Queens Borough President Melinda Katz asked Queens Library CEO Tom Galante, pictured, this week to take a leave of absence following a deluge of negative press. Photo by Anna Gustafson
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz zeroed in on Queens Library CEO Thomas Galante this week, asking him to leave his post and save face for the system.
Citing a current state of “uncertainty and turmoil,” Katz accused Galante of negatively affecting the Queens Library’s ability to appear “robust and transparent” in order to continue collecting taxpayer dollars. The borough president has issued harsh criticism of Galante after news reports documented his six-figure salary earned during a time in which union custodial jobs were outsourced and expansive reconstruction projects were processed.
“Recent events have undermined the faith in the library and its leadership,” Katz wrote in a March 31 letter addressed to “Tom,” the library system’s CEO. “In order for the library to operate effectively and, more importantly, to continue to receive taxpayer money, I believe it is best for the institution that you take a leave of absence effective immediately, and continuing until the various investigations and audits into the library’s operations are resolved.”
Katz reminded Galante that the library received more than $144 million since fiscal year 2012 from various city elected officials’ discretionary funds and even asked for an additional $292 million in capital funding for the coming year.
“Elected officials must have faith in the integrity of the institution and its leadership in order for the library to continue to receive city money,” she said. “Given the current state of uncertainty and turmoil, I don’t believe you will be able to successfully lead the institution through this budget cycle, and the library will suffer, which is an outcome nobody wants.”
A spokeswoman for the Queens Library did not comment on the borough president’s remarks. But the system did put out a statement in February defending the CEO on his record of accomplishment and success.
“The board of trustees permits Mr. Galante, like every other employee, to engage in outside consultancy or employment,” the statement read. “Under the circumstances, there is no legal or commonsense basis for him to step aside and we look forward to the organization moving forward under his leadership to ensure the library meets the critical informational needs of the people of Queens.”
Following the first reports regarding Galante’s salary and oversight arose, Katz has been vocally opposed to the CEO maintaining his authority while city Comptroller Scott Stringer and other city agencies audit the Queens Library system. Just last month, Katz called on Mayor Bill de Blasio to seize all control over the library’s construction and contracting power until the audits were finished.
Galante’s own board of trustees also hired an outside firm to examine his nearly $400,000 salary and determine whether or not it should change. Board Chairman Gabriel Taussig has been defending the CEO’s contract, arguing it was near the same mid-range level when compared to similar nonprofits.
Katz penned a separate letter to Taussig and the board in reiteration of her calls for Galante’s stepping down.
“I am very aware that many of the members of the board of trustees have strong feelings towards Tom,” Katz said. “However, this isn’t about one person; this is about getting the Queens Public Library through the next budget cycle and making sure the funders of the institution have faith that the board of trustees is monitoring the tax dollars it receives and is acting in the best interests of the institution.”
By Phil Corso
