Typically, although not always, Democrat Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld would vote one way first and Conservative Jane Bonner would then cast her vote in the opposite direction. From there, the remaining Town Board members had a tendency to vote along party lines, with the four Republican/Conservatives trumping the three Democrats.
But if Tuesday's roll call on several budget amendments is any indication, people will now have to pay closer attention to the third vote.
Republican Kathy Walsh, the 3rd District councilwoman who now serves as deputy supervisor to Democrat Mark Lesko, showed Tuesday she's not afraid to cross party lines.
Ms. Walsh blocked five budget amendments proposed by fellow majority members at the first meeting following Election Day, forcing town residents and even fellow board members to question what side the newly re-elected councilwoman is on.
"It looks to me like there's a new majority of Democrats with one false Republican," said Middle Island resident Bob Donato, who asked to address the board before it adopted the $151 million 2010 budget along the perhaps newly drawn party lines.
Even Councilman Tim Mazzei, who for the past two years has served as majority leader, later questioned Ms. Walsh's allegiance. When deputy highway superintendent John Byrne, a Democrat, later told the board he needed the support of a four-person majority, Mr. Mazzei asked, "Which four?"
"That's the question," quipped Mr. Lesko.
Ms. Walsh, who denied rumors floating around Town Hall that she has changed her party enrollment, certainly aligned herself with the board's three Democrats Tuesday.
The budget amendments that Ms. Walsh and the Democrats blocked would have eliminated several new positions Mr. Lesko proposed in the 2010 budget, while also undoing several organizational changes the supervisor had suggested.
"These moves were for savings and reductions to the tune of almost $1 million," Ms. Bonner said. "I'm disappointed it didn't get the support."
The adopted 2010 spending plan reflects an 8 percent decrease in spending from the current year.
"I still think it could be better," Ms. Bonner said.
A sixth budget amendment proposed by Mr. Mazzei was approved, eliminating four positions and saving the town more than $325,000.
Another amendment proposed by Ms. Bonner would have kept the division of economic development in the planning department and out of the town supervisor's office. Ms. Walsh voted against that proposal, despite having supported moving economic development from the supervisor's office just last year.
So, why the change of heart?
"The supervisor said he wants to go in a different direction and I'm willing to support that," Ms. Walsh said in an interview following Tuesday night's meeting. "Some of these moves were also recommended by [deputy supervisor for economic development] Paul Pontieri and I think we should give it a try.
"If it doesn't work out and we need to make other changes in the future, I'll be open to it."
Ms. Walsh was appointed deputy supervisor shortly after Mr. Lesko won a March 31 special election over Mr. Mazzei to replace former Supervisor Brian Foley. Mr. Lesko said he appointed Ms. Walsh in an effort to reach across party lines and bring unity to the board.
"[Ms. Walsh and I] have made it clear that we have a partnership based on good government principles," he said.
gparpan@northshoresun.com