ST Fire Starter

Hannon Briefs...Half Off

2012-02-17T03:16:00.000-08:00

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power". - Abraham Lincoln

**Water Department Update

The Fire Starter posted last week about the water department employee who was publicly having his "pipe" serviced while on duty and in the view of a woman and small child. We were struck by the lenient treatment of this public employee who used village time to pursue his sexual activities. It was particularly striking when compared to the treatment of a Johnson City fire fighter who was accused of engaging in a private sexual act on his own time in his home. The waterboy gets two days suspension and the fire fighter gets fired.

Apparently this struck Trustee Bruce King as odd. Fire Starter has learned that he approached Mayor Hannon for an explanation. Our arbiter of morality Hannon only responded "what's done is done". Even Hannon could not defend the indefensible.

Hannon's Flood

The Fire Starter has learned that during the flood, Mayor Dennis Hannon had several feet of water in his basement. As a result he "evacuated" himself to the Best Western in Johnson City.

While staying there, Hannon had repeated visits from a "special" village employee. These visits occurred at all hours of the day and night and seemed to coincide with Hanon's wife's absence. We are not sure what late night work was going on but based upon his history, it is not hard to guess.

Police Contract

The Johnson City Village Board recently approved the hiring of four police officers. The ranks of the police department, much like the fire department, have grown thin. In addition, Binghamton officials have grown increasingly unhappy with underwriting Johnson City's police protection. The hiring measure garnered affirmative votes from Trustees Slota, King and Deemie. Voting against were Hannon and Balles.

On the surface, the village board's vote would seem to be business as usual. But the Fire Starter has learned that this is yet another case of Hannon double dealing. Hannon negotiated a resolution with the police union which resulted in substantial retroactive pay for the existing officers. Hannon hailed the deal as saving taxpayers from the crush of the judge's decision which ordered over a million dollars in back pay for just two years.

What Hannon did not reveal was the fact that as part of the deal, he agreed to hire four more police officers to replace retiring officers. In other words, to avoid paying large retroactive payments, he agreed to take on a twenty plus year liability by hiring new officers.

The Fire Starter is fully supportive of the new hiring. Police staffing levels have reached dangerous levels. What strikes the Fire Starter is the fact that Hannon brokered the deal, then voted against it and publicly criticized those who supported the hiring. Now that's character.

Also striking was the fact that Hannon assured taxpayers that he had the money to pay the deal. Yet at Hannon's last meeting of the year in 2011, the village board voted to bond for $500,000 to cover retroactive pay. In other words, Hannon lied and then took on long term debt to pay a short term liability. Again, character.

**Update: The Fire Starter received an email from Trustee King advising that he did not approach Mayor Hannon about the quick and dirty discipline of the waterboy. We take him at his word. And are a little disappointed that he did not stand up to Hannon. Unless someone in a position of authority stands up for what is right, nothing will change in Johnson City.

Trustee King raised issues of privacy regarding this story. But apparently, with Mayor Hannon, these matters are only private when they involve non fire fighter employees. And besides, the waterboy was on the clock when he was receiving "his service". And the disparity in treatment remains. For this reason, apologies to the waterboy, but the public deserves to see Hannon's hypocrisy.

Tale of Two Departments

2012-02-08T03:44:00.000-08:00

"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do". - Potter Stewart

The Fire Starter has previously posted regarding the Johnson City fire fighter who was terminated for engaging in a private sexual act in the privacy of his home. He was not on duty. The act had nothing to do with his job as a fire fighter. There was no proof that he was seen by anyone. There was no proof he intended to be seen by anyone. He was cleared by a judge who found there was no evidence that he intended to be seen. Despite this, Mayor Dennis Hannon chose to terminate the fire fighter.

The fire fighter appealed and the court found that there was no evidence that he intended to be seen and that Hannon's conclusions were unsupported by evidence. The court ordered reinstatement with back pay. Rather than learn their lesson, the village has opted to appeal.

The Fire Starter has learned that there was recently a similar event occurring in the water department. Only that incident had several key differences.

The Fire Starter has learned that a village resident reported to Mayor Hannon that she and her small child witnessed a water department employee pull up in a village vehicle, and get into a private vehicle driven by a female. The female proceeded to perform oral sex on the village employee in plain sight of this women and her child. The resident was understandably upset and complained.

Unlike the fire fighter, the water department employee was on village time and driving a village vehicle. He was not in a private residence but in a public parking area. And finally, unlike the fire fighter, there was actual proof the water department employee was seen by a resident and her child.

There is one more important difference between these two cases. The fire fighter was summarily fired despite the lack of evidence. Despite the overwhelming evidence and the fact he was on village time, the water department employee merely received a 3 day suspension.

Apparently, that paragon of righteousness, Rick Ball-less went to bat for his high school buddy in the water department. And the equally righteous Hannon went along with the slap on the wrist.

So...the next time someone tells you Hannon is merely cleaning up the mess left to him, remember the messes Hannon is creating. And when they tell you he does not have any grudge against the fire department, inquire about the differential treatment of village employees.

And when they ask you to vote for Rick Ball-less in the fall, remember his shifting ethics.

King John the Misogynist

2012-02-02T06:12:00.000-08:00

“When a man gives his opinion, he's a man. When a woman gives her opinion, she's a bitch.” ― Bette Davis

Apparently King John the Clueless is feeling left out. While his philosophical twin in Johnson City is getting all of the attention, John Bertoni is drowning in anonymity in Endicott. Surely he can be as petty as Dennins Hannon. Surely there must be employees he can harass to prove to all he is as small as Dennis Hannon. Surely the man who "owns the Village of Endicott" can put in a couple of hours at the village and find someone to lord his power over.

Surely he can. In December, King John the Diminutive found his target. Kathy Utter, Director of the Endicott Visitor Center for nearly a decade, was summarily dismissed. During her tenure, Ms Utter transformed the center from a dreary and under utilized facility into a first class museum of Endicott history. at the same time, she made the Center a revenue source by tirelessly seeking bookings and events for the events room.

There was no reason given for the termination. Bertoni may have had personal disagreements with the director. Utter placed the Visitor Center first and was unwilling to dish out favors to Bertoni's cronies. However some suspect that the decision arises out of Bertoni's inability to deal with a strong female in a leadership position. Bertoni's misogynistic attitudes have long been known by those having even the most limited dealings with King John. And with this move, there are no women department heads in Endicott. (Watch out Cheryl, You are next!)

The Fire Starter has learned that Bertoni has designs on the position previously held Ms Utter. As part of Bertoni's "friends and family" plan, don't be surprised if a relative or close friend ends up taking over the position. And don' be surprised if the Visitor Center falls into disrepair and disuse. To Ms Utter, the Center was a labor of love. To Bertoni, it is just another favor to dole out.

Since Ms. Utter's dismissal, many individuals who loaned items for display have demanded they be returned. Many lifelong Endicott residents, knowing of Bertoni's incompetence and corruption, collected their historical items for fear of Bertoni's next move. In the end, Bertoni has taken one of the better run departments in the Village and wrecked it to satisfy his personal animus and corrupt designs.

At a recent Board meeting, Village resident and former trustee Alberta Fiori-Gazda stood to speak in Utter's defense. Her comment is printed below, unedited.

The termination of Kathy Utter, Director of the Endicott Visitor Center was a result of continued harassment by the Bertoni Administration. Mayor Bertoni micro-managed Mrs. Utter in her role as Director of the facility for years and despite urging by the Board of Trustees and the public, the Mayor never allowed Mrs. Utter to speak to the Board to answer the Mayor’s complaints. She was given no reason for her dismissal. This demonstrates a true lack of executive leadership ability.

During the last nine years, Kathy Utter has exemplified the unique qualities and dedication it takes to successfully operate the Visitor Center and Community Meeting Hall: coordinating and training volunteers, scheduling events, developing changing historical exhibits, cataloging donations, establishing a gift shop, maintaining the facility, interacting with community organizations, residents, businesses, developing programs for school students, working with NYS agencies and organizing fundraising events…to name a few of her responsibilities. We are proud of the Visitor Center and grateful to her for her hard work. Thanks to her efforts, the Visitor Center and Community Meeting Hall is the most notable “showplace” in Endicott.

We object to the decision by the Mayor to fire Mrs. Utter and deplore the way it was handled. One, who has served the Village with dedication and distinction for nine years, in a supervisory position, deserves better. Our question to the members of the Board of Trustees is, “why was there no vote taken by the Board?” We must conclude in the absence of such a vote, that the entire Board of Trustees agrees with the Mayor’s decision.

In 2002, Mrs. Utter’s appointment was approved by a vote of the Board of Trustees and Mayor Colella. Under Village law the Mayor has the responsibility “to appoint all department heads and non-elected officers and employees, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.” (Village Law Section 4-400 (1) (c)). Additionally, VIL. LAW § 4-412 : NY Code - Section 4-412: The Board of Trustees. The first line of the section reads: “a. In addition to any other powers conferred upon villages”… giving the Village Board of Trustees broad power and responsibility for managing the affairs of the Village. Where is the Village’s code of ethics?

Therefore, since the Board of Trustees hired Mrs. Utter in 2002, it is only proper and lawful that the Board of Trustees discuss this issue and publicly bring it to a vote.

Well said Alberta!

King John should know that many will be watching his next moves. The replacement director will come under significant scrutiny. And we will be monitoring the decline in bookings and the overall decline of the center. And we will hold you accountable.

Hannon Still Missing...But Collecting Salary

2012-01-26T23:00:00.000-08:00

"I dote on his very absence." - William Shakespeare

Dennis Hannon is still missing. He has not been seen in Johnson City for several months. He is reportedly still drawing his Village funded paycheck and taxpayer funded state pension. But he is not currently residing in New York State. He has not performed the work of Village Mayor in four to five months yet is happily collecting his pay check. This may have many names but it clearly is theft.

Despite Hannon's absence, his presence is still felt. Many spineless lawmakers cower at the thought that Hannon may someday return. On Tuesday, the Village Board voted to appeal the Rauschmeier case to the court of appeals. In so doing, they continue to commit village resources to the petty vindictive prosecution of a absentee mayor. They also allow the back pay bill to mount. Only one Board member, Bruce King, saw the folly of continuing down this road. King argued that they would be better off getting work for the money they will owe this fire fighter. The others just fell in line behind the absent tyrant.

In the meantime, other Village business continues to stack up. The Joint Sewage Board is fielding bids for demolition of the damaged portions of the sewage treatment plant. Bids ran from $200,000 to over $800,000. Where will this money come from? And what is Hannon doing to plan for it?

The tab for Hannon's bargain with the police union will also be coming due in several months. What is Hannon doing to plan for this? Will there be borrowing? Will the Village need to exceed the tax cap?

And what about the sweetheart intermunicipal agreements for Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich and Police Chief Zikuski. Will the village board hold Hannon to account for this? Will they vote to rescind these sweetheart deals and send these two clowns packing back to their municipalities of origin?

The Village seems frozen in place while Hannon extends his absence week by week. It is time for the board to force Hannon to return or resign. And if he returns, most of the board members will need to find their spines and remember that they do not work for Dennis Hannon, they work for the residents of Johnson City. And if they forget this, the voters will remind them on election day.

In the meantime, if anyone wishes to visit Mayor Hannon at his "southern village hall", we have a photograph of his Ocala, Florida home.

Drop in anythime! I am sure he will be as glad to see you!

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Editor's Note: Fire Starter has repeatedly tried to reach Mayor Hannon at his home on North Broad Street only to find his phone disconnected. Does this sound like someone who is interested in the future of the Village?

Village Loses in Court

2012-01-19T03:44:00.000-08:00

A winner rebukes and forgives; a loser is too timid to rebuke and too petty to forgive. - Sydney J. Harris

The Fire Starter has been extremely critical of Mayor Dennis Hannon's management style in general. His "my way or the highway" approach has cost village taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars with little or no tangible benefit. This has been further exacerbated by his petty and vindictive use of his "powers" as mayor. Most recently, we have criticized his absenteeism in the face of serious issues facing the village. His absence has also created something of the crisis for the Fire Starter. Without his childish and petty antics, what do we have to write about?

Well fortunately, we have been saved, for now, by the Rauschmeier case. It appears that Hannon has banked some of his lunacy and it seems clear that his mismanagement will reverberate for years after he finally leaves.

Last week, an appeals court reversed his decision to terminate a village fire fighter. The village fire fighter was terminated for engaging in a sexual act in the privacy of his home. According to the court decision posted here, the village sought Rauschmeier's termination but failed to offer any evidence in support of their position. The case went before a hearing officer who ultimately ruled that there was no evidence that Rauschmeier intended to be seen and therefore, Hannon's termination was baseless. The court ordered reinstatement with back pay and benefits for almost three years!

The court, in overturning Hannon's decision found that his decision was not based on "substantial evidence". It defined "substantial evidence" as the "relevant proof that a reasonable mind may accept as adequate to support a conclusion". The court, by implication held that Hannon lacked a reasonable mind. Anyone who has observed his antics over the past few years could have attested to this. But now we have a court reaching the same conclusion.

The take away is that once again the village has spent tens of thousands of dollars on a fools errand. They will now owe this fire fighter hundreds of thousands of dollars in back pay and benefits. And all of this was done to further Hannon's senseless battle with the fire department. What did the village get? More legal bills and an employee who will be paid three years of wages for a time frame he was not allowed to work.

We lamented Hannon's extended absence from the village as irresponsible and a dereliction of duty. On second thought, maybe Hannon should take a couple more weeks off and then come back and quit.

Where in the World is...Dennis Hannon

2012-01-05T04:36:00.000-08:00

"It is neglect of timely repair that makes rebuilding necessary" - Richard Whatley

The Fire Starter commented recently regarding Dennis Hannon's decision to stay as Johnson City's Mayor. It was our conclusion that Hannon is a coward who was looking for cover to slink away into the night. When the appeals court decision was handed down on the lay off case, he suddenly had improved health and family situation. Just as conveniently, should matters turn against him again, he will claim "health and family matters" have worsened. It is really transparent and pathetic.

However, some recent developments have Fire Starter questioning what is really happening. Since November of last year, Hannon has been notably missing from the Village. He has spent an inordinate amount of time in Florida. He has missed multiple village board meetings. The only "official" duties he seems to carry out are the issuance of press releases criticizing the fire fighter's union.

Fire Starter has learned that a village hall employee has become distraught with Hannon's absence. Who will she turn to on these cold winter evenings? She certainly is not interested in "working late" with Deputy Mayor Ball-less.

The bottom line is the village does not run itself. Press releases do not equal leadership. Hannon has made numerous messes since becoming a trustee and later mayor. He presided over the sewage treatment plant debacle, the runaway lawyer bills, and the police contract debacle just to name a few. In the meantime he is trying to enrich his friends at resident's expense. And all the while economic development has been non-existent. He needs to do the job village residents are paying him to do or leave. Otherwise, he is nothing more than a common thief.

Hannon should not hold on to the office of mayor out of vanity or ego. The Village deserves so much better than it has gotten from Hannon.

Hannon to Stay...For Now

2011-12-22T05:30:00.000-08:00

"Time will inevitably uncover dishonesty and lies; history has no place for them." - Norodom Sihanouk

As we suspected all all along, Mayor Dennis Hannon's talk of resignation was merely the cover of a coward. Fearful that he would have to face an embarrassing loss in the appeals court, he gave himself an "out" which seemingly had nothing to do with the matter. Now that the village is victorious, the "family and health" problems had been flushed down the memory hole.

So what is the first thing Hannon does? File more lawsuits. This time he is seeking lawyer fees. If we are following this correctly, Hannon has filed multiple lawsuits against the fire fighter's union and is now seeking repayment of the fees for his crooked schysters. And apparently this is also the fire fighter's fault.

Fire Starter believes that this continues to be so much subterfuge. Hannon would prefer not to have the public notice that he has spent an inordinate amount of money to fight an unnecessary fight which left village services and coffers depleted.

The ranks of the fire department could have been maintained with the Federal grant money...at no cost to the village. But that was rejected in favor of this unnecessary fight. The department could have been maintained through the pay concessions offered by the union. But that was rejected in favor of this unnecessary fight. As far as Fire Starter can see, everyone lost except the lawyers. And this is what Hannon is so proud of??

With new board that is on to Hannon's tricks, the new year should be interesting. The real question is- How many embarrassing defeats at the hands of the board will Hannon endure before his "health and family issues" take a "turn for the worse"?

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The Fire Starter would like to take this opportunity to thank the brave men and women who keep us safe every day of the year. Our police and fire personnel work tirelessly and around the clock so that we may enjoy our holiday season and the entire year. On Christmas eve, as we all enjoy the peace and security they provide, we should all say a prayer of thanks for these dedicated professionals.

2011-12-09T05:32:00.000-08:00

"Most of the energy of political work is devoted to correcting the effects of mismanagement of government." -Milton Friedman

The Johnson City Village Board on Tuesday took separate actions which, with a fair and objective media, would serve to highlight the dysfunction of the Hannon years on the village board and as mayor. As we all know, there is no objective media in the Southern Tier. If there was, there would be no need for the Fire Starter to consistently correct the record and tell the stories the media will not.

