CARMEL – Dozens of people gathered in the Putnam Office Building lobby in Carmel, honoring the county’s former longest-serving employee, who served in government for 49 years.  On April 1, 1977, Paul Eldridge joined the Putnam workforce following a short stint in Rockland County as a municipal personnel technician.

Eldridge’s success over the years stemmed from his philosophy of life: “Dedicate yourself to doing the best job you can. Be positive and enthusiastic with a touch of humor and be patient as you learn. Work smartly by accessing as many available tools and tap into your experienced co-workers to learn as much as you can. Be a coach, not a boss and become a collaborator not a dictator.”

The 75-year-old Eldridge was best known for building relationships with the agencies he served while politely correcting incorrect information about Civil Service law and visiting newly elected and appointed officials shortly after they assumed office to share civil service information.

Over his nearly half-century of service to Putnam, Eldridge never feared making a mistake, and when one occurred, he admitted it while taking steps to rectify the error and putting procedures in place guaranteeing it wouldn’t happen again.

His advice to colleagues: “Ask yourself: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned—two questions that always help clarify one’s path to a decision.”

Eldridge, a resident of Philipstown, worked with members of the former Board of Supervisors that included Don Smith Sr. of Patterson, John Joram from Southeast, Joe Percacciolo from Philipstown, Tom Bergin from Carmel, Ethel Forkell from Kent and Robert Housekeeper from Putnam Valley in addition to dozens of county legislators.

When queried if politics played any role during his 17,820-day tenure, Eldridge smiled, “There’s always politics but I received advice from my mentor in Rockland that remains with me to this day: ‘Draw a line in the sand since your knowledge and ethics will advise you. Do what you believe in and never step over that line.’ That philosophy has remained with me. I have never been a dictator but am a collaborator.”

Eldridge who retired earlier this year admitted never getting bored: “I loved the job because no two days were alike—laws change; people change; government changes and the Personnel Director is right there in the thick of it.”

County Executive Kevin Byrne described Eldridge as a “tremendous asset to Putnam County and to me personally. Many remember how he selflessly stepped up to serve as County Executive during one of the most difficult moments in our county’s history, without ever seeking to turn that service into a political opportunity. When the people elected the next County Executive, Paul simply went back to work, continuing to serve our county with integrity and professionalism as our Personnel Officer.”

Byrne told the gathering consisting of dozens of county employees and guests: “Paul is respected by public service professionals across New York State, and for good reason. I am deeply grateful for his leadership, his counsel, and his friendship. While Paul has retired from county service, I know Paul always remains someone I can rely on as a trusted friend and advisor.”

Byrne said a plaque honoring former County Executive Mary Ellen Odell is being cast and will be unveiled next year.

Odell described Eldridge as a man who had “served with distinction under the former Board of Supervisors, two former county executives as well as my administration. Paul performed his duties well and his record clearly demonstrated a willingness to serve the people of Putnam County by applying his expertise and experience.”

Eldridge, who also served as Odell’s First Acting County Executive, was appointed as County Executive by the Legislature in 2011, where he served for 11 months following the earlier resignation of former State Senator and then County Executive-elect Vincent Leibell.

Eldridge described his opportunity to “right the ship” known as Putnam County as one of the greatest honors of his life. He said he was able to provide “a steady hand for the leadership of county government” as its chief executive after the turmoil of Leibell’s guilty plea prevented him from taking office in January 2011.



Original article