APA reassigns top attorney after controversial Sandy Lewis email

The Adirondack Park Agency’s legal fight with Essex farmer Sandy Lewis continues to trigger fall-out at the Agency.

The APA has confirmed that lead enforcement division attorney Paul Van Cott has been reassigned after sending Lewis an email calling him “a sociopath.”

Here’s the treatment from the Valley News:

The Adirondack Park Agency has removed its enforcement program director from his position after he sent e-mails to Sandy Lewis calling him a “sociopath.”

Paul Van Cott, who since 2004 has headed the APA’s enforcement division, has been reassigned as part of the agency’s general counsel office.

Asked whether his controversial email played a role in the reassignment, APA spokesman Keith McKeever told the Valley News:

“The agency did not condone Paul’s responses and we’ve recused him from his responsibilities in the Lewis and Douglas matters.”

Lewis himself trumpeted Van Cott’s reassignment as a victory in his battle with the APA.

In a typical, rambling email, he levels criticism at a wide range of groups, including the media and NCPR. Here’s a typical section.

For those who prefer fresh air, this is not rant. This is needed. And they need it, as do those who have long since forgotten what it’s like when abuse is not the norm.

For those without courage, there’s always the misuse of rant. Journalists rant – thus destroying. Listen to FOX, MSNBC, most any of them. The sheer noise is a blast furnace.

Lou Dobbs. Look at his puffy, pale face. What is he drinking? We have enough violence here.