First, the village board approved the police contract which brings them up to date. The Fire Starter is happy that the village and police union were able to reach an agreement. It is patently unfair for the police to sit without raises for the past five years. Inflation alone has worked against these fine men and women who have risked their lives daily to protect us. It certainly was about time the village lived up to its obligations.

In reporting on the deal., the Press & Sun Bulletin made reference to the fact that the deal was worth about $1.3 million and that the village only has a fraction of that amount on hand to pay the raises. The village will now have to borrow the lion share to pay for this agreement. This fact is clear evidence of Hannon's mismanagement of the village over the last two years as mayor and before that as trustee. The village should not have to borrow to pay salaries. This should have been built into each and every budget for the last few years. Instead, Hannon falsely claimed to be "holding the line" and limiting tax increases. In reality, he has played a shell game that is now coming home to roost. the taxpayers will now be saddled with this new debt and interest just to pay current obligations. This is the equivalent of taking a second mortgage to pay for groceries. It may be necessary but is indicative of poor planning and mismanagement.

The second issue addressed buy the board was to revise the "shared services agreement" with the City of Binghamton. We have repeatedly outlined how this was always a good deal for Binghamton and a bad deal for the Village of Johnson City. The village pays more money for part time chiefs than it would have for full time command in the village. Binghamton has been able to reduce its expenses for these chief positions by about 30% at the expense of village taxpayers. this never was and remains a bad deal for village residents.

But even more disturbing is the sweetheart deal contained in the revised agreement. The Binghamton chiefs, like JFA Hrustich, now have a guarantee of their bloated salaries for at least one year regardless of their performance or misconduct. These "three wisemen" could engage in the most egregious conduct meriting discharge yet they would be guaranteed their bloated salaries at Johnson City's expense. This is the sort of back room cronyism that has been the hallmark of the Hannon years.

Hannon has been flirting with staying on with Hannon. In one meeting, Hannon has provided all of the proof taxpayers need as to why he must go. The village has been so severely mismanaged since Hannon has been mayor that it may not be salvageable. Only with his departure can the village be saved.

The Fire Starter wonders who (if anyone) is encouraging Hannon to stay. But we are quit confident that if Hannon stays, the village will go. And maybe that answers our question about Hannon's support.

Hannon Staying On?

2011-12-01T06:33:00.000-08:00

"Stupidity combined with arrogance and a huge ego will get you a long way." -Chris Lowe

Johnson City Mayor Hannon recently announced that he is reconsidering his decision to resign. He sites "the political winds changing" in the village as a reason for reconsidering resignation. When asked point blank if he is opening the door to reversing his decision, he said "maybe a crack". However, reviewing all of the circumstances in the village and the recent elections, one must consider the "crack" to be in Hannon's head.

It is entirely unclear what has changed in the political environment. Hannon's only dissolution ally, John Sullivan, was soundly defeated in Novembers election. Hannon is losing a dim witted supporter in Trustee Ron Davis as of the first of the year. He still has equally dimwitted supporter Rick Balles to rubber stamp his destructive policies. However, the rest of the new board is comprised of anti-dissolution members. Greg Deemie will return for the second year of his two year term. Former Trustee Bruce King is returning to the Board and will likely renew his battles with Hannon. And first time board member, Luke Slota has vowed to preserve the village and work through the villages problems without the acrimony. This certainly sounds like a shift in the political winds...but not in Hannon's favor.

Now let's look at what Hannon has created and will now have to face. He has negotiated a new contract with the police union. After looking down the barrel of a million dollar plus arbitration award, Hannon finally negotiated. But this agreement will cost the Village considerably more than the arbitration award. Hannon conveniently pushes the lion share of the liability into the next fiscal year forcing the new board into a vote to violate the 2% tax cap imposed by state law. Does Hannon really want to be there for that vote?

The Sewage Treatment plant remains as a symbol of Hannon's incompetence and neglect. Does he want to be there for further votes to exceed the tax cap to pay those bills?

And his one "achievement has been the successful laying off of fire fighters. However, as we pointed out in previous posts, this was ultimately a loss to village residents as the positions could have been funded by grant money and union concessions in perpetuity. And now he is spending more money on lawyers on a fools errand seeking to force the union to pay his over priced lawyers. This is a classic case of throwing good money after bad.

Hannon points to his "inter-municipal agreements" on shared services as his crowning achievement that must be preserved. However, we have repeatedly outlined how these agreements are not favorable to the village and line the pockets of Hannon toadies at the expense of taxpayers. The taxpayers are stuck paying more money for less service.

So what is Hannon's talk of staying really about? It is about Hannon's ego. It is an attempt to put the best face on his departure. He is running like a coward but wants to make the case that he has done a wonderful job. In reality, he has made a terrible mess that will take years to fix. He is not willing to do the heavy lifting. For this reason, the Fire Starter believes Hannon is still leaving. And his departure will be his greatest achievement for the village.

JC Corruption Continues

2011-11-23T01:39:00.000-08:00

Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence. - Thomas Jefferson

Well it may the day before Thanksgiving but it is not too early for Christmas. Mayor Dennis Hannon and Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich are giving their gifts early this year...and you are paying for them.

First Mayor Hannon. The Fire Starter recently reported on the Inter-municipal Agreement pertaining to Hrustich. The Endicott Village Board recently voted to approve an agreement with the Village of Johnson City to continue to share the overpaid and under worked Hrustich. There were many problems with the new agreement and it remains a bad deal for the Village of Johnson City. Johnson City will now pay even more for this part time employee than it did under the prior agreement.

But perhaps most egregious is the provision which guarantees Hrustich's pay for an entire year. Under the agreement, if Johnson City terminates Hrustich, they will still owe their share of his bloated pay for the rest of the calendar year. No matter how outrageous his conduct, his termination would not stop him from receiving his pay package which is worth nearly $170,000 when factoring in percs and benefits. Yes, Hannon does not believe in job security for the brave fire fighters and police officers but for his lap dog Hrustich, money is no object (especially when he is not paying for it).

And now Hrustich. Receiving his big fat gift from Hannon has really put him in the giving spirit. For years, the fire department has maintained it's own rigs including changing the oil in the rigs. This amounts to 80 to 100 gallons of oil yearly. For many years, this oil was sold to offset the cost of maintenance. Apparently this oil has value and can be burned as fuel oil and the village annually received payment from a local business. Well no longer.

Fire Starter has learned that Hrustich has ended the long standing policy of selling the oil and is now giving it to an ally that is using it for heating purposes. With current heating oil prices range from $3.00 to $4.00 per gallon this represents a gifting of $300 to $400 dollars per year. And again, the tax payers are footing the bill.

This sort of corrupt cronyism is exactly the kind of thing we have come to expect from Hannon's corrupt regime. It is long past time for the attorney general and the comptroller to investigate who is getting what and from whom. The village coffers are not Hannon and Hrustich's personal piggy bank out of which favors are dispensed. These gifts of public funds are a breach of the public trust. It is time for someone to answer for this corruption.

UPDATE: The Fire Starter has learned that Mayor Hannon has a special something for his favorite staff member. Not to worry though. It does not cost the public anything and is reputedly quite small.

JC Loses

2011-11-18T02:18:00.000-08:00

It appears that Hannon has received his pound of flesh from the Village of Johnson City Fire Department. The Press & Sun Bulletin is reporting that the layoff of 6 fire fighters that occurred over two years ago will stand. The two and one half year ordeal went to the state's highest court and it ruled that the layoffs were legal. It appears that Hannon has won...and the Village has lost.

Hannon made it his goal form the outset to attack Village employees in general and the fire department in particular. Hannon's "bully" style has led to multiple legal law suits, arbitrations and disciplines and in the end, nearly one million dollars in legal bills for a little over two years. Yes, he reduced the size of the fire department. But he spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to do it while rejecting nearly $600,000 in union givebacks that would have funded those positions in perpetuity. But Hannon's ego and desire to be the "king" outweighed all reason.

Further evidence of Hannon's vendetta can be found in the Village's refusal of the federal SAFER grant. this grant would have maintained all six fire fighter positions at little or no cost to the village for two years. If at the end of two years, the village was unable to fund the positions, they had no further obligation under the grant. Contrary to Hannon's misinformation, there were no "strings attached".

The Village now has large legal bills and fewer first responders. The south side fire station is closed as often as not. Effective response times have grown due to short staffing. What were once minor fires have become major incidents costing life and property. Village residents paid for the service but are not receiving what they paid for.

Yes, Hannon won this battle. But at a significant cost to taxpayers both in dollars and service. Hannon won...but Village residents have lost.

Is It Morning In JC?

2011-11-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. - Marcus Aurelius

The Fire Starter stepped outside this morning to find a bright and clear day with an electric blue sky. It is the kind of morning that makes one happy to be alive. The world is clean and bright and full of endless possibilities. It is on mornings like today that one can believe that no matter how bad our economy or personal situation is, things can get better. We have a second chance.

It is with this bright optimism that we view yesterday's election results. Yesterday, Johnson City residents rejected the negative and hateful politics of the Hannon years. John Sullivan and his divisive beliefs were soundly defeated. Even Monica Silas was again turned back by voters. Johnson City has had enough and is looking to leaders to solve the problems and provide services without the petty power plays and ceaseless legal battles. Residents are clearly looking for leaders, not bloviating bullies.

The Village faces many challenges in the coming months. Hannon, Davis and Balles have dug an incredibly deep hole for the Village. Their misfeasance and malfeasance brought the village to the brink of ruin. Slota, King, and Deemie will need to resolve outstanding labor contracts, the million dollar arbitration award, the illegal layoff of fire fighters, and the sewage treatment plant. But all three are men of goodwill with a commitment to the continued existence of the village. We believe that these three will work with their willing partners in the unions to move the village forward.

The days of division are over. Johnson City voters have given themselves a fresh start. We must now seize this opportunity.

Hrustich's Payoff

2011-11-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

Corruption is like a ball of snow, once it's set a rolling it must increase. - Charles Caleb Colton

The Fire Starter has repeatedly detailed the misuse of tax dollars in both Endicott and Johnson City. Consistently, Bertoni and Hannon have used public funds to pay off friends and family. Public funds have been used to purchase favorable press and loyalty from useful tools. Certainly, Johnson City's deal to "share" a fire administrator with Endicott has been a crooked deal.

The deal made no fiscal sense from the beginning. Johnson City paid $40,000 more for Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich than if they had promoted through the ranks. And they only have Hrustich's services half the time they would have had they promoted a Johnson City fire fighter to chief. In the end, it became clear that Hrustich was bought and paid for. He would rationalize any risk to the public or the fire fighters because he was being well paid to do so. Hrustich could be bought and Hannon was a willing buyer.

It is with this in mind that the Fire Starter took interest in a little noticed item at a recent Village of Endicott board meeting. The Village of Endicott recently approved a new municipal agreement for the sharing of Hrustich with Johnson City. It is certainly notable that this was done without public notice. The Village board rammed this through it's meeting without so much as a moment's discussion. Village resident's were caught off guard and were unaware of the details of the proposed agreement. However, this agreement has not been approved by the Village of Johnson City. The Fire Starter believes that once the details come to light, Village residents will be up in arms.

Hrustich will continue to collect nearly $120,000 in pay and extras making him the highest paid chief in Broome County - Significantly higher paid than the Binghamton Fire Chief who commands twice as many men.

Hrustich will continue with other benefits such as a municipal vehicle and municipal gas with NO accountability for the use of either.

The Village of Johnson City will now indemnify Hrustich for his own potential wrongdoing and negligence and JC will also be responsible for at least 1/2 of any workman's compensation or any other disability claim.

Probably most disturbing, If the Village terminates the contract for any reason, it must give 90 days prior written notice and must still pay Hrustich his full salary for the rest of the calendar year. In other words, Hrustich will receive his lucrative salary for up to one year after he is terminated...even if the termination is for misconduct!

This appears to us to be one last payoff to the Hannon toady, Hrustich. Any casual observer would see that Hrustich is out of his depth as "Joint Fire Administrator". His incompetence has become legendary. He is already responsible for at least one citizen's death and numerous fire fighters have had near misses and injuries as a result of his incompetence. Only among the corrupt ruling class would this merit the kind of job security this agreement seeks to bestow.

It will be up to Johnson City residents to speak their minds at upcoming board meetings. Otherwise, Johnson City will attempt to pass this under cover of darkness and saddle taxpayers with at least another year of this overpaid and under worked incompetent.

If Hannon wants to give Hrustich a going away present, let him do it with his own money!

Cancelled JC Board Meeting

2011-10-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

Coward: One who, in a perilous emergency, thinks with his legs. - Ambrose Bierce

Without fanfare or ado, Mayor Dennis Hannon cancelled the regularly scheduled board meeting last week. When pressed as to the reason for this cancellation, Hannon explained that the Village did not have any business to conduct and therefor there was no reason for a meeting.

The Fire Starter is somewhat skeptical about Hannon's explanation. Since the September flooding, Hannon has been absent more than he has been present. And when he has been present, there have been fireworks. Irate citizens upset with Hannon's mismanagement of the village have crowded the board room for an opportunity to voice their opinions to Hannon. And as we all know, Hannon is only in favor of free speech when he is the one talking.

We were struck by the explanation that the Village did not have business to conduct. It seems there are plenty of issues needing attention. Hannon has made so many messes since joining the board, it is hard to know where to start. But if Hannon is at a loss for things to do, here are a few suggestions for the next board meeting.

1. Sewage Treatment Plant - It is patently clear that Hannon has failed in his oversight of the sewage treatment plant. The Board was aware of defects in the plant more than a year prior to its catastrophic failure. However, Hannon was preoccupied with nefarious plots to avenge personal slights and allowed the defects to go unaddressed. The Village is facing millions of dollars in repair bills due to Hannon's negligence. The sewage treatment plant board is looking for over $800k from the village as a down payment toward immediate needs. Perhaps the board could have addressed this problem at its regularly scheduled meeting. More likely than not, Hannon knew that this issue would have created a...er...sh*t storm and he wanted no part of it. But ignoring the problem does not make it go away. It only gets worse.

2. Police Arbitration - The Village owes its police officers over 1 million dollars in back pay as a result of an arbitration award. The police are still five years without a contract and at the rate established by the arbitration award, the village could be facing total liabilities of 3.5 million dollars just to bring the police current. This is disastrous when one recognizes that Hannon could have settled ALL past years of conrtracts for about 1.2 million dollars. Perhaps Hannon could have used the board meeting as an opportunity to explain how he and his lawyers so botched labor negotiations that the village is facing 3.5 million dollars in back pay claims. Hannons best solution at this point is to close his eyes and hope that the problem goes away. Much like the sewage treatment, Hannon's neglect has only made the problem worse.

3. Fire and Police Chief - In order to tighten his control on the village and its employees, Hannon advocated a shared services plan which brought Endicott Fire Chief Hrustich and Binghamton Police Chief Zikuski and two assistant chiefs into the Village. These were sold to residents as a cost cutting measure but in reality, it cost Village residents several hundred thousand dollars more than if Hannon had promoted through the ranks. That is several hundred thousand dollars that could have been spent to settle labor disputes/contracts or perhaps even put more police and firemen on the street. But when it comes to consolidating Hannon's power, money is no object; especially when it is not his money. Had Hannon conducted a board meeting, it would have been a perfect opportunity to terminate the agreements with Endicott and Binghamton and put the saved money back in the Village's coffers.

4. Lawyers - Hannon could have used the Board meeting as an opportunity to explain exactly what the village has gotten for the nearly million dollars in lawyer fees paid over the last two years. It appears that every time the lawyers get involved, they are the only ones who win. The village loses, the employees lose, and residents lose. But the lawyers always get paid. Hannon could have taken this board meeting as an opportunity to fire the lawyers and find new ones that actually serve the interests of the village rather than their own financial interests.

5. Personnel - Hannon could have used the cancelled meeting to explain how certain non-union Village employees have seen their pay increase 30-40% during a time of "fiscal crisis". He could have explained that he was paying for good press. He could explain the importance of giving raises as "hush money". He could explain how important it was to have "employees with benefits". How he personally "benefited" from these relationships. That certainly would have been time well spent...if not a bit disturbing.

6. Resignation - The recently cancelled board meeting would have been a perfect opportunity for Hannon to announce his immediate resignation. he obviously has made an terrible mess of the village. he leaves the village in far worse shape than when he arrived. Hannon views any attempt to right the villages finances as an admission of his incompetence and failure. And to some extent, this is probably true. But the village can not begin to put its house in order until Hannon leaves office. The best service he could do the village would be to leave immediately. And this meeting was a golden opportunity.

There were probably many other topics that could have been addressed at the cancelled meeting. Instead of being a man and facing the problems and public criticism, Hannon hid like the coward we know he is. Time and time again it is said that bullies are cowards at their core. There seems little doubt this is true of Hannon.

Silas Runs Again

2011-10-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

"History is a tool used by politicians to justify their intentions." - Ted Koppel

Many of you have may have noticed that former Johnson City Trustee Monica Silas has again resurfaced. It seems like just yesterday that she was turned out of Village government by Trustee Greg Deemie. She is again back running for the remainder of the term left vacant with the passing of County Legislator Bob Locker. Rather than take her defeat to heart, she has decided that the village stage was too small and she must take her talents to the next level.

