PLATTSBURGH -- Clinton County Democratic Board of Elections Commissioner John Brunell had his keys taken away and was escorted from the Government Center Thursday morning.

Brunell was told he could not return to work until he shows proof that he no longer is also serving as assessor for the Town of Altona.

"We don't want to violate the law," said County Legislature Chairman Jimmy Langley (R-Area 7, Peru).

"If he has something that says he can hold both jobs, then all he has to do is show it to us, but I don't understand why he didn't have his papers all in place before this."

CONTROVERSY

County Attorney Dennis Curtin informed legislators at Wednesday night's meeting that Brunell appeared to be in violation of state law by holding both the assessor and election commissioner positions at the same time.

The issue came up as part of a lingering controversy that began when Brunell fired longtime Deputy Democratic Commissioner Debra Bruno last month.

Many legislators were upset with the firing and refused to approve a replacement for Bruno at their meeting two weeks ago, despite facing state laws that said they had to.

They reluctantly agreed to hire a replacement at Wednesday night's meeting but still voiced displeasure.

Bruno's father, Norm Baker, also weighed in, asking the legislature to call upon the governor to launch an investigation into the possible removal of Brunell from his commissioner's job.

Baker said the investigation should look into dereliction of duty; abuse of power; unethical actions, possibly criminal, regarding rules of elections; improper conduct; and harassment of employees.

Baker also brought up whether Brunell could legally hold the assessor and commissioner jobs simultaneously.

LAWSUIT THREATENED

Legislators decided to inform Brunell Thursday morning that he could not continue working as commissioner until he complied with the law.

Deputy County Administrator Rodney Brown and Personnel Director Alan Gibson met with Brunell and confiscated his keys before Gibson escorted him out of the building around 9:30 a.m.