The following was printed on the Opinion page of the Hammonton News on 2/14 and written by the editor: Article published Feb 14, 2007 Ingemi hearing: Seriously, you must be joking
At the start of the disciplinary hearing for Police Chief Frank Ingemi, retired Judge Richard Williams said what was about to take place is very serious.
Indeed, a man's reputation and job are on the line.
This is, in fact, the grim reality our chief, Police Department and entire community must face.
It's definitely not a laughing matter.
So it is ironic that we left the very serious hearing -- with many other residents -- thinking, "Wow, that was a joke."
As more and more information is revealed through testimony, it is becoming quite clear that the powers that be really have it out for Ingemi.
And that truly is a tragedy.
Simply put, this hearing is taking up the time and resources of the chief, the Police Department and our town employees.
And taxpayers are footing the bill for town employees working at the hearing as well as the legal fees of lawyer William Blaney who was hired to represent the town. And let's not forget the countersuit filed on behalf of Ingemi seeking reimbursement of his attorney fees.
That is a lot of money for a lot of drama. Don't you think?
We would bet most residents would rather see that money spent on something worthwhile -- maybe for things that the police actually need -- equipment, vehicles, computers, uniforms.
Ah, yes. Uniforms.
According to Monday's testimony, a uniform is what Ingemi really needs to do his job.
It's interesting that many municipalities do not require the police chief to wear a uniform. The judge even referenced this fact.
But here's a plot twist: Despite Councilman Rock Colasurdo's verbal request to the chief to wear his uniform back in August, the Town Council didn't actually formally approve such action until the Oct. 23, 2006 Town Council meeting. Ingemi received his disciplinary complaint on Oct. 13 -- 10 days before the council approved the uniform requirement.
So let's get this straight: Disciplinary action first; official Town Council order second.
The judge is right -- this isn't funny. But it sure is infuriating.
Other issues brought up on Monday included a ticket that Ingemi allegedly said he "would take care of," as well as a published report in which he agreed that an investigation possibly linking the KKK to asbestos in the historic old Town Hall is "absurd."
We guess that asbestos turning up in a historic building built during the days of asbestos-wrapped piping that was initially cleaned by a contractor who isn't certified to clean asbestos defies logic.
But then again, so does an entire day spent listening to hours and hours of answers and questions about all of these seemingly silly claims.
We know it's early in the hearing, and much more information will come out. Perhaps it is warranted, perhaps it is not. No doubt the reputation of Hammonton will indeed suffer another a blow.
So, we can't help but wonder if all this drama -- and comedy -- are worth the price of admission.
Unfortunately, we won't know the answer until the curtain closes.
The disciplinary hearing for Police Chief Frank Ingemi is tentatively scheduled to continue at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Town Hall. The hearing is open to the public.