But what exactly are those talents? During her time as a trustee, village services declined while taxes rose. Cronyism in village appointments all but exploded. "Relations" with Village employees (perhaps with the exception of one) deteriorated. The Village's budget for Lawyers increased five fold with little or nothing to show for it. Economic development in the Village came to a standstill. While Dennis Hannon systematically dismantled the village government, Monica Silas was there to cheer him on and support him. While Hannon wasted taxpayer dollars on Binghamton Lawyers, Silas cheered. While Hannon pursued petty and vindictive plots against his foes, Silas applauded. What in her record as a trustee would make anyone think she deserves to "step up to the next level"?

You may recall that during her last campaign, no holds were barred. She even spread falsehoods about her opponent, Greg Deemie which we detailed and refuted here. But the voters were onto her and her allies and she was soundly defeated by Greg Deemie. When it was finally time to go, instead of being gracious, she spewed venom at all her perceived enemies and blamed the ignorant voters for her defeat. Truly a class act. This was detailed in a December 2010 post here.

So what exactly does Silas bring to the table? A small minded, petty and vindictive style that serves neither the village nor the county. If we need someone to tear the county apart, she would be the favorite. But in these difficult economic times, we need innovative thinkers with a far reaching vision. Silas has shown nothing to commend these traits to her.

We know nothing about her opponent, Mike Sopchak. But suffice it to say, he certainly could not be any worse than Silas.

Hrustich Places Dollars Over Safety

2011-10-13T03:59:00.000-07:00

"To constitute depraved indifference, the defendant's conduct must be 'so wanton, so deficient in a moral sense of concern, so lacking in regard for the life or lives of others, and so blameworthy as to warrant the same criminal liability as that which the law imposes upon a person who intentionally causes a crime." - USLegal.com

The Fire Starter has consistently pointed out the indifference of local leaders toward public safety and the safety of their employees. The ranks of fire fighters and police officers have shrunk well below any safe level. Promises of "shared services" have consistently fallen short. When it comes to shared chiefs, village residents have paid more and gotten far less. When it has come to "mutual aid" as a cure all, residents have seen slower gross response times and slower effective response times. All the while, village employees continue to place their lives on the line in ever more dangerous situations.

Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich has repeatedly shown a blatant disregard for the safety of the men who work for him. He has consistently placed them at unnecessary risk to save a few dollars. This has taken the form of either under manning or the refusal to provide proper or properly functioning equipment. Anything to save a few dollars. And if someone is injured or killed, it's chalked up to "risk management".

Never has this been more apparent than in a recent "river rescue". Many may recall the young man who recently fell or jumped off the Court Street several weeks ago. Johnson City was asked to launch its boat downstream to attempt to recover the body. While waters were still elevated and the current still swift, the Johnson City Fire Department launched its rescue boat with the Vestal Volunteer boat as a back-up.

Shortly after launching the rescue boat, the engine sputtered and stalled in the middle of the Susquehanna River. The fire fighters on board tried repeatedly to get the engine restarted but to no avail. Brave Johnson City fire fighters were left stranded in the swift current in a boat without power. The back-up boat from Vestal was launched and the rescue boat was towed back to shore.

It is certainly understandable that machine failures occur. This is a part of everyday life. What is not easily understood is the reason behind this failure.

Fire Starter has learned that the engine failed due to the fact that it was being operated with incorrect fuel. Apparently the fire rescue boat requires a high octane airplane type fuel. Only that fuel is several dollars per gallon more expensive than the run-of-the-mill gasoline purchased at local stations. So to save a few dollars a gallon, Hrustich ordered ordinary gasoline to be used in the rescue boat. And the results were predictable.

It is simply appalling that a "leader of men" would place those men in such unnecessary danger. Fire fighting is dangerous enough without incompetent leaders placing a few dollars over the safety of the public and Village employees. In votes of no confidence passed by both Endicott and Johnson City firefighters, Hrustich's utter disregard for safety was repeatedly cited. We have since seen numerous instances where Hrustich's recklessness has placed fire fighters and citizens at grave risk. There is already one less Endicott resident due to Hrustich's incompetence. How many bodies must pile up before the elected officials take notice?

Hannon to Resign

2011-10-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

I'm a true believer in karma. You get what you give, whether it's bad or good. - Sandra Bullock

Mayor Dennis Hannon announced Tuesday that he would resign his position as Mayor of the Village of Johnson City effective December 31, 2011. In the Press & Sun Bulletin, Hannon cited personal and family health as the reasons. Although many have questioned his true motivations, the Fire Starter is willing to take his assertions at face value.

First the personal. Mayor Hannon's personal popularity in the Village has taken a precipitous drop in the last year. Initially, village residents accepted his explanations for his heavy handed approach to village governance. Many were willing to give his version of leadership a try. Despite the injustices dealt to longtime village employees, many residents were willing to see if Hannon really had the answers. As time has passed, it has become patently clear that his management style has been a disaster and his "my way or the highway" approach to labor relations has done nothing but line the pockets of village attorneys.

Now the chickens are beginning to come home to roost. Hannon took a heavy handed approach toward police department negotiations and got slapped with a million dollar arbitration decision. And there are still four more years of contract to negotiate just to get current! Hannon's touted fire fighter layoff plan is on life support in the Appeals Court and the tab for that folly will likely exceed 1 million dollars. Hannon's answer to these cases is to dissolve the village. Only village residents are on to him and rose up against the plan. At recent board meetings, residents insisted that Hannon fix the mess he made. Instead of taking the criticism to heart, he gaveled out and talked over his critics.

But it is obvious the pressure of his repeated failures has become too great. So if he can not dissolve the village, he will pack up and run from the problems he created. What leadership!

Second, Hannon cites "family health". Karma is a severe disciplinarian. One can not spread the caustic bile Hannon has traded in and not have it come back to him. The Fire Starter has learned that Hannon has been battling various "self inflicted" ailments over the last few years. It appears that his vindictive ways are finally catching up to him.

Make no mistake. The Fire Starter respects Karma and wishes Mayor Hannon all the best in his retirement. We only wish it had come sooner.

Hannon was quoted as saying ""I think that I have started the village on the course that it needs to be on...".

In leaving, he might just have done that.

Endicott Flood Follies

2011-09-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

"Man cannot live by incompetence alone." - Charlotte Whitton

As the waters have receded, we have all begun to look back on our recent flooding. As we previously aknowleged, we all witnessed the outpouring of generosity from our fellow citizens. We also witnessed the total ineptness of some of our readers. This was certainly true in the Village of Endicott. Whether through ignorance or callousness, the Endicott Village Board members revealed themselves to be ineffectual.

Mayor John Bertoni was certainly a leader in this regard. In the midst of the flooding, he was advised that the fresh water system for the Village was about to collapse. The effect of the flood waters pushed the underground piping system to the state of near collapse. Did Bertoni have questions or seek solututions regarding this impending emergency which could have turned Endicott into a ghost town? No. His primary concern was the fact that several cars were underwater at the Oak Hill Ave/Railroad underpass. He wanted immediate solutions as to how the cars would be removed. Nevermind that with or without the cars, the eight foot flood waters made the area inpassable. This was a crisis which needed immediate solutions. "Potable water is a luxury! We must clear the downtown waterways of obstructing vehicles!"

Trustee Frank Flint certainly had his priorities straight. Many Village residents lost their homes to flood waters and the attendant mud and muck. Water was in short supply and a water conservation order was issued. So where was trustee Frank Flint? Helping village residents? No. Solving Village problems at Village Hall? No. Visiting evacuated residents at shelters? No. In the immediate aftermath of the flooding, Trustee Flint was seen hosing mud off of his sidewalk. In the height of a water emergency, Flint was using scarce water resources to clean his sidewalk! Did he even know what was going on around him?

Trustee Cheryl Chapman's offense was one of stilted priorities and ignorance of the devastation the Village suffered. Chapman was aware of the severe flooding at the UE High School football field. Her top priority was ensuring that the football games go on! Her thinking was that the students needed a level of normalcy in theor lives. This was certainly the most pure of motives on the part of trustees. However, her solution was to play the games at the Tri-Cities Airport. Aside from the fact that this is a working airport and not suited to use as a football field, it was also under water! We give Trustee Chapman half credit for attempting to serve her community and arrive at solutions. We only question her priorities and solution.

The most callous and shocking response to the floods came from Trustee Dave Baker. As the flood waters receded plans for reopening schools were discussed. With the serious flooding around the High School, it was clear that parking would not be sufficient for students and faculty and staff. Rather than seeing a problem, Baker saw an opportunity! Trustee Baker was excited by the prospect of parking ticket revenue which could be realized. Our biggest complaint with Baker is that he was not thinking big enough. Think of the parking tickets that could have been issued to the vehicles under the Oak Hill overpass. And there was a veritable gold mine that could have been realized by ticketing flood victims for putting their trash out on the wrong day!

In the end, the village employees in the police department, the fire department and the public works performed in the professional manner we have come to expect. Unfortunately, the elected officials also performed in exactly the way we have come to expect.

Free Speech Prevails

2011-09-19T05:49:00.000-07:00

"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing" - Edmund Burke

At the last Village of Johnson City Board Meeting, resident Julie Deemie stood to speak to the issue of Mayor Dennis Hannon's incompetence. She began to detail his mismanagement of the village. She did so in a respectful tone. She used no profanity and made no personal attacks. Hannon, keeping true to form, "gaveled" her out of order and had the police escort her from the podium. The bully, when confronted, showed his true cowardice. Apparently this five foot, 90 pound women was a threat to Hannon.

Since Ms. Deemie was unable to present her petition in it's entirety, we reproduce it here for you.

Petition to:

The Village of Johnson City Board of Trustees

I, Julie Deemie, of 153 Zoa Avenue, Village of Johnson City, NY hereby petition you regarding Mayor Dennis Hannon’s malfeasance in office and misuse of taxpayer funds. I shall substantiate my claims by giving a brief history of Dennis Hannon’s actions while serving as Mayor of Johnson City.

During the time which Dennis Hannon has served as an elected official I have attended nearly all of the Village Board Work Sessions and Board Meetings. It has been my observation that his use of intimidation has been commonplace. I have observed that when another member of the board has a differing opinion, Mr. Hannon often directs authoritative and demeaning responses toward the trustee with the difference of opinion, rather than accepting the conflicting viewpoints and ensuing normal dialog. This has also been witnessed on numerous occasions in his interactions with both village employees and certain public persons at board meetings.

It is well known that Mayor Hannon exerts his authority in his relations with the public employees. Prior to Mayor Hannon taking office many public employees frequently attended board meetings. Since Hannon assumed the mayoral position, employee attendance and their speaking during public comment periods has all but ceased. This indicates a fear of retribution, which is illegal and an infringement of these employee’s first amendment rights. Employee morale is at an historic low level with many employees feeling a loss of dignity.

Mayor Hannon spoke on local television in April of this year about our fire and police staffing levels. He stated that “I wish we could continue to maintain those positions. It’s public safety, but it’s a matter of balancing what we can afford versus providing the service to our residents”. It is the mayor’s legal responsibility to provide adequate public safety services to the residents of Johnson City. This statement alone proves the mayors negligence in providing adequate public safety protection. Yet there are other examples of his negligence in providing proper public safety. During Mayor Hannon’s first half of his term the South Side Fire Station has been closed many times due to staffing shortages and many medical calls have not been responded to due to these same shortages in personnel. During board meetings the mayor has stated that he would continue to allow the fire and police forces to be reduced to a number that would render them no longer effective. This proves an intentional and conspired plan by Mayor Hannon.

Since Dennis Hannon took his oath of office, as village mayor, information is less accessible to the taxpayer. F.O.I.L. is commonplace, appointments are required to visit the mayor, doors are now locked at village hall, and an alarming number of executive sessions are conducted. The mayor is on record for attempting to limit free speech at public board meetings. He often will inform a constituent to F.O.I.L. for information, in response to questions at board meetings, rather than offering to provide information later.

A little over a year ago, the mayor assembled a “Shared Services Committee” to conduct further study into consolidating services such as streets, sewer, refuse, courts and clerical. No reports were issued prior to the mayor’s announcement that he would be presenting the board with a resolution for their consideration, to initiate a Dissolution Referendum. The taxpayers funded much the Shared Services Committee’s research, including attorney fees. The taxpayers deserve to know these findings prior to consideration of dissolution.

Mayor Hannon has proven to be financially irresponsible. The mayor has far exceeded historic and customary use of village legal services in terms of litigation and litigation expenses. I feel that many of these law suits could have been avoided if the mayor would have entered contract negotiations in good faith with a fair and open mind. His obstinate stance has cost the taxpayers hundreds of thousands in unnecessary legal expense. He voted yes to adopt the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 budgets without allocating funds for contract retroactive payments and increases. Funds were not properly allocated toward sewer expenses, substantial sewer fund balances were allowed to be spent down, and now the citizens face large increases in sewer fees. Under his watch, 50 fire hydrants were purchased prior to the funds being approved in the 2011-2012 budget, and without use of the bid process. This year’s budget increased taxes less than 2% yet the mayor now states that he sees no other way out of Johnson City’s financial crisis other than through dissolution. He has told the media that he has been contemplating dissolution for over 6 months. All of these actions prove an intentional and conspired plan by Mayor Hannon.

For all of the above reasons, I respectfully request that the Village of Johnson City Board of Trustees, and its legal counsel, recommend that Dennis Hannon resign from his duties as Mayor of Johnson City, NY.

PRINTED NAME_____________________________________________________Date__________________

Signature______________________Address _________________________________________

There is a village board meeting tomorrow. We encourage all who value the services provided by the village government to come to the meeting and be heard. We also encourage you to print out Julie Deemie's petition, sign it, and submit it to Mayor Hannon. Let the village board know that Hannon and
Sullivan's view on dissolution is the minority opinion. Do not let the bully silence you!

Awards of Dishonor

2011-09-12T03:50:00.000-07:00

"In a Democracy, the people get the government they deserve" - Alexis de Tocqueville

The recent flooding has likely caused all of us to take stock of the things that are most important. Things can be replaced; family and friends can not. As the waters recede, it is appropriate to take stock of the things we place value on.

Disasters often bring out the best in human nature. Friend helping friend. Neighbor helping neighbor. Stranger helping stranger. It is this miracle of generosity that reaffirms our belief in the goodness of mankind.

Unfortunately, tragedy can also reveal the darkness in men's souls. It can reveal the callous self interest of the privileged. It can reveal the indifference of our leaders to anything other than their political future. It can reveal the contemptability of the incompetent. It is with regard to these human cockroaches that the Fire Starter issues these dubious awards of indistiction.

The "Risk Management Award'

When Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich assumed responsibility for the Village of Endicott and the Village of  Johnson City, he assured us all that he was an expert at risk management. He assured us that he could properly manage the assets of both departments for the benefit of both villages. He assured us that there would "never be simultaneous emergencies in both villages". This assertion was made notwithstanding the 2006 floods.

However, when the impossible occurred, he was caught totally flat footed. Hrustich largely left the Village of Johnson City for command of the Endicott department. In several instances, the Village department was being led by a brand new lieutenant with no practical command experience.

In addition, While JC Fire Fighters were rescuing residents from their homes, the JCFD boat was ordered out of the Village and to Endicott to assist with the Endicott water treatment plant. This might be considered a reasonable allocation of assets. Except the JCFD boat was merely used as a "back up" during the water treatment plant work. The boat which could have been used to rescue residents sat idle in Endicott.

Apparently risk management largely involves sacrificing the needs of one village for another.

The Let Them Eat Cake Award

This award goes to Trustee Ron Davis. In the midst of the flood disaster, the Johnson City Fire Department responded to an active fire in an apartment building on Crocker Avenue. Apparently, Trustee Davis received complaints from his well heeled friends on the hill (like John Sullivan) that their water pressure was adversely affected by the use of water on this working structure fire. Apparently, some hill dwellers were unable to water their orchids during the fire.

Davis responded to the scene of the fire wanting to know why the pumper truck was not being utilized to extinguish the blaze. He plead the case for the waterers on the hill while citizens homes burned. This is why he is our Marie Antoinette.

The Insurance Industry Award

The winner of this award is already familiar to the readers. He is the risk manager who did not anticipate simultaneous emergencies in the two Villages. Yes! that's right. JFA Stephen Hrustich. What did he do to bring such credit to himself with the insurance industry?

As waters rose toward the Harry L Drive Fire Station, objects needed to be moved from the lower level to the upper level of the station. Various articles were ordered moved to safety. The Fire Department has older and spare cutting tools and the like that are stored in the lower level. But JFA ordered those be left behind so that he could claim them as a loss with FEMA! It is this sort of integrity that earns JFA Hrustich the Insurance Industry Award!

The Double Dip Award

The Winner of this award has already been recognized. It is almost embarrassing the multitude of ways he is debasing himself through this crisis.

Personal leave time is a contractual benefit that may only be used when staffing allows and at the discretion of the chief. In times of county wide emergency, one would not expect such leave time being granted. Well that may be true unless you are one of the JFA's pets. Hrustrich authorized a personal leave time for one of his acolytes in the midst of the crisis.  Of course, his supplicant had a personal emergency he needed to attend to, right? Wrong! This particular toady used his leave time and was paid by the village for the day. He then came into work and worked his regular shift and received overtime pay of time and a half. So for being at his job for his regular shift, this individual received 2 1/2 times his regular pay. Life is good for those who curry favor with the JFA. And to further bolster the JFA's Insurance Industry Award, this overtime will likely be submitted to FEMA for reimbursement.

