By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- The outgoing town supervisor had some words of advice for the Town Council, and among them was to suggest they appoint a politically unaffiliated woman to what will soon be a vacant councilor’s seat.

Joe Gray, the outgoing supervisor, presided over his final meeting on Wednesday. He will be replaced next month by Supervisor-elect Steve O’Shaughnessy, a town councilman who will have to be replaced. In a brief speech at the end of the meeting, he called filling that void “perhaps the most important decision you will make in 2018.” He opined that the fairest way to handle that would be leave the seat vacant until November.

“However, I’m not naïve enouigh to think you will do that. So let me be so bold as to suggest that you not appoint anyone to that spot who is enrolled in either of the two major parties. The majority of the voters in Massena are neither Democrat or Republican, so it only seems appropriate that you choose someone not affiliated with either party,” said Gray, a Republican. “Even better, in my opinion, woiuld be the appointment of a non-affiliated woman to the vacant seat. The only woman currently holding elective office in either the town or village is the town clerk. That seems blatantly unfair to me. Women typically bring a much different perspective to the boardroom than a man. It would send a strong message to more than half of our community that you welcome women and would want them ot be part of the decision-making process.”

Gray’s departure also means both the town and village boards are entirely Democrat. The only woman working with the village board if Clerk Monique Chatland, who is appointed.

“In short, I am asking you to set politics aside for this decision. I know that is extremely difficult for some of you, but I’m sure some of you can muster the strength if you try,” Gray said.

The outgoing supervisor also offered his views on efforts to promote Massena as a fishing destination, Massena Memorial Hospital privatization and the possibility of taking over the Alcoa East water plant.

“Please don’t turn back the clock on my continuing effort to promote Massena, its fishing. We heard from Dayton, Tennessee’s Dennis Tumlin a few weeks ago about the great potential our fishery has in helping revitalize our economy. That effort has only just begun and needs a greater investment with more time and money devoted to it,” Gray said.

“The MMH conversion process must continue or we will not have a hopsital in the future. You’ve seen the facts and been told numerous times it is very necessary. You need to set personal opinions aside and do what is right for our community, and the hundreds of hospital employees. Unfortunately, there is no way for them to be made whole for not receiving the full state pension benefit. I thought special legislation coiuld correct that but it appears our Albany representation is not willing to move that forward,” Gray said.

“The Town Council needs to begin looking at the big picture and what is possible in years to come. The proposal to take over the water plant at the former Alcoa East plant is an example of what I am referring. You can look at it and see an aged facility with drawbacks, or you can look at what it is: a tremendous potential benefit for Massena with some challenges. Honestly, the Town of Massena would be foolish to walk away from the opportunity. Please don’t prove me right,” Gray said.

The council presented Gray with a plaque in recognition of his eight years as top lawmaker.

“I’ve been deputy supervisor for several supervisors, and I’ve been on the board a long time. I’ve seen six supervisors come and go,” Councilman Albert Nicola said. “Each of those supervisors has brought his own leadership style. Joe certianly has. Working with him has been fun. He has a vison. And he’s tried to carry it forward. He’s worked with the board well. Put politics aside. I’m not so stupid I’m gong to say which one is better … but he has a difefernt way of doing things. He says what he feels.”

Gray also said his goodbyes to the MMH board at their meeting on Monday, Dec. 18.

“I want to thank you here for your service. I think this board has the biggest burden,” Gray told the board. “There are some dark spots you’re working on, but we’ve seen some improvement.”

“We appreciate working with you as the town supervisor and the town board as well,” MMH board Chairman Scott Wilson said.

“I appreciate your support and frank and thorough advice at every turn. No sense beating around the bush with Joe,” MMH CEO Bob Wolleben said.