The Alternative Press

It's extremely important that you do not let Mayor Jones get away with ignoring the State's directive to have the senior staffers return the $28k in unpaid overtime. I disagree with simply deducting this amount from forthcoming state aid. if you allow this, it would mean the taxpayer will be paying twice, it would vindicate illegal past practices and the current action by the Mayor, it would set the stage for future Mayors to justify similar unlawful practices in future. 

 

You must not let this happen. We cannot set this dangerous precedent. Clearly, Mayor Jones thinks that ignoring a directive and simply taking the deduction from aid is simply the cost of dealing with the State, much like a slumlord deals with health violation fines or Fed Ex receiving parking tickets in New York City. I cannot accept such a casual approach by him. Nor should you. We need to see teeth and talons from the Council. 

 

Donna Nelson Ivy said during her testimony that she would repay this money. BA Charles Thomas has been a stand-up guy and is doing the same, therefore, there is no reason whatsoever why DPW Director Coke and Betty Taylor should not also be taking care of this. There is no excuse.

 

To be fair, I urge you to review payroll records of salaried staffers under the Torres administration and check for illegal overtime payments, then if necessary, take steps to recoup if possible.

 

If you fail to ensure this money is repaid, you set the stage for future generations of thieves in City hall who will be able to point their finger at this episode to justify further thefts.  Mayor Jones should have fixed this problem from the moment he was aware of it, not use it as an excuse for such egregious behaviour. So we now look to you to take care of the problem.

Michael Symonds