The Bubble Boy Award

As the waters rose on Wednesday and Thursday, area residents grabbed all they could and fled their homes for higher ground. In some instances our neighbors were only able to make it out with the clothes on their backs. They left behind a lifetime of dreams to be swallowed by the flood waters.

So what was John Sullivan doing while others ran for safety? The Fire Starter saw John Sullivan adjusting his campaign signs on Harry L Drive in front of Wegmans.  While people were in need, all Sullivan could think of was his own political fortune.  "I am safe in my bubble. Tough luck for you. And vote for Sullivan!"

The SPCA Award

In this category we have two winners. Many have read of the animals that were lost at Petco in Johnson City. Mayor Hannon found the deaths of the animals "disgusting". But what Hannon fails to even try to rebut is Petco's explanation. Note that Hannon does not claim that Petco was told to evacuate. He merely claims that they should have known. The responsibility for these animal deaths falls squarely on Mayor Hannon and his administration. But don't hold your breath for that admission from Hannon.

What many do not realize is that there was an additional opportunity to rescue these animals. When Petco became aware of the risk to animals, it brought workers and boats to access the store and rescue the animals. Unfortunately, JFA Hrustich refused to allow them access and the animals died.

For these reasons, this Award must be shared by JFA Hrustich and Mayor Hannon. Great work guys!

In the face of all of this dishonesty, double dealing and selfishness we have innumerable examples of bravery, compassion and dedication. Many examples come from our fire fighters and police officers. These public servants in many instances left their own personal disaster to mitigate the disasters of their fellow citizens. And of course, there were the friends, neighbors and perfect strangers who stepped up to do what they could. It is against their blinding excellence that the dark self interested actions of our "award winners" can be seen.

And in this instance, we hope that the public really gets the leadership it deserves.

John Sullivan: Hypocrite

2011-09-07T05:39:00.000-07:00

A hypocrite is the kind of politician who would cut down a redwood tree, then mount the stump and make a speech for conservation. -Adlai E. Stevenson

Fire Starter has reported regarding the disgraceful record of dissolutionist John Sullivan. At every turn, Mr. Sullivan has taken from the village and fed at the public trough while criticizing the brave men and women in the police and fire departments. Whether it is his publicly financed health insurance through his wife or his tax breaks on his home, Mr. Sullivan has repeatedly shown that it is all about him and his selfish interests.

One such example of Sullivan's hypocrisy was found in his opposition to a development plan in his neighborhood. Several years ago, Mr. Sullivan invested in a development above the Oakdale Mall. Unfortunately for him and his fellow investors, they had difficulty on the financial end of the deal so the project never went forward. Mr. Sullivan blamed "red tape" within the Village and Town governments for this failure and immediately got on the dissolution bandwagon. Sullivan went so far as to even suggest secession of his portion of Johnson City. In other words, the entire Village needed to be turned upside down because he was unable to get his way.

Now flash forward two years. The Dellapenna family was attempting to develop the same area above the Oakdale Mall. Unlike the Sullivan project, the Dellapenna family had their ducks in a row and were prepared to move forward. Did John Sullivan applaud this economic development? Did he praise the expansion of the tax base? Did he cheer the Dellapenna family's initiative and commitment to the Village? Think again.

Mr. Sullivan has attempted to place every possible road block in the way of this project. A project that was fine for him to develop is now something to be rejected. And Sullivan has enlisted the assistance of his good friend Dennis Hannon to block the project.

Fire Starter received a copy of an email sent by Sullivan to Hannon. In the email, Sullivan advises Hannon that he and his neighbors plan to invoke the Patriot Act to attempt to thwart development in the Village. Although he alleges no wrongdoing by the Dellapenna family, he attempts to use this law to harass them into abandoning the project. A copy of the original email is scanned below. (For the best view, click on the image and a magnifying glass will appear and allow the content to be re-sized and more easily read.)

Now Sullivan wants to be a trustee. But it is clear that he does not seek to protect the interests of Village residents but only his own selfish pursuits. On the one hand, he seeks to develop a property but when he is unable to, no one should. He complains of taxes but seeks to block projects that would add tax dollars to the coffers. He complains of public employee pay and benefits while reaping the benefits through his wife.

A picture of Mr. Sullivan begins to reveal itself. And it is of a bitter and selfish man. He should get everything and to hell with everyone else. Is this the sort of individual who should be elected to the Village board?

Retired Employee Speaks Out

2011-08-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

“The power of the periodical press is second only to that of the people.” - Alexis de Tocqueville

The Fire Starter blog started nearly 17 months ago. The idea was hatched because of frustration with the local media and its failure to report the whole story. Much of the local media seems to be aligned with the "consolidate at all cost" crowd. Whether it saves any money is entirely beside the point. In its fervor to support consolidation, the local media either ignores or sugar coats stories which reflect poorly on the local politicians who advocate consolidation. The Fire Starter has appointed itself the counterweight to this biased media.

It is with this in mind that we wrote last week's post regarding Hannon's call for dissolution. We pointed out the numerous misteps by Mayor Dennis Hannon over the last 2 years.. We provided the factual background for each incompetency that has now brought the Village of Johnson City to the brink. This was a surprisingly easy task since the Fire Starter has been writing about Hannon's wasteful ways from the beginning. It apparently was a very hard task for the Press & Sun Bulletin since little or few of Hannon's follies were included in coverage of his call for dissolution. It would be easy to excuse the Press and other media for mere incompetence. But we now have proof that this an intentional bias.
The Press recently published an opinion piece from dissolutionist and Village Board candidate, John Sullivan. In his column, he set up every strawman argument which ultimately led the reader to the erroneous conclusion that the village unions are bad and dissolution is the only answer. Former Village police officer and current local elected official, Mike Cashman wrote a piece which highlighted Hannon's mismanagement and malevolent conduct. To no one's surprise, despite being submitted three times, the Press declined to publish it. Fire Starter has come into possession of this piece and without further ado, we present it in it's entirety:

Villages where formed to provide additional services for its taxpayers.

Mayor Hannon has done his best to destroy this great place. Taxpayers should know that all of the Village unions attempted to make concessions to the Village. Mayor Hannon refused to even entertain them saying "strings attached", not true.

The Police Union tried for 5 years to deal with the Village and were forced into arbitration twice. The fact that the Village leaders knew what the outcome of arbitration would be and failed to budget the money is poor management. Mayor Hannon's true colors have finally been made clear. Mayor Hannon pays a local law firm $200.00 an hour when the county attorney’s office offers to help for $50.00 per hour. Mayor Hannon paid close to $1,000,000.00 to the same law firm last fiscal year to fight the unions rather than sit down and talk with them.

DPW gives Village zero percent wage increase. Fire Dept offers $500,000 in give backs. Police offer 5 or 6 year deal with wage increase of less than half of cost of living and just over what the two year arbitration award ends up being. Police offer to increase contributions to Health to help share the burden with Village taxpayers.

Don’t kid yourself your town taxes will go up if the Village dissolves. You will pay more than town residents if you want your own police force and or fire department.

What did Mayor Hannon do with the all the money he saved with employee retirements? These are employees he has not and will not replace. The money is in the budget for salaries he no longer has to pay and adds up to several hundred thousand dollars.

Most Village Mayors are “doing more with less”. Our mayor is bankrupting the Village instead of leading the Village into the future. The businesses on Harry-L-Drive, Main Street and now CFJ Blvd/ Lester Avenue, and the people that live and shop in Johnson City deserve better than the leader they have.

Nicely done Mike. The Press' refusal to print anything which casts an unfavorable light on Hannon is obvious to all but his most ardent supporters. This is why we began this blog. But it also remains incumbent upon all who reject Hannon's destructive ways to continue to write the Press and voice your opinion. And most importantly, we must all vote.

End Game Revealed

2011-08-22T05:34:00.000-07:00

For your own good is a persuasive argument that will eventually make a man agree to his own destruction. -Janet Frame

The Fire Starter has repeatedly speculated regarding Johnson City Mayor, Dennis Hannon's motivations. Over the last several years, Hannon has consistently pursued the path of greatest resistance and greatest cost. No contentious situation has been resolved by agreement. Every issue has been litigated in court to the enth degree. Every strategy has been over the top.

The Fire Starter has postulated that Hannon's seemingly erratic and irrational actions were the product of his machismo and ego. There certainly seems to be no small amount of that involved. But this past weekend, Hannon finally laid his cards on the table. The end game for Hannon has been and will be dissolution of the village.

This endgame may come as a shock to many. Hannon has repeatedly professed his desire to reform the village and place it on a better financial footing. Instead, all of his actions have been aimed at creating the financial ruin that will ultimately lead to dissolution. His mismanagement and malfeasance has now brought the village to a dangerous crossroads.

Looking back over Hannon's reign, it is easy to see the pattern.

Endless litigation of contract issues with the fire department.
Endless pursuit of Village employees (Fire Chief Michalovic, Police Chief Potts, Fire Marshal Dempsey, Fire Union President Marty Maney, the lowly maintenance man.
Replacing the Fire Chief and the Police Chief with vastly overpaid and under worked yes men.
Large pay raises for his "friends" and sweetheart deals for political and media allies
Replacing the rest of the command structure in the police department with over paid toadies.
Refusing the fire fighter's offer to give back the last year of their contract.
Refusing the PBA offer that would have settled all outstanding past years for about the same amount of money an arbitrator imposed for just two contract years.
The no bid contract to purchase over 100k of fire hydrants, enough to last the village for years.
The record setting lawyers fees paid to the Village's lawyers with little or no results. *

Anyone watching closely can see that contrary to the austerity Hannon is claiming, he is spending money like a drunken sailor (with apologies to drunken sailors). And the money spent yielded little in the way of services to the village. A tally of the above "misteps" adds up to over 3.5 million dollars. In just two years!!

Some may dispute our characterization of Hannon's reign. But the numbers don't lie. The fire department has gone from about 41 to 25 fire fighters. The Police department has gone from about 45 to 26 officers. Yet village spending has continued to rise. And somehow, this continues to be the fault of the police and fire departments.

Hannon has now revealed his end game. Having forced the police into an arbitration where the village had no chance of prevailing, the village now faces a large award. This, to Hannon, should be the final straw. Hannon now claims that due to this and his other failures of leadership, the only option is to dissolve the village.

Founded in 1892, the nearly 120 year old village has been brought to its knees by Hannon in 2 short years. What has taken almost 120 years to build, Hannon will try to destroy in less than one term as mayor.

There is a solution. The common denominator in all of the village's financial woes is Dennis Hannon. Hannon must go. At the very least, he must not be given any other allies on the village board. Hannon has had his way for the last two years with disastrous results. If there is any hope of saving the village, IT MUST STOP NOW!!

* The Fire Starter did not include the multi-million dollar debacle at the Sewage Treatment Plant on this list of horribles. Although this situation took years to develop, there is no denying the fact that Hannon was warned of the problems more than two years prior to its failure. Whether through incompetence or malevolent neglect, Hannon bears the lion share of responsibility for this mess.

Of Chickens and Roosting

2011-08-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

“As man sows, so shall he reap. In works of fiction, such men are sometimes converted. More often, in real life, they do not change their natures until they are converted into dust.” - Charles W. Chesnutt

Well...Hannon has done it again. The Press & Sun Bulletin reported today that the Johnson City Police received an arbitration award for back pay for 2006-2008 of approximately one million dollars. Hannon proceeds to blame the police, their union, and the arbitrators. However, if Hannon is looking for someone to blame, he need only look in the mirror. Hannon has taken a slash and burn approach in all Village matters. The chickens have come home to roost.

By way of background, the Johnson City police have been without a contract for over five years. During most of that time, either as a trustee or as mayor, Hannon has talked tough. He has made threats and proclamations about what he will or will not do. He has made clear to everyone involved that he is the "boss man". While some may have mistaken his false bravado for action, in reality, he was fiddling while Rome burned.

Hannon has had numerous opportunities to resolve the stalemate with the police. As recently as a year ago, the PBA offered a package that would have brought them current for slightly more than this two year award. But Hannon and Silas and Davis and Balles were all too shortsighted to see the merit of this offer. Much like their rejection of fire fighter concessions, they placed their egos above the best interest of Village residents. They rolled the dice and lost! And Village residents are left to pay the tab. And the tab is still running since the Village will need to arbitrate 2008-date.

Now Hannon is threatening dismantling the department or double digit tax increases. If either of these things occur, it will be solely due to Hannon's incompetence. Some taxpayers may believe that Hannon's gamble was justified. You win some and you lose some. However, there is no justifying his poor planning in the face of possible defeat. The Press & Sun Bulletin reported that although facing a price tag of one million dollars, Hannon only budgeted $200,000 for a possible award. If this isn't malfeasance, it is certainly incompetence.

We taxpayers deserve better than this. Hannon's overblown ego has collided with his small intellect. And the results are on display for all to see.

And now Hannon has provided further ammunition to the dissolutionist. Yet this wound was self inflicted.
Was this Hannon's plan all along?

Although Hannon is not on the ballot this year, his crony and lead dissolutionist John Sullivan is. Sullivan has cheered every half -baked scheme hatched by Hannon. One has to assume that if Sullivan is elected, he will continue to support Hannon's ruinous policies. For this reason, if we can't hold Hannon to account at the polls, Sullivan will be a fitting surrogate.

Taxes Owed?

2011-08-08T03:58:00.000-07:00

When there is an income tax, the just man will pay more and the unjust less on the same amount of income. - Plato

Fire Starter has recently reported on the blatant hypocrisy displayed by Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich. Hrustich has repeatedly violated safety laws, vehicle and traffic laws, and criminal laws. Hrustich seems to believe that the rules do not apply to him. And thus far, with Mayors Bertoni and Hannon running interference for him, he probably has good reason to believe this.

However, when outside agencies get involved, it is next to impossible for Hrustich's protectors to intervene. Thus may be the case with Hrustich's latest misconduct. Fire Starter has learned that Hrustich is being investigated by the New York State Division of Taxation and Finance. For a number of years Hrustich has taken advantage of tax advantages afforded to farmers. Only Hrustich is not a farmer.

But first, a little background. When Hrustich was moving through the ranks of the Endicott Fire Department, he pursued a series of "get rich quick schemes". While on duty, Hrustich pursued an internet business in which he grew and sold ginseng root. This business often took priority over his official duties much to the dismay of his co-workers and subordinates. He also attempted to become a sheep farmer. It is with regard to this business that Hrustich took advantage of tax breaks afforded to farmers.

Hrustich's farming days are long behind him but his agricultural license plates live on. On his personal truck, (which has a fire radio and lights and sirens) Hrustich still utilizes agricultural license plates. What most do not realize is this excuses the owner from paying sales tax on the vehicle.

Fire Starter understands that Hrustich has done a tremendous job of crushing morale in both the Johnson City and Endicott Fire Departments. But we are quite confident that sowing the seeds of dissatisfaction does not qualify as farming.

Hrustich should pay his fair share like the rest of us. And if he is not, we are confident that New York State will get to the bottom of it. And Hannon and Bertoni will not be able to protect him.

Hrustich's Recklessness Continues

2011-08-02T05:58:00.000-07:00

"Upright men shall be astonished at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite. "- Job 17-8

Fire Starter recently reported regarding Joint Fire Administrator Stephen Hrustich's reckless driving and endangerment of his children. Hrustich responded to an non-emergency call with lights and sirens and at a high rate of speed while his children sat in the back seat of the Village of Johnson City vehicle. Along the way he nearly ran a Endwell Volunteer Fire Department vehicle off the road. He placed the lives of himself, his children and every other citizen at risk for no apparent reason.

As of this writing neither Mayor Hannon nor Mayor Bertoni has even investigated the allegation. Fortunately, other governmental officials are not so cavalier regarding public safety and the safety of children. Fire Starter has learned that Tioga County Child Protective Services (CPS) has opened an investigation into Hrustich's "wild ride". Apparently Hrustich and his wife have been questioned by CPS regarding his reckless behavior. Separate interviews were conducted with the children. Determination of charges or other action is pending.

This incident may seem like a minor lapse in judgement on Hrustich's part. Despite the fact that he placed his children in danger, one could easily chalk this up to an innocent mistake. Only Fire Starter has learned that this was not an isolated incident.

Apparently earlier this year, Hrustich had his children in his vehicle when he heard a Tioga County fire call come in. Noting that the address of the call was near his Tioga County home, he drove at a high rate of speed with lights and sirens to his home to verify that all was well. Again, his children were placed at risk.

The Fire Starter can understand the impulse to rush to ones home to verify that all is well, but the use of lights and sirens and the high rate of speed was not only a danger to his children but an abuse of his position. Hrustich abused his position as Joint Fire Administrator to satisfy his personal concerns about his home. And again, he endangered his children.

For a Chief who seems to insist on every rule being followed to the enth degree, he seems to think rules do not apply to him. In addition to whatever may come of the CPS investigation of this other event, criminal and Vehicle and Traffic charges could be levied. It is clearly an improper use of emergency lights and sirens to respond to a personal matter. Fire Starter can only imagine Hrustich's reaction if one of his "men" pulled a stunt like this. But as we have observed, the rules do not apply to Hrustich.

