Should charges be brought against Brian Howell for violations of the Open Public Meetings Act? These charges could lead to censure, fines, or disbarrment. [1 vote(s)]
We are being fooled again. Why is HF getting away with things. I commend Councilman Marino for voting No. When will council listen. The taxpayers shouldn't be stuck with bill. If we had 3 Democrats in there, ALL WOULD HAVE VOTED NO.
What makes them think they can discuss these types of things behind closed doors. There are laws about these things and they think they can just fo whatever they want. They promised open government but we certainly didn't get that.
In the April 25th edition of the Gazette it is reported that Town Council went into closed session to discuss several issues. The Gazette reported:
After the closed session portion of the meeting, the council took several actions, according to town clerk Susanne Oddo. The council introduced an ordinance to adopt rules and regulations for the police department. The measure passed first reading. The council also authorized to pay Hammonton Police Chief Frank Ingemis legal fees to Jacobs and Barbone in the amount of $16,983.54. The fees relate to the chiefs disciplinary hearing earlier this year. Councilman Anthony Marino voted no to paying the fees, but the rest of the council voted for the measure. The council hired electrician Bill Esposito as the electrical sub-code official part time at $20 per hour with a maximum of 10 hours per week beginning June 1, 2007. Town construction official John Aloisio retires in June. Council members also voted to hire two full time employees to be shared between the towns highway and recreation departments.
The problem lies in that several of these items are not covered by the exclusions of the Open Public Meetings Act and therefore should have been discussed in open session with the public present. The hearing for the Chief is over. The council voted at the last meeting that no further action would be taken. Therefore there is no threat of potential litigation regarding this case and the payment of the bills and any discussion about this subject should have taken place in open session. The possiblility of the Chief filing a counter-suit against the town is a separate and distinct subject and has nothing to do with paying the Chief's defense costs. Only Anthony Marino stood up to council on this subject and voted no against this illegal action. Any discussion about hiring two individuals for the public works department should also have taken place in open session. This appears to be a general discussion about adding personnel to the department and therefore the public has the right to hear and comment on this subject. There are no negotiations involved here and no personnel decisions and therefore does not come under the exceptions listed in the Open Public Meetings Act. Our so-called "open government" is conducting illegal business behind closed doors and we the public are being denied our rights.
I'll bet that there is a lot more going on behind closed doors than this. Isn't it funny how all of the HF council members know all of the surprises that come up in the meetings and the rest of council is caught off guard. They have their planning sessions before the meeting and then try and gang up on the rest of council. Unfortunately, it's not hard anymore because Bertino and Vitalo seem to vote with them on issues now. Only Marino stood up to them about the Chief's bills.
I'll bet that there is a lot more going on behind closed doors than this. Isn't it funny how all of the HF council members know all of the surprises that come up in the meetings and the rest of council is caught off guard. They have their planning sessions before the meeting and then try and gang up on the rest of council. Unfortunately, it's not hard anymore because Bertino and Vitalo seem to vote with them on issues now. Only Marino stood up to them about the Chief's bills.
Finally 1 Republican is following the Democrats lead on this and is not afraid to support another party's view that the taxpayers shouldn't be stuck with the bill. Some politicians only like to do things if it is there idea. I'm glad Marino did what was right and what the Democrats have continuously been saying throughout their campain last year.
