And I agree with you,must be something to it.

 

 

"While we have a great deal of respect for Judge Mark Wall and other officials in Middletown Municipal Court, we have to bestow a “thumbs down” over the recent hiring of former Middletown City Council member David Schiavone by the court. Granted, Schiavone will only be working for the court on a part-time and temporary basis, but even the appearance of impropriety — that Schiavone possibly used his influence to get the job — should be avoided. Critics of City Hall have enough ammunition without giving them a gift-wrapped grievance like this."

 

Must be some credence to what is said on this board.

couldn't agree more--and hopefully our new Council members have learned a great deal from this situation. I expect them to modify their stance and act accordingly. Time to vote down un-necessary "emergency" legislation at each and every meeting.

 

Still--sounds like Mr.S was aware of this opening b4 leaving Council and jumped on the opportunity after leaving Council. As to whether it was discussed with Mr.Rossi et al in advance, who knows? Obviously no one else was considered for the position, and Mr.S does have a backround within the court system. He has been hired, and will hopefully do an outstanding job.

 

From the Court Directors staff report to City mgr:

" There is no financial impact to the city as the funds for this position would be available from the Court’s Special Projects Fund.  The Municipal Court would stay within their approved 2010 budget."

 

The court's special project fund is not part of the city budget. I think it is partially funded from court fines.  The city has no hand, unfortunately, in this fund.

 

I'm going to go against the grain here in being slightly dissapointed in the way that AJ and JL are reacting to this issue.  By being "extremely upset", "furious", and "deeply apologizing" seem like grandstanding and melodramatic.  This might very well be warranted, but not without first knowing all the facts first.  Coming out with guns blazing first seem very insincere to me.  I'm not a politican and not a fan of this cities management, but in 20 years of business I've seen it too often where the new "kid", though well intentioned, comes out making the most noise, but end up stumbling.  Let your actions speak for you.  You build credibility that way, and the noise you make after that will be taken more seriously.