It's time for the elected officials in Johnson City and Endicott to reign in Hrustich and explain that the rules indeed apply to him and every other citizen. Fire Starter has grievous doubts whether the corrupt mayors of these two communities will take any action. Bu as citizens we must demand that Hrustich be held accountable. We will be the ones paying for the lawsuits when his luck runs out...we have to cover his tab.

JC Police Short Staffed

2011-07-26T04:20:00.000-07:00

"The backbone of our nation's domestic defense against terrorist attacks will continue to be the men and women in local law enforcement and emergency services."- Saxby Chambliss

Mayor Dennis Hannon has begun another investigation. This time it is the police department. Is it about a murder? Illicit drug use? Graft or Corruption? No. This time it is about police officers speaking to the public and telling the truth. And since the truth often reflects poorly on Hannon and his destructive policies, you can be sure there will be a thorough investigation.

Fire Starter has written before about Hannon's dangerous cuts to public safety. Since Hannon took office, the numbers of police officers and fire fighters has dwindled. Whether through frivolous threats of firing or voluntary/involuntary retirements, Hannon has reduced both the police and fire departments to the point of ineffectiveness. And those of us who have been watching this closely know that this has been his goal all along.

Well several weeks ago, Hannon's chickens came home to roost. (Fortunately, this time, no one needed to die as a result of a mayor's recklessness.) Because of vacations and other time off, the Village only had two officers on the road. Not surprisingly, the need for these officers maintained at its usual level. In such situations, calls are prioritized for the officers with the most urgent addressed first. As a result, Village residents with less urgent business were left to wait between and 1 1/2 to 2 hours to receive the service they are paying for.

When officers arrived at the calls, they were frequently greeted by unhappy residents who questioned why it took so long to respond. The officers explained that there were only two officers on duty and the calls were prioritized. Apparently, residents dissatisfied with this explanation, flooded the Mayor and Village Board members with complaints. One angry resident reportedly called Trustee Ron Davis and expressed his outrage. Outgoing Trustee Davis effectively told him "too bad". (It is amazing how these public servants lose interest when they are not running again).

However, Davis did go to Village Hall and demand immediate action on the issue. He insisted that the officer who advised the resident of the limited staff be punished immediately!

Fortunately, Mayor Hannon is taking a much more proactive approach. He has ordered an investigation of the officers involved and who would be surprised if punishment soon follows. And he also has directed his toady chief, Zikuski, to order officers not to tell residents about staffing. Apparently, if asked about delays, officers are now ordered to stare blankly and change the subject. Problem solved!!

Leadership is not bullying subordinates and squelching free speech. Leadership is taking the tough stands and then taking responsibility for the consequences. Hannon was quick to take bows when announcing limited increases to tax rates. But when the consequences are inadequate services, he is looking for someone to blame. This is not leadership. This is cowardice.

Although Hannon is not up for re-election, one of his toadies is. Long time dissolutionist and Hannon sycophant, John Sullivan is on the ballot. The only way residents can take back our Village is by winning a majority on the Village Board. A vote for Sullivan is a vote for Hannon and dissolution. Yes men like Sullivan must be defeated

Bloody Hands

2011-07-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

“Successful guilt is the bane of society” - Publilius Syrus

Fire Starter has written regarding the reckless cuts to emergency services in both Johnson City and Endicott. We have repeatedly pointed the finger of blame at the respective mayors, Dennis Hannon and John Bertoni. We have also repeatedly highlighted the toady Joint Fire Administrator, Stephen Hrustich, as the architect of the dismantling of these vital services.

The Mayors and Hrustich have been playing a dangerous game. They have cut the fire departments nearly to the point of ineffectiveness. And this has been the plan all along. Once the departments can no longer function, it will be easy to eliminate them entirely. All the while, Hannon, Bertoni and Hrustich have been crossing their fingers that not tragedy would ensue. It now appears that their luck has run out. And a citizen has paid the price.

One month ago, Hrustich issued an order that if staffing in the fire department fell below five on duty fire fighters, the fire fighters would vastly curtail EMS calls. Specifically, fire fighters were ordered to no longer respond to "delta" calls if there were fewer than five fire fighters on duty. A "delta" call is a high priority call where advanced life support is required. An "echo" call is a maximum priority call where cardiac arrest has occurred and death is imminent.

Two weeks ago, a citizen collapsed at the Schaeffer bus terminal in Endicott. The 911 dispatch call came in as a "delta" call. Since there were four fire fighters on duty, Endicott Fire EMS was not allowed to respond the four or five blocks to the scene. Instead, the Union Volunteer Emergency Squad (UVES) was dispatched. Unfortunately, the UVES ambulance was unavailable and the UVES "fly car" with one paramedic had to come from Johnson City. As a result, the citizen waited on the ground for 5-6 minutes before he received ANY medical attention and another 5-6 minutes before the ambulance arrived. In these precious minutes of waiting, the citizen died.

While all of this was going on, four able Endicott Fire Fighter EMTs sat by helplessly in the fire station. Prohibited from responding by their chief, they were left to watching the clock while an elderly man's life slipped away.

There is no way to know for sure whether the fire fighters could have saved this man's life. But a significantly shorter response time would have certainly increased his chances.

What is patently clear is that Bertoni and Hrustich's wreckless slashing of emergency services in Endicott has placed citizens at risk. They are playing political and fiscal games with your safety for their own political and financial gain. If a citizen dies, so be it.

Enough is enough. If this was your husband, brother or father who laid helplessly on the ground, would you merely shake your head and remark "what a shame it is" or would you demand answers. Would you hold the officials accountable or merely file it away as a bad memory.

The time to act is now. Next time, it might be your mother, son or wife. Or perhaps even you. And the blood will be on Bertoni's and Hrustich's hands.

Endicott Follies Continue

2011-07-12T04:17:00.000-07:00

"No poet ever interpreted nature as freely as a lawyer interprets the truth." - Jean Giraudoux

Fire Starter read with great astonishment regarding the latest scandal involving someone close to the Village of Endicott Mayor. Saturday's Press & Sun Bulletin reported that Bertoni appointee and part time Village Justice, Michael Fauci, has numerous judgements filed against him by the State of New York. These judgements include:

Fines and penalties for failing to provide Workman's Compensation coverage to protect his employees
Several fines for violations of the Election Law
Judgement for unpaid taxes
Judgement for failure to pay unemployment taxes.

Fauci, a practicing attorney for many years, claimed that he could not find anyone to talk to to clear up the nearly $100K judgement from Workman's Compensation so he just stopped calling. As weak as this excuse was, at least he put in a good try. No explanation was given regarding all of the other judgements and penalties that this officer of the court ignored.

This latest episode of arrogance by public servants is disturbing for several reasons. Fauci is charged with judging criminal and civil cases that arise in the Village of Endicott. If he is this dismissive of the law in his personal matters, is he fit to pass judgement on others? When confronted about these debts, his answer was "I'll get around to it". Would such an answer be acceptable in Judge Fauci's court? How can this "hand maiden of the law" have any moral authority going forward?

And what about his patron, King John the Clueless? Mayor John Bertoni has appointed Fauci to this position several times. His best answer was these are "lawyer charges rather than judge charges". Wait...What!? It is as if it does not matter what Fauci does on his own time and his off bench conduct in no way reflects on his role as a judge. We suppose it is at least a plus that Fauci doesn't claim to "own the village". But his dismissive attitude is reflective of the same arrogance displayed by Bertoni.

In classic Bertoni-eaze, he notes "whether that transforms to him being a judge and upholding and enforcing the law, I'll talk to him once I get the official reports" Huh?? Fire Starter is not even sure what this sentence means. Fauci has broken and flouted the law. What else does King John the Unintelligible need to know?

And then there is the money quote: "If this raises a red flag, we will deal with it". Mayor Bertoni--meet red flag. Over $100k in judgements and fines from the State of New York and the answer is "I'll get around to it".

But King John the Witless never sees the red flags. Whether it is the reckless and incompetent Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich, the incompetent airport manager or his many other friends and family, Bertoni chooses not to see the red flags.

But it appears that residents are beginning to see red flags everywhere. And Bertoni the color guard.

Where is Hannon??

2011-06-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

Heroes are not known by the loftiness of their carriage; the greatest braggarts are generally the merest cowards” - Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Fire Starter recently noticed that mayor Dennis “Megaphone” Hannon has been quieter than usual. In the past, Hannon reveled in his ability to throw mud at his foes and perceived foes. Hannon never missed an opportunity to make an unsubstantiated accusation or paint the cloud of suspicion over otherwise innocent residents and employees. However, as of late, Hannon has receded into the background amid various controversies arising within the Village. When it comes to the misfeasance or malfeasance of Hannon and his cronies Hannon has had little to say publicly.

When the Press & Sun Bulletin revealed that the Village had a large expenditure for a fire hydrants through a “no bid” sweetheart deal, Hannon promised to “get to the bottom of it”. It was unclear why the sleazy backroom deal was made. However, what was clear is that in the end, the Village of Johnson City spent in excess of $100,000.00 on enough fire hydrants to last it for the next 5 to 10 years. Something was clearly wrong with this deal. Yet Hannon has been uncharacteristically silent since his initial comments.

Then there is the reckless behavior of Dennis Hannon’s golden boy, Joint Fire Administrator, Hrustich. Both the Johnson City and Endicott Fire Departments took votes of no confidence in which Hrustich’s dishonesty and reckless disregard for safety were featured. More recently, it has come to light that Hrustich’s reckless ways have not abated. His reckless driving while responding to a fire call and endangering the welfare of his own children has been highlighted here in recent weeks. Again, strangely, Hannon has been silent.

Fire Starter has recently learned that Hrustich placed Johnson City firefighters in danger at the funeral of a well–liked local official. Hrustich had agreed to deploy a flag from an aerial ladder in honor of this public servant. Unfortunately, this required a fire fighter to be in the aerial bucket. Completely disregarding safety, Hrustich ordered Johnson City Firefighters to deploy an aerial ladder while the fire truck was parked on the side of a hill. The direction needlessly placed Johnson City Firefighters and a Johnson City aerial truck in great danger of “rolling over”. This maneuver is contrary to factory recommendations and contrary to good common sense. However, we have yet to hear any comment from Mayor Hannon.

And then there is the matter of the Sewage Treatment Plant. Both as a Trustee and as Mayor, Hannon is up to his ears in… well you know. He and his cronies, Monica Silas and Rick Balles ignored repeated warnings regarding the impending failure of the retaining walls at the Sewage Treatment Plant. In evidence going back as far as 2008, Village Board members were warned of the serious problem at the Sewage Treatment Plant. Rather than deal with this important matter, Hannon and his friends were pursuing personal vendettas and proving to everyone who’s in charge. However, when the “sh*t hit the van”, so to speak, Hannon gave a resounding “no comment”.

In the midst of these various crises and scandals one would expect that a true leader would be spending his time gathering facts and seeking solutions. However, Fire Starter has learned that instead, Hannon has gone on an extended vacation to his 1000 Islands retreat. Now that is leadership!

Mayor Hannon should know that he can run but he cannot hide. The issues he ran from will be there when he returns and the Fire Starter will be there to hold him responsible. His retreat from scandal will not result in the scandals dying. Fire Starter is committed to continuing to reveal Hannon for the incompetent coward he is.

None of this should come as any surprise to those who have watched Hannon bully his way through life. Our mothers always told us that underneath it all, bully’s are cowards. Is there any doubt about Hannon?

Hrustich's Recklessness Criminal?

2011-06-22T03:52:00.000-07:00

Hubris: - n - Exaggerated pride or self confidence - Merriam Webster Dictionary

Fire Starter recently reported regarding Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich's reckless and high speed driving. Of significance was the fact that neither incident involved an emergency in the Villages of Johnson City or Endicott. Despite this, Hrustich drove at a high rate of speed with lights and sirens and endangered the lives of Endwell Volunteer Fire Fighters and in one case, placed his own children in harms way. Hrustich sped to the scene of a body recovery from the river at a high rate of speed with his young children in the fire command vehicle. He then had the arrogance to photograph his children in the command vehicle.

Fire Starter has done a little amateur lawyering and found some suprising information. Under New York Criminal Law, Hrustich may well have committed a crime by proceeding lights and sirens and at a high rate of speed with his minor children in the vehicle. Under Section 260.10,a person is guilty of a crime if he:

"knowingly acts in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than 17 or directs or authorizes such child to engage in an occupation involving substantial risk of danger to his life or health"

A reading of some of the writings on this law reveals that actual harm is not necessary. Rather, merely placing a child in a potentially dangerous situation is sufficient to result in a conviction. A violation of this section is a Class A midemeanor and can result in incarceration.

Proceeding to an emergency scene is always a dangerous propostition. Many fire fighters have lost their lives long before arriving at the scene of an emergency. Add in reckless driving and a high rate of speed and there is more than the potential for injury. It was mere dumb luck that somewone has not been injured or killed by this unprofessional yahoo.

So why would Hrustich place his own children and the lives of citizens and fellow firefighters at risk? Especially when he was responding to a call where "his men" were esentially waiting for a body to float by? Hubris.

Hrustich is the grand high exalted poobah amongst chiefs. No emergency scene can operate without him. So much so that the prior no confidence votes taken by both departments complained of him giving orders before actually being on the scene.

And of course, if there is the possibility of media being present, Hrustich needs to arrive as quickly as possible to "address his public" When Hrustich is at a fire scene, the most dangerous place to be is between him and the television cameras.

As foolish and pathetic as this over paid and under worked joint fire administrator is, he is not to be pitied. It is those who must follow the orders of this arrogant and reckless "public servant" who deserve our concern.

Sullivan to Run

2011-06-15T05:29:00.000-07:00

A man is called selfish not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor's. - Richard Whately

Fire Starter has just learned that long time dissolutionist and purveyor of false information, John Sullivan, will be running for Johnson City Village Board. Fire Starter has highlighted some of the low-lights of this self serving hypocrite here and here. Fire Starter believes that Sullivan represents everything wrong with many who seek public office. For Sullivan and his ilk, it is not about public service but about getting what he believes is his.

He now apparently believes that the public will forget his talk of seceding from the Village. He must believe the public will forget his lies regarding the the pay and benefits of Village employees and the savings from dissolution. He must believe the public will forget that while he rails against public employees, he happily laps at the public trough.

One might easily believe that Sullivan is a well intentioned but misguided or misinformed resident. Unfortunately, the facts point to a different conclusion. When Sullivan sought dissolution of the Village, it was not out of some high minded concern for taxes or services. Mr. Sullivan sought the dissolution out of greed. Sullivan was frustrated with his inability to launch a development project off of Reynolds Road. Having been blocked by the planning board, Sullivan believed the only way to push the project forward was to eliminate the Village and take his chances with a more sympathetic Town of Union planning board. This sort of self interested motivation is exactly what is wrong in local government. Far too many of our local politicians have feathered their own nests and the nests of friends and allies on the public's dime.

Bertoni has secured full employment for his family and friends. Hannon has done likewise while using his power and public funds to attack and destroy his enemies. Both have advocated the reckless spending of hundreds of thousands of dollars on lawyers to pursue their petty plans. And where has Sullivan been with regards to Hannon's reckless and wasteful spending? Right there on the sidelines cheering.

One could assume that Sullivan merely believes all of Hannon's actions were proper and legitimate. But based upon Sullivans prior actions and motivations, it is clear that he sees another way to dissolution. A vote for Sullivan will be a vote to continue the financial ruin of the Village. Whether it is mismanagement of the sewage treatment plant or reckless spending on lawyers and fire hydrants, Sullivan will be a rubber stamp on all of Hannon's vindictive schemes.

And why not? Dissolution failed almost two years ago. The next best thing would be to cause the financial collapse of the Village. Hannon has gotten a pretty good start. Now all he needs is another ally like Sullivan to finish the job.

Sullivan now runs for Village Board to do what he was unable to to do through the dissolution vote. But in the end, for John Sullivan, it is not about good government. It is just about John Sullivan.

Complaint Filed Against Hrustich

2011-06-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

“Arrogance diminishes wisdom” - Arabian Proverb

A number of months ago, the Fire Starter reported regarding the no confidence votes taken by Johnson City and Endicott fire fighters. Unlike the local media, we went into great detail regarding the specifics of the charges. We reported on the Johnson City no confidence vote here and the Endicott no confidence vote here. In both instances, fire fighters raised grave concerns regarding the Joint Fire Administrator. Issues regarding safety and competency were detailed for the respective Village Boards. To date, neither Board has taken action. At the very least an investigation should have occurred. The OSHA violations alone should have been cause for concern on the part of elected officials.

More recently we reported regarding the Joint Fire Administrator placing members of the public, fellow fire fighters and his own children in danger. Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich raced to the scene of a river rescue originating in the City of Binghamton while his children were in the back seat of his taxpayer provided vehicle. With full lights and sirens and at a high rate of speed, Hrustich sped to the riverbank while his children sat in the back seat of the fire command vehicle. Along the way, Hrustich nearly collided with a responding rig from the Endwell fire Department.

