BREAKING

McNaughton sworn in to serve Glen Cove

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At Tuesday's City Council meeting, council members unanimously approved the appointment of candidate Donna McNaughton to succeed Michael Zangari, who re-signed on Nov. 20 because of an illness. She was sworn in by Mayor Tim Tenke. Her tenure begins on Dec. 12.

 McNaughton is expected to resign as Chairwoman of the Zoning Board of Appeals to serve on the council. She was appointed to that role by Tenke at the beginning of his term.

McNaughton was one of "seven to eight" candidates identified by Councilman Joseph Capobianco to replace Zangari, he said during Tuesday's meeting. After receiving a letter on Nov. 16 — just days before Zangari's resignation was announced at the pre-council meeting on Nov. 20 — Capobianco interviewed his picks that weekend, and selected McNaughton as the most viable candidate to fill the vacant seat.


"I think Donna McNaughton is an inspired choice," Capobianco said. "Donna has served the community for many, many years. She has counseled the SAGE Foundation; she is counsel to the benevolent arm of the fire department. Above that she's a good . . . honest person."

Councilwoman Pamela Panzenbeck called McNaughton an "asset" to the City Council. "[She's] given a lifetime of service to Glen Cove and is going to do just great," she said.

Councilwoman Marsha Silverman, like Tenke, said she was concerned about the processes employed to appoint McNaughton. According to the city charter, “If a vacancy shall occur in any elective office of the city, the mayor and City Council shall appoint a person to fill such vacancy until the next general election.” The mayor had abstained from a quick confirmation of McNaughton so other people could be considered.

However, Silverman voted in favor of the new councilwoman. "I did take some time and reached out to Ms. McNaughton," she said, "And she assured me that she is for the people, and will not vote party lines, and do what's best for the public interest." 

McNaughton's full profile will be featured in this week's issue of the Glen Cove Herald Gazette.