WNYresident
June 24th, 2003, 10:59 AM
I found this on www.Cheektowagatimes.com
When do the politics end in Depew?
Elected and appointed officials are always coming and going. Some leave on their own accord, such as retirement or a job change while others may be voted out of office or are forced from their position. Such changes are expected from time to time.
However, the Village of Depew seems to need a rotating door to keep up with recent changes. Residents there have seen more shuffling than a blackjack dealer at Casino Niagara.
Several residents believe party politics and political favors are to blame. There appears to be some merit in the residents’ complaints.
Since the start of the new year, residents watched Robert M. Kucewicz resign as mayor to accept a newly created, $45,000 a year position then saw Joseph McIntosh appointed Mayor. The trustee seat vacated by McIntosh was filled Monday by William Maryniewski, a former Village Trustee.
Paul A. Weiss resigned as village attorney because of a disagreement over the handling of a lawsuit involving the village and police officer Joseph Lucarelli, who resigned last weekend. However, Weiss continued to represent Police Chief James A. Brennan in the lawsuit.
The Board remained silent in the Lucarelli matter and many believe Board members were in support of Lucarelli out of friendship. Others charge that Brennan disliked Lucarelli and wanted him off the force.
Even the Depew Police Benevolent Association is unhappy with the Board. In a letter to the mayor and trustees, PBA officials question "the continued presence and political influence exerted by Joe Cipolla at all Village Board meetings."
The mounting criticism and recent string of events has cast shadows on village officials. They have their work cut out for them in regaining the public’s trust.
When do the politics end in Depew?
Elected and appointed officials are always coming and going. Some leave on their own accord, such as retirement or a job change while others may be voted out of office or are forced from their position. Such changes are expected from time to time.
However, the Village of Depew seems to need a rotating door to keep up with recent changes. Residents there have seen more shuffling than a blackjack dealer at Casino Niagara.
Several residents believe party politics and political favors are to blame. There appears to be some merit in the residents’ complaints.
Since the start of the new year, residents watched Robert M. Kucewicz resign as mayor to accept a newly created, $45,000 a year position then saw Joseph McIntosh appointed Mayor. The trustee seat vacated by McIntosh was filled Monday by William Maryniewski, a former Village Trustee.
Paul A. Weiss resigned as village attorney because of a disagreement over the handling of a lawsuit involving the village and police officer Joseph Lucarelli, who resigned last weekend. However, Weiss continued to represent Police Chief James A. Brennan in the lawsuit.
The Board remained silent in the Lucarelli matter and many believe Board members were in support of Lucarelli out of friendship. Others charge that Brennan disliked Lucarelli and wanted him off the force.
Even the Depew Police Benevolent Association is unhappy with the Board. In a letter to the mayor and trustees, PBA officials question "the continued presence and political influence exerted by Joe Cipolla at all Village Board meetings."
The mounting criticism and recent string of events has cast shadows on village officials. They have their work cut out for them in regaining the public’s trust.