The JFA apparently is so devoid of judgement and common sense that he thought it was "cute" that his children accompanied him to this emergency scene. He even took pictures of his children in the command vehicle at the scene! (Fire Starter has seen the pictures but is withholding their publication to protect the children). Fire Starter is unsure which represents the greater lapse in judgement. Responding to the fire scene with children may have been a momentary yet dangerous lapse in judgement. But upon arriving at the scene, it apparently still seemed perfectly fine such that he memorialized the event with photos taken with his village paid cell phone.

Fire Starter has learned that a formal complaint against Hrustich has been filed by the Endicott Fire Fighters. The Fire Fighters Association has detailed this most recent reckless (arrogant?) behavior and asked for a formal investigation by an outside party. The Association specifically charges Hrustich with poor judgement, poor leadership and overall recklessness and asks that this most recent incident be examined along with the prior no confidence charges.

Fire Starter agrees with the Association. It is imperative to the safety of Village residents and fire fighters that these serious charges be investigated. The village has given life and death responsibility to Hrustich. If he is incapable of exercising reasonable judgement to ensure the safety of his own children, it it not unreasonable to assume that this recklessness will place others in danger.

The time to act is now. An outside investigation is fully warranted based upon the evidence of Hrustich's dereliction of duty. Now the question is whether the respective boards will be derelict in their duties.

Further Abuse of Power

2011-05-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

The victor will never be asked if he told the truth. - Adolf Hitler

The irony of this post following on the last is not lost on the Fire Starter. Last week we discussed excrement flowing from Hannon's sewage treatment plant and this week the excrement is again flowing from Hannon. After reading the Press & Sun Bulletin article and the online documents, it seems ever clearer that this is yet another Hannon attack on his enemies. If the evidence doesn't support the charge, hire your own hearing officer and hope everyone has forgotten by the time the courts reverse his petty and vindictive attacks. And it is an amazing stroke of psychological projection that Hannon accuses anyone else of not being truthful.

Even the Press & Sun Bulletin, long a supporter of Hannon, is having a tough time swallowing this one. Steve Reilly of the Press apparently sees the connection between the union activities and Hannon's repeated attacks on fire fighters. He notes that the flurry of discipline seems to have arisen out of the contentious 2008 contract between the Village and the fire fighter's union. And a reveiw of the papers filed by both sides seems to reveal several interesting points:

The Union states that the Village's witness, Police Detective Saroka, testified on behalf of the Village. Was apparently the Villages star witness as he was the officer that to whom Meaney supposed to have lied. But apparently he did not support the Village's position. Notably, this does not seem to be contradicted by the Village's brief.
The Village claims that Meaney's air tank was tampered with but failed to offer any evidence that it was. Again, this statement stands uncontradicted by the Village's brief.
The Union points out that this is a second attempt on getting it's president; the previous charges filed against Meaney for speaking at Village Board meetings and criticizing the Mayor. Again, none of this is contradicted by the Village's brief.

It seems ever clearer that Hannon is engaging in a systematic attack on union officials in Johnson City. He offer no evidence and pays a hearing officer to do their bidding. And Surprise!! He gets the answer he is looking for.

How long will it be before he goes after the PBA president in retaliation for their grievances and claims with state agencies? And at what point do the taxpayers stand up and say enough!!

This is exactly the kind of nonsense the Fire Starter was referring to in last week's post. While Hannon pursues his personal vendettas, the Village falls apart. Was it mere coincidence that this is leaked to the Press on the heals of the catastrophic failure at the sewage treatment plant. You don't have to be Oliver Stone to figure this one out.

Instead of abusing his position and pursuing personal grievances on the taxpayer's dime, Hannon should be doing the work of the people. Economic development and Village infrastructure have long since taken a back seat to Hannon's little power plays. And with this new sideshow du jour Hannon continues to distract village residents from his mismanagement and incompetence. He resorts to lies and distortions apparently counting on the fact that no one will ever check.

And perhaps this is as much the motivation as personal vengeance.

Tragedy Unfolds

2011-05-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

“Hutchison's Law: Any occurrence requiring undivided attention will be accompanied by a compelling distraction.” - Robert Bloch

Many have expressed amusement at the circus that Mayor Dennis Hannon has created in Johnson City. The daily dispatches regarding "investigations" and charges has become a source of daily amusement much like the comics section. While lives and careers are trashed, many sit idly by waiting for the next shoe to drop. Putting aside the human tragedy that Hannon has brought to these individuals, there is still nothing funny or amusing about Hannon's tactics or antics. It is becoming ever clearer that while Hannon plots his next vindictive scheme, Johnson City slides further down in livability and economic development.

Fire Starter has previously pointed out the numerous empty store fronts on Main Street as evidence of Hannon's neglect. We have pointed out the devastation on public safety through reckless and ill conceived cuts to police and fire. We have repeatedly pointed out the folly of the shared Joint Fire Administrator and Police Chief and the lack of any real savings from these hair brained schemes. Hannon has systematically torn down the Village piece by piece and neglected infrastructure and economic development.

It was with no great surprise that we read this morning of continued neglect being sited for the failure at the sewage treatment plant. In the immediate aftermath of the failure that released thousands of gallons of tainted water and human solid waste into nearby streams and rivers, the finger pointing began. However, upon close examination, it is clear that the ultimate cause for this tragic and costly failure was the neglect of Mayors Hannon and Ryan.

Today's Press & Sun Bulletin reveals that the leaders of these two communities were aware of the defects and potential consequences for at least three years. Reports going back as far as 2008 cited structural deficiencies that were not addressed. While Hannon was busy bullying Village employees and Ryan was concerned with the cost of the war in Iraq, the problems went ignored. The result was the catastrophic failure we witnessed a week ago.

The environmental impact of this catastrophic failure is unclear. But what is patently clear is that there will be a significant financial impact on the residents of these communities. Both Mayors have let their petty issues get in the way of their core mission: to provide services to the residents of their communities. If Hannon wants to be a bully, sign up for the MMA tour. If Ryan wants to address the cost of war in Iraq, run for congress. In the meantime, you were placed in office to provide services to taxpayers. DO YOUR JOB!

The next time someone chuckles regarding the antics of these leaders, remind them that this nonsense is being pursued on your time and on your dime. If one were to post a "cost of frivolity" clock showing the wasted resources and lost tax revenue, none of this would seem quite so funny.

And in the end, it is not funny. It is tragic.

Doubling Down on Stupid

2011-05-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

"We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid." - Benjamin Franklin

We recently reported regarding Mayor Bertoni's plans to end the EMS program in the Village of Endicott. Without study or facts, King John the Uninformed and his toady Joint Fire Administrator announced that EMS would be eliminated and Village residence would need to rely on Union Volunteer Emergency Squad for all EMS. At a board meeting last Tuesday, Bertoni received a lot of information and a strong "brush back" from his Board. What is remarkable is that Bertoni's Tweedle Dumber in Johnson City has begun to make noise about eliminating EMS there. But first, the Endicott board meeting.

Bertoni heard from a concerned citizen who wanted to know what kind of person makes life and death decisions without first studying. She correctly pointed out that Bertoni based his decision on no facts and then was forced to back peddle when it was clear there was a significant safety issue. Bertoni pathetically claimed to have full faith in JFA Hrustich to which the citizen retorted that he should probably re-examine that blind faith since none of the men who work with Hrustich seem to have any faith in him. But stupid is as stupid does so Bertoni stood by his JFA.

Bertoni was confronted by a UVES paid professional. She emphasized the importance of the rapid response that the Endicott Fire Department provides. She pointed out that the UVES ambulance is routinely 15 minutes or more behind the response from Endicotts Fire Fighters. This in no way was a knock on UVES. The reality is that they are under staffed and over worked. And the realities of providing emergency medical services often crash in on the fantasy wishes of the UVES director. It is not unusual for UVES to be transporting to General Hospital when a call comes in for Endicott. This places them 20 minutes from responding. And as this brave UVES employee pointed out, loss of brain function begins after four minutes without oxygen. In sum, minutes matter in EMS.

Bertoni was then confronted by a former Trustee. She blasted the fellow Democrat for his rash action. She pointed out that he lacked the authority to eliminate the EMs program without Board action. Apparently unimpressed by the Village Attorney and Bertoni's claims to the contrary, the Village Board members present voted to block unilateral action eliminating the EMS program. Bertoni and the Village attorney sat by passively as their wings were clipped.

Throughout the meeting, Bertoni gave long winded and incoherent responses to Village residents. It was entirely unclear whether Bertoni was ignorant, incompetant or both. However, his responses caused the Fire Starter to think of an apropos scene form Billy Madison:

Shortly after the Endicott Board meeting, in an apparent show of solidarity among the insane, Johnson City Mayor Hannon weighed in. In an under reported statement to WBNGallagher*, Hannon noted that he also envisioned the end of EMS services through the Johnson City fire department. In the twisted logic of the twisted, he reasoned that because the JCFD responds to nearly three times as many EMS calls as fire calls, JCFD should not be providing EMS. In terms of logic, this is right up there with Hannon's assertion that he opted to use a local law office to negotiate for $200 an hour rather than county labor negotiators at $50 an hour in order to save money.

With this sort of leadership, is it any wonder Endicott and Johnson City are in decline?

*For the uninitiated, Scott Gallagher is the assignments editor for WBNG and also a political appointee of Mayor Dennis Hannon of Johnson City. In addition to making decisions about newsworthiness for this local station, Gallagher collects a paycheck from the Village as its recreation director. Gallagher's wife, Rochelle, is also a political appointee in the Village.

Hrustich's Recklessness

2011-05-10T03:52:00.000-07:00

"It has been the political career of this man to begin with hypocrisy, proceed with arrogance, and finish with contempt" - Thomas Paine

According to yesterday's Press & Sun Bulletin, Mayor Bertoni has now decided that his decision to eliminate EMS in Endicott may require further study. He has been informed that Union Volunteer Emergency Squad does not have sufficient resources to handle increase in volume of calls that this ill conceived plan would require. Apparently careful study is not generally required before making life and death decisions. King John the Dimwitted apparently can just "wing-it" and the consequences be damned. Fire Starter has reliably learned that this is the first step toward an attempt to reduce the entire department to 16 members. This would translate to no more than 4 firefighters per shift (and even fewer with illness, injury or vacations).

However, a close examination of this latest debacle reveals that Bertoni did not take this action alone. His over paid and under worked Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich explained that this action would have no effect on public safety. That is until a few facts were brought forward including UVES' lack of capacity. Despite the "careful consideration" of Hrustich and Bertoni, this simple fact eluded them. Now that questions have been raised, Bertoni is backing off...at least for now. But a bigger question remains. Why didn't Hrustich know this was an issue?

As we have previously pointed out, Hrustich has been under a no confidence vote in both Johnson City and Endicott for nearly 18 months. In both resolutions, the fire fighters expressed grave concern for Hrustich's cavalier attitude toward the safety of fire fighters and citizens. They both criticized his willingness to throw safety to the wind in order to promote himself and his bloated and undeserved $120,000 salary. Both fire departments also criticized Hrustich for his lack of professionalism.

It is with regard to this last charge that fire starter has received some significant information. We have previously reported that Hrustich has made it a habit of trying to direct a fire scene remotely. We have been reliably informed that this goes against all tenets of fire fighting. If you can not actually observe the scene, how can you make life and death decisions effecting fire fighters and citizens? Simply put...you can not.

Another basic principle of fire service is that although you must arrive quickly to emergency scenes, you must do so safely. In January of this year, Johnson City was asked to provide mutual aid to Vestal for a structure fire. Volunteer companies such as Endwell were called upon as well. JFA Hrustich responded from his Tioga County home. With lights and sirens and at a high rate of speed, Hrustich proceeded to pass an Endwell fire truck on the shoulder and nearly forced the rig into the other lane. This is remarkable in that this was not even a fire he was responsible for. When Hrustich arrives on the scene, he would not be in command. This lack of professionalism led to reports being filed with the Endwell Volunteer Fire Company and an investigation is ongoing.

More recently, Binghamton received a call of a man having jumped off a bridge into the river. Various agencies were responded to the river to attempt to retrieve the body. In this instance, Johnson City responded to the river bank. But never missing an opportunity to try and place himself front and center, Hrustich again responded from his Tioga County home. From several reports, he was driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed and nearly T-boned another emergency vehicle from Endwell. All this to arrive at the river bank and watch the water go by. Incidentally, Endicott also responded but due to Hrustich's mismanagement, Endicott's rescue boat has been out of service for over a year and a half. So apparently any glory was going to be found in Johnson City.

Perhaps most shocking in this latter incident is the fact that Hrustich had his two young children in the official village vehicle. While he sped through the streets and placed the public at risk, his two minor children were in the back seat. Apparently, even the safety of his own children is trumped by this pathetic man's ambitions.

In both instances Hrustich acted unprofessional and recklessly. This has been the hallmark of his "leadership". He places others at risk for his own personal glory. And this is the man that Hannon and Bertoni regularly cite to support their reckless and dangerous schemes.

Bertoni plans to slash the department and significantly compromise public safety. For now, the public is watching and Bertoni has backed off. But if it will mean more money for the chief, count on it coming back.

UPDATE: Many were puzzled by Bertoni's statement that "I am not non-amenable to working it out". The Press & Sun Bulletin published the following correction:

The Press & Sun Bulletin inadvertently misquoted Mayor Bertoni in the early edition on May 9, 2011. The correct quote is "I am not non-amenable to displaying my ignorance". The Press apologizes for any confusion.

EMS Revenge

2011-05-05T05:37:00.000-07:00

"Revenge is always the weak pleasure of a little and narrow mind“ - Unknown

Well...King John the Prevaricator has struck again. As referenced in our last post, Bertoni is proposing the abolishment of the Emergency Medical Services program in the Endicott Fire Department. The Press & Sun Bulletin reported today that the program will be abolished due to its cost and to allow the fire department to better focus on fighting fires. Apparently Village Fire Chief Hrustich is unable to walk and chew gum at the same time. This over paid and under worked civil servant is unable to provide fire protection and EMS services as pretty much EVERY OTHER PAID DEPARTMENT IN THE COUNTRY DOES!! Perhaps this decision says a lot more about the chief's management abilities than the fiscal condition of the village.

Let's break down Bertoni's argument for a moment. When it comes to cost, Bertoni cites the additional payment given to firefighters to compensate them for the additional training and duties associated with the EMS program. But Fire Starter has learned that the total additional cost is less than $25,000 per year. Chief Hrustich notes that the department answers approximately 1800 EMS calls per year. The cost to the Village averages less than $14.00 per call in personnel costs. Looking at it another way, in a village of about 13,000 people, the EMS program costs less than $2.00 per person per year. Many who have received life saving services would agree that this is a small price to pay for security.

Bertoni claims that fire fighters will now be free to concentrate on fighting fires. But in reality, even the chief notes that the department rolls on fewer than 700 fire calls per year. So to do more with less, Bertoni argues that they will have the fire fighters provide fewer services and stop providing EMS services...wait...What??? (This is the governmental version of "Closed to Serve You Better"). And there appears to be no explanation as to how providing life saving medical services interferes with the ability to fight fires.

Emergency management is based on the provision of redundancies. In many instances, other EMS providers such as UVES are unavailable to provide service in a timely manner. They have only so many resources available to cover the entire Town of Union. So what happens then? In at least several instances in the last year, such a delay would have been the difference between life and death.

So what is this really about? Apparently, the day before Bertoni announced this decision, the fire fighter union president attended a village board meeting and asked some pointed questions. King John the Dimwitted had few answers and looked like the empty shirt that he is. Well...this can not stand! So he lashed out at the fire department by eliminating the EMS program and the small stipend paid to its participants.

But what about public safety? Apparently it is more important to avenge his embarrassment than to provide life saving services to village residence at little cost to the village. This sort of self centered, self serving approach to public service is a disgrace.

We have recently gotten several glimpses into the "character" of Bertoni. Repeatedly, it has been found to be seriously lacking.

Airport Follies

2011-05-03T03:58:00.000-07:00

“The truest characters of ignorance are vanity, and pride and arrogance.” -Samuel Butler

Well...King John the Ineffectual is at it again. We recently detailed his one man war on skateboards which led to a police report. Although there are still reports of skateboards in the Village, the perpetrators now wait until 10:00AM when Mayor Bertoni has completed his Village work for the day. But let there be no mistake, Bertoni "owns the entire Village of Endicott".

While Bertoni is chasing skateboarders, the Village continues to deteriorate. He has installed no-nothings and cronies as Village department heads. One striking example of this is the manager of the "Tri-Cities Airport, Gerald Coprew. This Village owned airport used to generate income for the Village while providing an important and convenient portal for local industries like BAE and Lockheed Martin. During Bertoni's reign, the airport has fallen into disrepair and under utilization. Fire Starter has learned that:

Bertoni's pick as airport director spends most of his time in Virginia where he has a full time job and residence. His "residence" within the Village is vacant most of the time.
Most airports such as Tri-Cities have a "beacon" which allows airplanes to locate and land at the strip. For a number of months, Tri-Cities' beacon has been inoperative.
Several days after a recent snow storm, a local pilot sought to land at Tri-Cities only to learn that the runway was still not plowed. He later learned that the airport was closed. But no one had informed the Federal Aviation Administration. This breach of Federal law could have cost lives had someone needed to land and not realized the condition of the runways.
The airport has dedicated snow removal equipment provided by the Federal Government but it often goes unused due to the mismanagement of personnel.
Tenancy in the hangars is down sharply due to reduced service and a new policy which denies access to the hangars in the evenings. This results in lost revenue to the Village.
Hangars have fallen into disrepair to the point that dividers between "stalls" have collapsed onto private planes resulting in thousands in damage.
When presented with an opportunity to generate revenue through Lockheed Martin, the village was unable to figure out away to accommodate the aerospace giant. Lockheed sought to rent hangar space for model flight testing but this was apparently too complicated a proposition for the part time, absentee airport manager.

