I asked the
following questions word for word:
In 2012, some of you created a building and grounds
department. It was obvious to me that
you were doing so to benefit Councilwoman Licata’s son. At the time, I specifically asked Mrs. Licata
if any of her family members would benefit financially from the ordinance. She laughed and said “No”. Mrs. Licata’s son was the first person placed
in the department. Four years later, you
made him a supervisor. In 2016, his
salary went from $47,000 to over $74,000.
Can you please explain the promotion process used for
the Councilwoman’s son? Did you
advertise the position? Did you
interview people? Did you follow civil
service guidelines? Did you give DPW
employees with more experience and seniority an opportunity to apply?
Why was Councilwoman Licata so dishonest when she
laughed and said her son wouldn’t benefit from the building and grounds ordinance?
Their response:
While I was asking the question, Councilwoman Licata
and Mayor Carafa were whispering to Alan Spiniello (part-time borough attorney
@ $210,000 a year).
Alan Spiniello told me that I had to submit the
questions in writing and they would get back to me.
Emil Carafa said they weren’t there in 2012. I pointed out that CW Licata, DM Cima, and Mr.
Spiniello were there so one of them should answer. Alan Spiniello wouldn’t allow Patty Licata to
answer. I reminded Mr. Spiniello that he
was part of the conversation in 2012 and he stated that the ordinance was not
intended to benefit the councilwoman’s son.
Emil Carafa tried to blame Bruce Masopust for the
promotion and pretended he had no knowledge of the promotion process.
I pointed out that the Borough Manager works on behalf
of the mayor and council. It is unbelievable
that the mayor and council would not know how the councilwoman’s son’s salary
went from $47,000 to over $74,000 just a few months ago. I said that I am sure people have asked them
about it over the last few months.
Emil Carafa spent most of my five minutes saying that
he doesn’t want me to cloud the situation by saying that the mayor and council
hire and promote. He went on to defend
nepotism and said something like it takes place all over (pointed to mayors
hanging up on the walls) and then mentioned Rochelle Park (why Rochelle Park?).
My five minutes were spent by them dancing around the
issue. Their non-answer was a clear answer.
