New planning commissioner

Aragon has extensive NYC experience

By FRITZ MAYER

MONTICELLO, NY — Luiz Aragon, 48, has been appointed by county manager David Fanslau to be the commissioner of the Sullivan County Department of Planning and Environmental Management. He fills the position vacated by Dr. William Pammer, who left to pursue teaching opportunities.

Aragon has a long history of work for the New York City government. His latest position was as deputy commissioner of the Office of Preservation Services, which, according to his resume, had a staff of 1,500 employees and dealt with many housing issues.

He held numerous positions in city government, including that of director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.

At a brief news conference with reporters, Aragon was asked how his work with mostly urban issues would translate to rural Sullivan County. He said that the “raw materials” in both settings was the same, which is to say he will be working with people. He also noted that he has been a resident of rural Pike County, PA for 10 years, but as part of his employment agreement, he will be moving into Sullivan County.

When Pammer was in the position, he was deeply involved with the county’s gas drilling task force, and was helping towns to formulate plans to deal with drilling as it moves into the county. Asked if he would continue this, Aragon answered, “Regardless of the subject matter, gas drilling or anything else, I think that the role of the planning office is to really bring the necessary information to the table, to educate all involved so that a decision can be made, so that policy can be made, based on actual, real information. So, if your question is: will I continue to do that; the answer is yes. But I’m not here to set policy; the legislature does that. I’m here to help inform, guide and then help implement.”

According to his resume, Ruiz has advanced language skills. He is “fully fluent” in English and Portuguese, and “proficient” in Spanish, French and Italian.”