Dennis Caplicki to leave after 34 years as town lawyer

By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — After 34 years of service, Dennis Caplicki will no longer be attorney for the Town of Goshen, beginning in January.

Caplicki is relocating to Arizona to be closer to his family. However, he will be special counsel representing the town in tax certiorari litigation, specifically claims by the Al Turi Landfill. In tax certiorari, property owners file court appeals to lower their property assessments.

Replacing Caplicki are attorneys John Swift and Robert Rametta. Swift will advise the board on miscellaneous municipal issues, and Rametta will handle tax certiorari, small claims assessment review matters and claims against the town, and as an alternate prosecutor of vehicle and traffic violations.

Caplicki praised the attorneys, saying they were “well qualified.”

One councilman, Ken Newbold, cast a dissenting vote. After the meeting, Newbold explained that he has concerns because the position wasn’t advertised, and because Swift, who will come to the meetings, doesn’t have municipal experience.

“There were no interviews, and they were appointed on Dennis’ recommendation," Newbold said. "There are a lot of lawyers in Goshen. We could have found someone with experience."

Board members thanked Caplicki for his years of service.

“Dennis thinks beyond the box," said town Supervisor Doug Bloomfield, who has known Caplicki since they were boys growing up in Goshen. "He has kept Goshen in good stead all these years.”

Councilman Phil Canterino remarked on the “wonderful relationship having him on board,” but finished by calling Caplicki, jokingly, a “flat leaver.”

Newbold said that, although he and Caplicki have had their “differences,” the lawyer has done “a great job for Goshen.”

During his tenure with the board, Caplicki worked under eight supervisors. “This is the best board that the Town of Goshen has had — responsible, well-meaning, intelligent.”

The board wished him a happy and healthy semi-retirement in Arizona. With Caplicki staying on as a consultant, Bloomfield said, “We now have three firms working for us.”