Thursday, February 09, 2012

FORMER FIRECHIEF STEPS UP

This Wednesday, our city got to see our new Mayor hold yet another sad but necessary Press Conference. We are still shaking from the Fire Chief Salzmann scandal, and now this. His immediate successor has been shown the door. Without pay.
 
You know, I have a hard time wrapping my mind around the idea that our top leadership, who have served this city so well for so long, would risk so much at the end of some long and honorable careers. 
 
So now interim chief Chris Rea is out. Temporarily replaced with a tried & true leader from our distant past... John Reinhardt. Having served as Fire Chief from '91 to '98, John is no stranger to the position, giving Mayor Gallo the chance to search for a qualified and trustworthy Chief.
  
Gallo announced that chief Chris Rea was suspended without pay for attendance record issues. He walked us through what many of us think as a culture of corruption. When talking about how the city appears to the public, he said “The entire city work force has a black eye.” An image that we, for the most part, don't deserve. And he's right. I work with some pretty damn efficient and trustworthy people in City Hall and have worked side by side with many in other departments.
 
That doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. If the public ever had any inkling of what was ahead and who would really step up in the task of cleaning up our city, they sure got the idea now.
  
Gallo closed with this thought; “I'm pretty sure there will be more doings in the fire department that might be questionable.” I can understand the Mayor's plight and expect him and the District Attorney to fully investigate the issue, but above that, my hope is that a suitable leader will be brought in and build upon the expected turn around by Reinhardt. Our city needs a proud workforce.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well Mike it does seem clear that the voters in this city made a wise and prudent choice in the election of their new mayor and leader.....Tnx...smitty

Anonymous said...

Gallo did a great job putting this out there. I hope the culture of corruption that includes the county in Kingston doesn't stand in the way of this clean up effort. Carnright has a pretty poor record on investigating public integrity issues. I'm glad he's getting help from the FBI.

Anonymous said...

931 am ... thats a stupid statement about the DA. very untrue

Anonymous said...

806 stupid is as stupid does. Where's the justice from Carnright? Waiting until the statute of limitations expires is a poor job period. Screwing up the Matthews case wasn't good. What about that school testing thing? Carnright can't even keep himself from creating a slush fund. I think expectations are justifiably low. Gallo needs a hard nosed prosecutor, not a lightweight. I can't wait to hear Gallo yelling at Carnright when he slow walks this thing. It ain't justice but it'll be entertaining.

Anonymous said...

This culture of corruption is entirely because of Holley's refusal to take on public integrity cases. When the cat's lazy the mice all come out to play.

Anonymous said...

Holley is such a nice guy. His followers all fawn all over him because they know he's a pushover. It's not good for the taxpayers to have to suffer from his weakness. Gallo is a refreshing sight. He has a good command of the room. I think every leader would benefit from watching Gallo bark at these people. Where's the county's Gallo?

Anonymous said...

Hey other places in this country use incentives like houses to attract the talent they need. Putting a new fire chief in a neighborhood where most of his work needs to be done should be pretty easy. Tap a local bank.

Anonymous said...

Yea whatever happend to the Schoo Testing Investigation. And also the one into Childs of the school system all swept under the rug what ashame its who they know. Come on Palldino your on a witch hut for other things how about solving this one. Oh its the people involved you are afraid to do antyhing, plus the father of Childs is on the school Board.

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike don't forget to be fair with you posting. It is all about integrity after all.

Anonymous said...

Mayor Gallo has certainly impressed me from the word "go." Looking under rocks is not for the faint of heart - and we now have a Mayor with both the tools and the will to get some dirty (meaning tough) jobs done. Kudos.

Anonymous said...

Yeah where are all "you posts" in support of corruption? Where's that group of thieves that feel entitled to a free ride on the taxpayer. Where's that "hot shot" investigator that doesn't answer phone calls about corruption? What are they too busy moonlighting on their security/ protection racket gigs? Your number is up.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Mike for running your blog. These venues may seem trivial and petty, but if you go back to '07, you'll see that Blaber and Honest Abe published the tips that led to Matthews getting popped. Without the anonymous tips that come out on blogs like yours, these organized crime activities never get stopped. Carnright won't be able to stop this Kingston "Spring" and the publicity generated will no doubt boost both your local economy and your property values. Keep the faith. Change is on its way.

Anonymous said...

Screwing up the matthews case...you fellow . have no clue ...you do not know what your talking about ...

Anonymous said...

Kudos to Chief Reinhardt for taking the reins. This cannot be easy for him. He is a man with an ethical mindset and will get the job done. Just what we need while this investigation continues. I agree that the new Chief exam be opened up beyond the city's borders BUT the new chief and any new hires must become residents of the City of Kingston. No more averting the charter mandates.

Anonymous said...

11:35-Carnright has recused himself? Were those vouchers forged? Has there been a special prosecutor brought in? Please enlighten everyone as to how the case hasn't been screwed.

Anonymous said...

What about those health dept. people? Where's the investigation before declaring no wrongdoing?

Anonymous said...

Matthews will walk, that black eye on the pd will grow, and all Gallo's efforts will be for naught. You need to cut out this infestation from the roots.

Anonymous said...

google NY TImes, Dec.23, 1888. Judge Parker article. Kind of makes you wonder if we are predisposed for corrupt city officials or administrations. Hopefully Gallo will stop the cycle.

Anonymous said...

Here comes the appeal.