I went to the Board of Aldermen meeting last night to see what was up. The room was filled to the max and beyond.
I understand that the Mayor has supporters and non-supporters. That's why we have an election every 2 years. When someone doesn't have enough support then they lose the election and the new person steps in. It didn't bother me that some Staffieri non-supporters were there and gave their opinions. What got to me was their display of raw hatred for Tony and their contempt for the office of Mayor. One person was so worked up that she was pacing at the back of the room actually shaking. Another person leaned over the back of the chair in front of her and raised her fist and made catcalls. I wanted to take pictures of this but was a little afraid to do so.
Our Aldermen didn't fare much better. They were dignified for the most part but they were not looking out for Derby in my opinion. They want to force Domurad back into his position. So we're going to have a City within which two major players aren't on the same page, at all? Is this good for Derby? Joe Coppola, our corporation counsel, who is paid to protect Derby, repeatedly advised the Aldermen to not discuss the details of Domurad's departure in public because of likely civil litigation. He advised them that it was not in the best interests of the City. They didn't listen - in fact they laughed and made jokes about this. They don't care if Derby is sued and our taxes go up as a result? Really?
I must liken last night's "performance" to a bunch of school yard bullies trying to get their way and not caring who they hurt to do so. And, much like school yard bullies, enjoying the whole thing way too much.
I apologize if the above comes across as partisan. I've often said that both parties in Derby, and the independents as well, are fine people and I will say that again, but I cannot keep quiet about what I saw last night. The Mayor(s) of Derby, past and present, don't hold us back - this kind of behavior by a handful of those lusting for power is what holds Derby back.
OK, So we Know this to be true,
ReplyDelete"Mr Sill has known Mr Domurad for fifteen years and is very disturbed by what has been done to someone who has served this City, not only as a tax board member but as it's Chairman for many years, spending countless hours away from his family to dedicate his time and effort to help the City prepare many City yearly budgets. Mr Sill stated putting Mr. Domurad through a debacle like this is sad."
" The Truth will come out. The Board of Alderman didn't cause this problem. we can't control what happened, but we sure as hell can fix it. This board does not recognize any suspect resignation or firing, therefore Mr. Domurad is still the Finance Director of the City of Derby."
Attorney Coppola advised the board not to discuss any nature regarding this matter. The board is cautioned as discussion may extend the City into a realm of civil if not other type of liability, let the process take it's course, let the criminal investigation take it's course and if Mr Domurad wishes to file civil action, let it take it's course.
" Mr DiCenso stated it is an alleged letter of resignation from Mr Domurad given to the Mayor which was not dated, but it was uploaded by the Valley Indy on April 18th. Why did administration send this out to the media without contacting any of the board members?
Knowing that the key figure in the Finance Department just left, knowing Mr Domurad after all these years, with the time he put in on the tax board and as the Finance Department Director, working without a contract since November, to turn his back on his position one month away from the fiscal budget is absurd.
"Mr Domurad said he did not write the letter of resignation, and until this matter is cleared up, Mr DiCenso believes Mr Domurad is still the head of the Finance Department."
A MOTION by Mr Iacuone that the board does not accept Mr Domurad's resignation letter at this time, second by Ms DeGennaro....Attorney Coppola stated they are exposing the City....Ms DeGennaro stated she is an attorney....remember, all in favor, three against, Mr Sill stated.... three Republicans... okay, Mr Boulton Stated.... three people, this has nothing to do with Republicans.....
Mayor Staffieri stated this has nothing to do with politics, roll call on the motion to not accept Mr Domurad's resignation letter: Mr Gerckens-yes, Mr DiCenso-yes, Ms Moran-no, Mr Sill-yes, Mr Boulton-no, Mr Benanto-no, Ms DeGennaro-yes, Mr Iacuone-yes, three no, and five yes, motion passes.
FORGET ABOUT this OLD NEWS. When is the Attorney General going to investigate how Ron Sill's wife received a large bonus without Alderman approval? And while he's here he should investigate how the City found money to purchase Alderman Iacuone's property?