These are but a few of the follies being perpetuated by Bertoni and his cronies. Have we not seen enough of Bertoni's nonsense? He has time for threatening children, their families and Village employees but no time to manage the business of the Village. All too often, cronyism has taken priority over quality public service. Whether it is the over paid or underworked Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich or Bertoni's other family and friends in Village positions, feathering private nests has taken precedence over public services.

Now Fire Starter has learned that Bertoni plans to eliminate Emergency Medical Service currently provided by the Fire Department. This, despite running thousands of calls annually and utilizing already existing fire department personnel! The Fire Starter will have more on this latest scheme.
This all boils down to the arrogance of power. The Village has become Bertoni's kingdom out of which he dispenses or withholds his favors. Quality, life saving services are not part of the agenda. Whether it is the airport, the fire department, public works or the police department, the only question is what is in it for King John the Pompous and his friends and family. And shortly, Bertoni is expected to ask voters for another four years!

We survived Collela because he was a one-termer. Can we really afford another four years of Bertoni's mismanagement and malfeasance?

Hannon's Psychosis

2011-04-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

Projection - attributing your own unacceptable impulses to someone else. The impulses are still judged unacceptable but they belong to someone else, not you.- Dr. Sigmund Freud

"Looks like what drives me crazy
Don't have no effect on you--
But I'm gonna keep on at it
Till it drives you crazy, too."

— Langston Hughes

Fire Starter read with incredulity the article last week in the Press & Sun Bulletin regarding the misuse of the Johnson City Police Department at the hands of Mayor Dennis Hannon and his over paid and under worked Joint Police Chief Zikuski. We previously detailed this hair brained shared services scheme concocted by Hannon and his cronies. We previously revealed that Johnson City is clearly getting the short end of this shared services deal. Now that the Johnson City PBA has decided to push back at this foolhardy arrangement, Hannon has come out swinging. It seems that the Village police now recognize that Hannon is putting village employees at risk.

Most striking was Hannon's accusation that the members of the Johnson City Police department have a "to hell with public safety and to hell with the people" attitude. This level of psychological projection would make Sigmund Freud's head spin. In reality, it is Hannon who has cut public safety to unsafe levels in order to feather the nests of friends and allies in the hope of spring boarding himself to higher office. In the end, truth wins out. When faced with the facts, Hannon reacts with lies and threats.

We previously outlined the fact that Johnson City Detectectives were regularly detailed to Binghamton to participate in their investigations. Although this may have helped Binghamton, Johnson City investigations have fallen by the wayside.

Fire Starter has also reliably been informed that Hannon and Zikuskihave issued a standing order that if additional assistance is needed in Johnson City, they are only to call on Binghamton. In the twisted logic of the insane, the more Johnson City is able to use Binghamton resources, the more it will seem that this scheme is working. In the meantime, officers and citizens are placed in greater danger. They must wait for Binghamton to arrive rather than getting assistance from a closer agency such as the State Police or Sheriff's Department. In other words, Hannon and Zikuski are willing to place Village residents and police officers at risk to create statistics that ostensibly support their crazy ideas. But in Hannon's twisted reality, it is the PBA that is saying "to hell with public safety".

In the meantime, Hannon keeps kicking various fiscal issues down the road with he hope that they will either go away or he will be on to his next office before the chickens come home to roost. And all the while, the Village is allowed to fall apart, piece by piece. It seems ever clearer than ever that it has been Hannon's goal from the beginning to dissolve the Village. What failed at the ballot box will be accomplished through a thousand cuts of neglect and incompetence. And all to satisfy Hannon's ego and aspirations. But it is the PBA that is the problem. Only in the world of the insane.

And now Hannon sets up his threat. Hannon asks the rhetorical question "why do we even have a Village police department". Well Mayor...it is commonly understood that we have a police department to protect citizens against criminals and mentally deranged people. So it seems that in challenging your foolhardy plans, the PBA is at the very least protecting us from an inhabitant of at least one of these groups.

Hannon's Fuzzy Math

2011-04-19T05:05:00.000-07:00

“In politics stupidity is not a handicap.” - Napoleon Bonaparte

The Fire Starter was fascinated by Mayor Hannon's

mathematical prowess. He magically transformed a 1.72% tax hike into a 3.6% tax hike. All without even changing a comma. What was even more fascinating was his explanation of the error. Hannon claims to have misread the budget summary. In order to increase revenue 1.72%, the taxes need to be raised 3.6%. This is due to decreased taxable property largely due to Hannon's inept handling of economic development. Instead of pursuing enemies real and imagined and playing policeman while "patrolling" the Village, Hannon should be focusing on economic development. Unfortunately, his priorities lie elsewhere.

In addition, a review of the budget reveals that it is a wish list rather than a serious budgetary document. The Johnson City Police remain without a contract and are five years behind. Although they are likely to receive at least two years of retroactive raises, this was not budgeted for. The laid off fire fighters could be ordered rehired and re-payed several years of back pay. But this was not budgeted for. These are substantial liabilities that are not reflected in the budget. One can imagine that Hannon will blame any shortfall on the police or the firemen should these unbudgeted liabilities become realities.

But Hannon has not shown himself to have a great facility with numbers. He claimed that manpower reductions in the fire department would not effect service. However, since the first of the year, the Floral Avenue fire station has been CLOSED over 13 times. This substantially increased response times to the southside of Johnson City.

Medical call responses have also been greatly hindered as a result of staffing cuts. Since the first of the year, the Johnson City has lacked sufficient personnel to respond to over 100 medical calls ranging from mid priority to life threatening situations. Citizens facing a battle for their life have been left to wait for the response of more remote responders.

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of Hannon's budget is the apparent budgeted pay increase of approximately 5% for Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich. He is already the third or fourth highest paid civil servant in Broome County. He makes 25% more than the chief of the Binghamton Fire Department who commands twice as many firefighters. Yet Hannon feels the need to shore up his chief toady (or is that toady Chief?). All at the expense of Johnson City residents.

At a time when Hannon is laying off fire fighters, there seems to be no shortage of funds for his hatchet men and "friends". Big raises for the part time Joint Fire Administrator who is already overpaid. Big raises for Hannon's office staff, and big raises for the lawyers.

The purpose of government is to provide services, not reward friends and allies. Hannon has long since lost sight of this. And we are left waiting for emergency services.

The Report

2011-04-11T04:37:00.000-07:00

The Fire Starter had a glimmer of hope that the report regarding King John the Impotent was not nearly as bad as described. Unfortunately, the police report speaks for itself. He did accost the young man and follow him home like some latter day Inspector Clouseau. He identified himself as the mayor several times in an attempt to use his position to intimidate citizens. He claimed to "own all of this". He did attempt to use his position as mayor to settle his petty score. When that failed, he called "his" police department to settle the score for him.

Fortunately, the police understood that the incident was caused by an overheated adolescent using poor judgement and then having a tantrum. And there also was a teenager and his parents involved.

The money quote from the police report is the last line: "ALL PARTIES MADE AWARE IT IS NOT THE CASE THAT ELECTED OFFICIALS MAY DO WHATEVER THEY WISH".

Would that King John the Vainglorious could take these words to heart.

King John the Feckless

2011-04-05T05:58:00.000-07:00

feckless\ FEK-lis \ , adjective; 1. Ineffective; having no real worth or purpose. 2. Worthless; irresponsible; generally incompetent and ineffectual.

In the past, Fire Starter has pointed out Endicott Mayor John Bertoni's less than diligent execution of his mayoral duties. Whether it is leaving Village board meetings to go to card games or extended absences from the Village, King John the Witless has shown that his work ethic leaves much to be desired. What Fire Starter was unaware of was the fact that Bertoni has been doubling as a crime fighter. A bloviating mayor by day and a crusader for justice by night.

Fire Starter has reliably learned that the mayor caught a serial offender red handed. While patrolling the Oak Hill area of the village, the mayor viewed a culprit committing his evil deed. Fueled with the righteous indignation of the just, our hero sprung into action.

Who was this evildoer? And what was his offense? He was a teenage skateboarder who was skateboarding in the street. Fortunately for Village residents, Bertoni was on the job. He immediately identified himself as the sovereign of Endicott and demanded that the offender remove himself from the street. The youth, obviously unimpressed, made a face and told Bertoni that he didn't really care who he was.

Well, skateboarding in the street was bad enough. But now youth had gone too far. He had insulted the crown and this must not stand. So our hero followed the youth home and confronted the youth's parents. He again identified himself as the the Mayor of Endicott. When the youth's parents were likewise unimpressed, he clarified that "he owns the Village". They responded by clarifying that THEY owned their home and he should remove himself from their property.

Well the offenses continued to pile up. Skateboarding, disrespect from the youth, and disrespect from the youth's parents. This was obviously beyond Bertoni's capabilities. So he just let it drop there...or that's what any normal adult would do (of course, most normal adults would have avoided the whole situation rather than escalate it into a confrontation). Instead, King John the Spiteful sought to prove that he "owned the Village" by calling the police department. Officers responded and took a report (Fire Starter will provide the report if it becomes available). No arrests were made but consideration was given to sending Bertoni for a psychiatric evaluation.

As silly as this incident appears to be, it reveals a serious flaw in Bertoni's character. Being Mayor is not about flaunting your title and bullying residents. It is about SERVING the public; not self serving. It is about providing services, not providing jobs to friends and family. And it is about being first among equals, not lording your title and power over residents and employees.

King John the Feckless and his imperious ways will catch up to him. It is up to the voters to send a loud and clear message in November. We hope he hears it.

Hannon's Assault Continues

2011-03-28T05:46:00.000-07:00

If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter. - George Washington

Fire Starter has learned that Mayor Dennis Hnnon has begun a new assault on the first amendment to the United States Constitution. And this time, it is not aimed toward the fire fighters.

Apparently, members of the PBA grew alarmed that their concerns and positions were not being properly being relayed to Village Board members. They met with the "Public Safety Committtee" to express concerns over significant safety and operational deficiencies in the current "shared services" model. The rosy picture painted by Hannon is a long way from the reality (more on the specifics at a future date). Although this committee includes both Trustee Rick Ball-less (er..Balles) and Ron "Deep Thinker" Davis, only Davis earned his pay that day as Balles was AWOL. Frustrated with having to rely on Davis to relay their concerns, the PBA met separately with Trustees Deemie and Novobilski.

Well apparently only Hannon and his friendlies can have conversations with mere employees. Hannon learned of this meeting and asserted that the meeting was improper (not really sure why) and that it should not occur again (not sure what he will do if it does). He admonished Trustees against becoming informed. Apparently Hannon is the "Oracle of Delphi" and all information must pass through him and be suitably filtered to suit his needs. If individuals speak directly with Board Members, those Members may get information, ideas...who knows where it might end!

This attempted restriction on information to Trustees is particularly interesting in light of a recent trip the Fire Starter took to the Red Robin Diner. Imagine our surprise when we walked into the Johnson City eatery to find Mayor Hannon cozied up with the Cirba brothers of the mis-nanmed Citizens for a Better Broome. What nefarious plots they were hatching is unknown since they left soon after we arrived. But it certainly is interesting that Hannon is available to receive marching orders from these "Tea Party" types.

What was most interesting was the fact that shortly after the Cirba brothers left, our old friend, former Trustee Monica Silas came in for her "Papal" audience (we did not actually see the "ring kissing" but are certain it happened). Neither Hannon nor Silas apparently recognized the Fire Starter. The ensuing conversation ranged various issues including confidential personnel matters. If we had a nickel for every time Hannon has claimed the inability to talk about a matter due to "confidentiality"...well you get the picture. Yet here was Hannon speaking on a wide range of confidential matters to an ordinary citizen. The tone of the conversation was also interesting in that they both gloated about how surprised a Village labor leader will be when their plot is executed.

What Hannon and Silas apparently were unaware of was the fact their voices carry and that Fire Starter generally carries a recording device. Imagine their surprise at learning this.

For now we will "sit on" the recording and it's contents. We certainly don't want to disclose this confidential information before it is necessary. There will probably be a time in the future when it will shed great light on their plots and motivations. And we will keep the recording safe.

But this ultimately begs the question: Is this squelching of the free exchange of ideas and backroom plotting really what the Mayor of Johnson City should be spending his time on?

Hypocrisy

2011-03-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

"I've got mine, I've got mine. This isn't such a bitter world. Cause I've got mine" - Glen Frey - "I've Got Mine"

Fire Starter was struck by Johnson City Mayor Hannon's comments to the press regarding the fiscal year 2011-2012 budget. Hannon talked of concerns regarding health insurance and pension costs facing the village. This seems to be a recurring theme among local politicians. They seem to be trying to take a page out of the playbook of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. They hold themselves out as the protector of the taxpayer all the while collecting public salaries, pensions and benefits.

Before Dennis Hannon was mayor, he was a Johnson City police chief. He retired and is currently collecting a fat pension from the state retirement system; a retirement that was funded by Johnson City taxpayers. In addition, Hannon receives retiree health insurance at the Village taxpayer expense. In the meantime, he collects a salary for being mayor. This sort of double dipping is exactly the kind of corruption that could be weeded out and save tax dollars.

If this is not bad enough, Hannon rails against public employees pay and benefits while he supplements his double dip with pay and benefits from his wife who is also a public employee. Hannon's wife, Tami is a 911 dispatcher with Broome County. However, Hannon's hypocrisy does not end there. Hannon has used his position as trustee and then mayor to provide a Village job to his daughter, Kayla, who works in the Village courts.

The hypocrisy does not merely reside in the Village of Johnson City. Endicott's mayor, John Bertoni has feathered his nest nicely at the taxpayer's expense. Before becoming mayor, Bertoni was a retired shop teacher. In addition to his fat publicly funded pension, Bertoni receives free lifetime medical coverage at the expense of Union Endicott school district taxpayers. Like Hannon, Bertoni now double dips receiving his state pension and his mayor's salary. Yet like Hannon, he sees no hypocrisy in attacking public employee's pay and benefits.

Well certainly the Village's attorney, Paul Sweeney is ideologically pure. He's a private sector employee at a local law firm. But even the "great defender of the taxpayer" is a hypocrite. While he and his firm bash public employees around the state, his wife draws a salary and benefits as a teacher in the a local school district. The mental gymnastics necessary to rationalize this hypocrisy would likely qualify Sweeney for the Olympics!

Fire Starter in no way begrudges any of these "public servants" their pay and benefits. This is the bargain they made. What irritates the Fire Starter is the self righteous, "holier than thou" attitude of these individuals. Perhaps they think we do not know. But that's the beauty of public employment. It's all out there if you are willing to look. They just count on us not looking.

And since we are already paying these two mayors through the retirement system, perhaps they can forgo their salaries as a show of good will and solidarity with taxpayers. However, we are not holding our breath waiting for this sort of leadership. Because they have got theirs.

Lawyers First, Safety Last

2011-03-14T04:08:00.000-07:00

“It is better to be a mouse in a cat's mouth than a man in a lawyer's hands” - Spanish Proverb

Fire Starter read with great amusement the article yesterday regarding the Village of Johnson City's legal bills. As we have previously argued, no price is too high to tear down Hannon's enemies...that is so long as Village taxpayers are footing the bill.

The Press & Sun Bulletin reported that in 2010, the Village of Johnson City spent over $250,000 on Binghamton lawyers. A sizeable amount, by any measure. But what the Press failed to note is that this is on top of similar levels of legal expenditures in 2009. Since Hannon has taken the reins, the Village has spent nearly one half million dollars on lawyers. This appears to be a hefty tab for a village that previously had a $50,000 budget for legal advice. But Hannon assures us that this is all money well spent. Trust him...would he lie to you?

Lacking from the Press story was any context. For example, what are other similar sized Villages spending on legal services? The Press had no problem providing this sort of context when using deceptive numbers regarding Village fire fighter salaries. But strangely, no such context was sought or reported. Further, Hannon claims $400,00 in savings as a result of eliminating minimum manning from the fire department. But where did that number come from? There is precious little support for the claim that the Village spent this kind of money for overtime to maintain an adequate fire department. And there would have been no shortage of fire fighters had Hannon and the Village Board not illegally laid off 6 Village fire fighters. And of course, any alleged savings must be offset by the overtime expenditures made over the last two years by the failure to promote.

And of course, Hannon does not admit how many times the fire station on Floral Avenue has been closed due to his reckless layoffs and lack of overtime. The only real question is how long will the Village "skate by" before someone is injured or killed? And how will Hannon explain that to the victim's family?

