Note: Almost a year after sharing our first of many posts about Thomas Galante and his job as the director of the Queens Library the story appears to have come to an end. Yesterday, Galante was fired by the Queens Library Board.
Some of our previous posts and additional links can be found at the bottom of this one.
From the New York Daily News (12/18/2014):
Galante, 54, was fired from his roles as CEO and president after the board met to vote on his fate.
His dismissal came after the trustees reviewed his expense accounts, which included opulent meals, expensive concert tickets and high-priced furniture.
Galante was placed on leave in September by the new board — most of whom were appointed by Mayor de Blasio and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.
But he was still pulling down his $392,000 salary pending the final review of his spending habits.
Galante had blown more than $40,000 on food, alcohol and entertainment at restaurants; casinos; bowling alleys; billiard halls, and liquor stores in 2013, according to records obtained by the Daily News.
Read the Complete Article
Full Text of Statement by Queens Library Board
“This evening, the Board of Trustees heard a report by counsel. Based on that and a prior report by counsel, a decision was made to terminate immediately Mr. Galante’s employment. As the Library moves forward, the Board of Trustees will continue working to ensure greater transparency and the proper administration of the Library and its funds in furtherance of its mission. Queens Library will continue to provide outstanding value to the people of Queens.”
Background
December 11: NY Daily News Reports On Expenses Found On His Library Corporate Credit Card After An Audit Of 2013 Statements
September 12, 2014 Queens Library Director Thomas Galante Placed on Indefinite Paid Leave by Library Board
April 29, 2014 New York City Freezes Queens Library System’s Cash Flow, More than $20 Million on Hold
March 12, 2014 Queens Library Director Thomas Galante Questioned at NYC Council Library Budget Hearing
February 9, 2014 NY Daily News on Galante’s $143,000 Side Job Consulting a Long Island School District
February 5, 2014 Queens Library Chairman and CEO Testifies at NYC City Council Hearing
January 27, 2014, New York City: Comptroller Scott Stringer To Audit NYC’s Three Library Systems (Roundup)
First Report: January 27, 2014 Queens Library President Gets $390g Salary, Luxe Office Makeover While Shedding 130 Jobs (via NY Daily News)
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