State Sen. Tony Avella has called on Queens Library President Thomas Galante to step down from his position. File photo
After two weeks of facing both public and governmental scrutiny, Queens Library President Thomas Galante received one of his harshest criticisms when a northeast Queens legislator called for his resignation this week.
Galante made headlines earlier this month when media reports pegged him for presiding over a period that included excessive renovation spending and widespread layoffs – all while earning a lofty salary. State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) called on the CEO to step down in a letter, signed with what the lawmaker said was deep regret.
“I have always considered you a friend,” Avella wrote in the letter. “But for the sake of the Queens library, whom we both share a tremendous devotion, I ask you to step down as executive director.”
The northeast Queens lawmaker said he was shocked to read about Galante’s $392,000 salary, calling it “out of line” for a position of his stature. He used harsh language in reaction to the CEO’s oversight of an alleged nearly $140,000 in renovations, including a private outdoor smoking patio at the Jamaica Central Library. He also questioned whether or not Galante’s reported simultaneous employment with the Elmont School District served as a conflict of interest.
“Upon appointing Mr. Galante as President in 2005, and after careful consideration of the compensation provided to leaders of comparably sized not-for-profit organizations in the New York metropolitan area, the library’s board of trustees authorized and agreed on compensation that is aligned with similar organizations of similar size and scope,” said Gabriel Taussig, chairman of the library’s board of trustees. “The board of trustees permits Mr. Galante, like every other employee, to engage in outside consultancy or employment. 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.”
A host of city officials responded harshly to the reports, and City Council members Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) and Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) helped lead a grilling session before City Hall last week demanding answers. Comptroller Scott Stringer also announced he would conduct a full-fledged audit of the system.
“We agreed to compensation at the same level as other New York City non-profits of similar size and scope, which is where it remains today,” Galante said in his testimony when asked to address his nearly $400,000 salary. “I know I am very fortunate to be able to work for an organization I love that has real value helping people throughout Queens. We have tens of thousands of success stories every year.”
In defense of the Jamaica headquarters renovations, Galante said in his testimony that the building – which was built in the 1960s – was badly in need of an upgrade on multiple levels. Galante also testified last week that there have been 253 layoffs at the library system since 2008.
Avella’s letter questioned Galante’s claims that money for the extravagant project did not come from the city’s municipal funds as Galante outlined in his testimony last week. The senator argued that if donations came from the Queens Library Foundation, it would be unethical to use the money unless the donors were specifically made aware that their contributions were not going directly to services, books or operations.
“These issues not only seriously jeopardize your ability to function as executive director,” Avella wrote. “But also to advocate for the necessary funding to operate and expand the most heavily used library system in the country.”
By Phil Corso
