Hudson, Champlain Commission chief resigns
First published: Sunday, June 12, 2005
After just eight months on the job, Donald Kasprzak has resigned as executive director of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission.
Kasprzak had overseen a 21-member commission under the auspices of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Preservation. The panel is planning the state's major anniversary celebration in 2009 for the 400th anniversary of the voyages of Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain and the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton's inaugural steamboat run. The commission has $150,000 in state funding.
Kasprzak, a former regional director of the Saratoga-Capital District State Parks Region, said he planned to retire in his letter of resignation. His departure creates another obstacle for an entity criticized for being slow to form and inadequately staffed.
"We're working quickly to hire a replacement and activities will continue to move forward," said Wendy Gibson, a state parks department spokeswoman. She said Rueckert Advertising & Public Relations of Colonie had been hired to create a marketing and PR plan.
"I think we're proceeding well, but nothing ever goes as quickly as we'd like it to," said Clara Lou Gould, chairman of the commission and mayor of Beacon, Dutchess County.
Kasprzak could not be reached for comment. When he accepted the appointment last fall, he expressed concerns about a lack of staff, the fact that he didn't have a permanent office, the small budget and extensive commuting required.
"It's a difficult job, and we'll have to address those concerns about staffing and commuting with the next executive director," Gould said.
Gould said the commission members had split up into subcommittees and met regularly. The executive committee will meet soon to discuss the search for a replacement for Kasprzak.
Gould said her immediate concern is to develop a Web site. The commission also needs an additional member after noted New York City historian Kenneth T. Jackson recently resigned.
The bar is set high for the commission. In 1909, for the tricentennial anniversary, tens of thousands of spectators packed parades and events along the river. President William Howard Taft attended events in Albany, which included a replica of Hudson's Half Moon and a two-volume book chronicling the anniversary.
-- Paul Grondahl