy, a Port Jefferson Station resident. Molloy's resume includes stints as the editor-in-chief at the Long Island Advance in Patchogue, as a press secretary for former U.S. Rep. Grucci and as a media administrator for Suffolk OTB. His latest position was as an executive assistant in the town's Department of Waste Management. Burke said he was "disappointed, professionally and personally," noting he was "recruited" for the job. He wouldn't rule out a new role on Foley's staff. "I hope to continue to serve the public," Burke said. "Life isn't always fair. Sometimes, it's a 4-3 vote."