This is no theoretical discussion. Several weeks ago, a retired Village fire fighter, Tim Moran, collapsed while working out at a local gym. Johnson City medics responded to the scene to find their "brother" unresponsive. Village fire fighters worked on Moran for over 10 minutes before a local ambulance company arrived on the scene. Although their heroic efforts at resuscitation were unsuccessful, the fact remains that they were the first to arrive and at least gave Moran a chance. Had the Floral Avenue station been closed due to a lack of overtime, the Village fire department would not have been able to respond and Moran would have laid on the ground for an additional 10 minutes without medical care.

So what is Hannon's response? Overspending on lawyers is a good investment. Real investment in public safety is just "something we can no longer afford".

Do you supposed Tim Moran's family feels that way? If it was your loved one, would you feel that way?

District Propososal Rejected Again

2011-03-07T04:16:00.000-08:00

“A man's reputation is what other people think of him; his character is what he really is.” - Unknown

We recently noted that the Mayors of Johnson City and Endicott have resolved to destroy their respective fire departments and replace them with either a volunteer department or a combination volunteer/paid department. Although the public will lose in effective response time, effective fire fighting and insurance costs, both Hannon and Bertoni seem bent on destroying this valuable service. Although they preach fiscal austerity, it really seems to be more an issue of personal grievances and payback. No other explanation makes sense since service will diminish and the total cost to the taxpayer will be roughly the same.

We have reported that the idea of of a Johnson City/Endicott fire district has been temporarily shelved. In addition to being costly and inefficient, it also does not comport with the reality that the two communities are not contiguous. Hannon was "too clever by half" and thought that if the new district could just include a small strip of land along the river in Endwell, he could claim contiguity. This plan was rejected by Endwell because of safety concerns. But Hannon and Bertoni do not care whether this model makes any sense from a public safety standpoint. The important thing is to destroy the fire departments.

Publicly, Hannon has acknowledged that the process is not moving as quickly as he would like. However, Fire Starter has learned that Hannon dispatched his over paid and under worked joint fire administrator, Hrustich, to again attempt to influence the Endwell Volunteer Fire company chief, Jeff Winchell. Hrustich was given a basket of goodies to offer Endwell including promises of money and territory Johnson City would cede to Endwell.

Imagine Hrustich's surprise when he encountered a man of character and principle in the person of Chief Winchell. Chief Winchell reportedly again cited concerns over safety and efficiency. Winchell was reportedly not willing to compromise safety so as to allow Hannon's hairbrained scheme to go forward. Perhaps most perplexing to Hrustich, Winchell told him that he did not believe the plan was ethical. Hrustich likely had to look this one up in the dictionary as it is clearly a concept completely foreign to him. At the very least, Hrustich would need to gain some understanding of the ethical concerns since he would later need to explain the concept to the ethically challenged Hannon and Bertoni. One can only imagine how those conversations went.

The extreme steps being pursued by Hannon and Bertoni in pursuit of this foolish and unworkable fire district "plan" highlight the petty desperation of both men. If they are successful, all three communities will be harmed. But the process itself provides a small window into the dark place in Hannon, Bertoni and Hrustich...the place where their soul is supposed to be.

Sullivan At It Again

2011-02-28T06:20:00.000-08:00

“The true hypocrite is the one who ceases to perceive his deception, the one who lies with sincerity” -Andre Gide

We have previously written regarding the lies peddled by the lead dissolutionist, John Sullivan. The vote against dissolution in November of 2009 did nothing to quiet Mr. Sullivan. He continues to spread his lies and half truths.

We subsequently pointed out that Mr. apparently lives in a glass house when it comes to public wages and benefits. Mr. Sullivan rants against public employees pay and benefits while his wife works for the Endicott School district and receives even more generous pay and benefits than he criticizes. We went on to point out that:

"And you would never know that perhaps his interest in "secession" of a portion of JC could be at least in part fueled not by his sense of civic duty but rather his frustrated attempts to launch a development project."

Well, this latest bit of self interested hypocrisy has again come to the surface. Previously, Mr. Sullivan attempted to develop some property above the Indian Ridge apartments. The project was blocked by the Planning Board based upon Sullivan's inability to secure a performance bond. Sullivan then sought dissolution with the belief that if the Village was dissolved, he would get approval from the Town of Union. Dissolution failed and Sullivan's project was shelved.

Flash forward 1 1/2 years and we see a partnership attempting to develop this same property. A group has proposed middle income senior housing and is seeking approval by the Broome County Industrial Development agency. Only this time, Sullivan is not a part of the project. And surprise...he is a vocal opponent of the project.

Sullivan has repeatedly accused public employees of greed. However, if you track Mr. Sullivan's actions, they are driven by nothing but self interest and greed. Public pay and benefits are fine for him but no one else. Development is good for him but no one else. Dissolution is the only solution...when your pet project is stalled.

It is time to unmask these duplicitous hypocrites and show them for the greedy cowards they are...so as to better understand their hidden motives and agendas.

It's Official...Scheme on Hold

2011-02-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

“There are two things to be considered with regard to any scheme. In the first place, ''Is it good in itself?'' In the second, ''Can it be easily put into practice?''” - Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Fire Starter noted with great interest last weeks story about promotions within the Johnson City Fire Department. Then over the weekend, buried further in the paper, there was a story that Hannon and Bertoni's Fire District; the thrust of which was that because Johnson City and Endicott are not contiguous, it may be "more difficult than anticipated".

We initially note that it's good to know that the Press and Sun Bulletin are reading this blog. Maybe they will begin to report real news and expose real corruption within the local municipalities. Certainly we make it easy for them. We do the research and get to the tough answers. The least they could do is print the stories.

However, we were disappointed that the Press limited it's inquiry into the technical failing of this hair brained scheme. We have provided many reasons why this is a bad idea from a financial and safety standpoint. In case they are still reading, insurance costs, response times and expense, and the forfeiting of federal aid are all significant non-technical problem with this scheme. This should be enough material to keep the Press and Sun Bulletin busy for a little while!

Now, with the hair brained fire district plan placed on the back burner, Johnson City has decided to promote command officers. This is certainly a positive development. But note that while Hannon and Bertoni were fiddling, they were burning money. The Press story noted that while pursuing the destruction of the fire department, the Village wasted over $50,000 on overtime rather than promote firefighters. This can only be explained by Hannon's myopic view of the fire department. As we have pointed out in the past, for Hannon, no price is too high for the destruction of the fire department. The Village's legal fees over the last two years easily exceed $350,000 just for fire department related matters. And what have they got to show for it?

At some point, the madness needs to end. But it will likely only happen when the madman leaves.

Candidates for County Executive

2011-02-14T03:42:00.000-08:00

“Politics: “Poli” a Latin word meaning “many”; and "tics" meaning “bloodsucking creatures”.” - Robin Williams

Fire Starter was fascinated by the sudden resignation of County Executive Barbara Fiala. In the immediate aftermath, there has been no shortage of Republicans and Democrats lining up to replace Fiala. Maybe with these crowded fields, it is an opportunity for a third party candidate. As you might expect, we have a few suggestions of candidates and slogans.

John Bertoni - "Take off several months- The place practically runs itself" - The Do Nothing Party

No one can certainly fault Mayor Bertoni of Endicott for overworking. Since becoming mayor 3 1/2 years ago, he has definitely put in a solid six months worth of time in the Village. When he is not taking trips or playing cards with his cronies, he is being led around by the nose by Dennis Hannon. His strongest selling point is that he could hardly do any damage since he is hardly around. This may make him a leading candidate in our book.

JFA Stephen Hrustich - "Elect Hrustich - The life you save may be your own." - The Peter Principle Party

We have posted previously regarding Joint Fire administrator Hrustich's incompetence as an administrator and as a fire fighter. He has repeatedly cut corners in Johnson City and Endicott placing citizens at risk through under staffing and resulting delayed response times. Possibly his single greatest contribution to safety in these communities would be achieved by him leaving the fire service where his decisions have life and death consequences. As John Bertoni notes above, government practically runs itself.

Joint Police Chief Joe Zikuski - "a penny saved is a penny that should be spent". -The Spendthrift Party

We have pointed out previously that Zikuski has been given responsibility over two police departments and substantial budgets while historically his personal finances have been a train wreck. Having previously filed for bankruptcy and having frequently gone through financial turmoil, he has shown himself incapable of managing his personal life, much less substantial budgets for large organizations. But both Hannon and Ryan think he has the right stuff. And that's good enough for us.

Mayor Matt Ryan - "I've got endless ideas for more signs" -The Rhetoric Party

We were critical of Mayor Ryan's "cost of war signs". This political posturing on the public's dime illustrates everything that is bad with politicians. Although being County Executive may give hm more opportunities for more signs, we somehow doubt a "cost of health care reform" or a "cost of the stimulus bill" sign would be forthcoming. But we do believe that his empty headed platitudes and bromides may be just what we in Broome County need. Some good rhetoric is certainly more important than a super market on the north side of Binghamton...and much easier to achieve. At least we would feel like something is being done about our problems...even if it's all talk.

Mayor Dennis Hannon - "I'll do to Broome County what I have done to Johnson City" - The Demolition Party

And how could any list be complete without our own little emperor, Dennis Hannon. His systematic dismantling of the police and fire departments in the Village certainly puts him on any "short list". His willingness to abuse power to settle years old scores and prove his impotence...er...omnipotence certainly impresses. If he could only be elected as Broome County Executive, he could play on a bigger stage and tear apart bigger institutions. We could get to the point where only FOD's (Friends of Dennis) would be employed. Although they would be over payed and incompetent, there certainly would not be a lot of them. Who would want to admit being a Friend of Hannon's?

These are just a few suggestions. We are sure that as the political season approaches other ideas for candidates and slogans will arise...and we won't hesitate to share.

Fire District on Hold?

2011-02-10T03:54:00.000-08:00

“Their insatiable lust for power is only equaled by their incurable impotence in exercising it.” -Winston Churchill

The Fire Starter recently reported on Hannon's and Bertoni's hairbrained scheme to eliminate Village fire fighters and create a fire district encompassing both Villages. This proposed district would be composed of fully volunteer or a combination paid and volunteer fire fighters. We pointed out that fire districts must be contiguous areas so that proper protection can be provided to all citizens within the district. Since Endicott and Johnson City are not contiguous, Hannon had proposed including a strip of land through Endwell and along the river to connect the two villages. We pointed out that in addition to being contrary to the spirit of the state mandate, it placed residents at risk since even with this strip of land physically connecting the two villages, the villages would not be connected in any true sense.

Well apparently, for now, public safety has won. The Fire Starter has learned that Endwell Volunteer Fire Department and its commissioners have rejected this absurd plan. Endwell Volunteer Fire Fighters were deeply concerned about Hannon's scheme as it left large portions of the river and State Route 17 in no-man's land between the two villages. In other words, if there was a serious accident or need for a river rescue between the villages, how long would it take to respond? Hannon's scheme, although plausibly dealing with technical legal impediments places public safety at risk. But of course, public safety has never been high among Hannon's priorities.

Small minded and petty vindictiveness has been the touchstone of Hannon's reign. If this scheme fails, how will Hannon get himself back on the front page of the paper? How long will it be before Hannon trumps up charges on Marty Maney or on of the other union leaders? Or maybe just go after another "lowly maintenance" man. It appears that muscle flexing and bravado is the chosen smoke screen to cover for Hannon's impotence.

What Does Hannon Do?

2011-02-03T04:30:00.000-08:00

“One of the surprising things in this world is the respect a worthless man has for himself” - Edgar Watson Howe

Fire Starter has focused on the numerous cuts to public safety that have been implemented since Mayor Hannon has been involved in Village of Johnson City government. We have noted the layoffs and the abuses of discipline which have severely thinned the ranks of the Johnson City police department and fire departments. In place of these dedicated career civil servants, Hannon has made deals where the Village has agreed to underwrite the costs of neighboring communities. This was certainly true in the case of Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich and Police Chief Zikuski. In feathering these two individuals' nests with taxpayer dollars, Hannon has purchased loyalty to to himself at the expense of public safety. He has continued to underwrite Binghamton's police detectives through a "sharing arrangement" in which Binghamton "shares" JC detectives and Johnson City gets to "share" the cost.

We have pointed out that while Hannon has engaged in his backroom conniving, economic development in the village has become non-existent. He is running up large tabs to pursue his petty schemes while doing nothing to improve revenue stream or the quality of life. Most recently we pointed out that he seems to want to give away revenue received for fire protection to execute his destruction of the fire department. Some would say that it is part of a bigger plan that we "mere mortals" can not appreciate.

What this "mere mortal" does appreciate is the fact that Hannon has abdicated his responsibilities as Mayor. The first and most important responsibility of the Mayor is to provide for the public safety. Instead, he is dismantling once great institutions.

In the meantime, Hannon has shown himself incapable of even getting the streets of Johnson City cleared this week. The Fire Starter took a drive through the Village on Tuesday around midday. We were shocked to find that little had been accomplished in terms of snow removal. Major arteries such as Harry L Drive and Reynolds Road had been untouched almost twelve hours into the storm. Many cars were observed turning around rather than attempting to ascend Reynolds Road.

If Hannon will not provide for proper police and fire protection and can not even clear the roads, what is his purpose? Is his only reason to be Mayor to get press coverage and persecute enemies? It certainly is not public safety and it is not economic development.

We deserve so much better than this petty autocrat.

At What Price Dissolution

2011-01-31T05:10:00.000-08:00

"For your own good is a persuasive argument that will eventually make a man agree to his own destruction." - Janet Frame

Last week we reported regarding the Village's apparent rejection of the more than $1.3 million SAFER grant. This grant would have allowed the Village to rehire 6 firefighters and pay their salaries for the next 2 years. It is our belief that the only explanation for this apparent self destructive decision is Hannon's dedication to decimating the Village Fire Department regardless of the impact on public safety.

There has been much discussion regarding the "plan" to create a fire district incorporating the Village of Johnson city, the Village of Endicott and at least some additional part of Union. For reasons that can only be nefarious, the Village leaders are unwilling to inform us what they plan to do. Certainly any plan would have to incorporate some portion of Endwell since fire districts must be made up of contiguous or adjoining areas.

Currently, the Village of Johnson City provides contract services to local oil companies, a local technology company, Hilltop Retirement Home, and the Fairmount Park community. This generates revenue which offsets the cost of operating the Village fire department. Currently, the Village of Johnson City receives over $200,000 annually for providing fire protection to Fairmount Park residents.

Fire Starter has reliably learned that the Village of Johnson City is proposing that the Endwell Fire district cede a strip of land along the river bank to connect Johnson City and Endicott. In return, Johnson City will attempt to give its over $200,000 contract with Fairmount Park to the Endwell Fire District. In other words, the Village of Johnson City will give up a contract service which offsets a significant percentage of the operating budget for the fire department to create a fire district and destroy the current department. We will be giving up revenue to fulfill Hannon's vindictive dream of wrecking the fire department. And safety will be compromised. And once again, much like the joint fire and police chiefs, Johnson City will be footing the bill for other communities.

There is a reason that fire districts must be comprised of adjoining areas. This is the only way a unified fire department can provide services in a prompt and efficient manner. Although utilizing a strip of land at the river bank to connect the communities may provide a technical way around the law, it is contrary to the spirit of the law and bad for public safety. The two communities will be no more "connected" than they are today. But Hannon will have his wish. And Bertoni will be led by the nose showing himself to be Hannon's lackey. And we will all be the losers.

SAFER Grant Rejected?

2011-01-27T04:32:00.000-08:00

"Don't be afraid of failure; be afraid of petty success." - Maude Adams

Fire Starter noted an item in a recent Press & Sun Bulletin issue regarding the awarding of a FEMA grant to the Johnson City Fire Department. The Village department was awarded a grant of $92,026 by the federal agency. The report goes on to note that $30,100 was awarded to modify facilities, $20,983 for equipment and $45,787 for protective equipment. Putting aside the fact that these specific grants add up to $96,870 (and not $92,026) it is great that the Village taxpayers are able to see some of their federal tax dollars returned to their community.

What is of great concern is the lack of coverage of the Villages failure to claim over $1.3 million in federal money awarded through the SAFER grant program. The SAFER grant program was created to provide funding directly to fire departments to help increase the number of trained, front line firefighters in a community. More specifically, the goal is to enhance a department's ability to comply with OSHA and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for proper fire department staffing. The program materials note "Ultimately, a faster, safer, and more efficient incident scene will be established and communities will have more adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards".

So we accept $90,000 from the federal government for "stuff" but we will not accept grants to put more fire fighters between us and disaster. Fire stations, and equipment do not fight fires and save lives. Brave men and women do.

As you will all recall, nearly two years ago, Dennis Hannon, Rick Balles and Monica Silas all supported the laying off of six Johnson City fire fighters. The issue of the layoff was controversial and led to legal struggles which appear to continue to date. If press accounts are to be believed, if the fire fighters union is successful in their challenge, the Village will owe hundreds of thousands of dollars in retroactive pay to the laid off fire fighters.

In the meantime, the Village has failed to claim this federal grant which would have fully funded the six fire fighter positions for two years. At the very least, bringing the fire fighters back to work would have stopped the ever growing tab owed by the Village to the laid off fire fighters. And according to SAFER program documentation, there are no "strings attached" other than maintaining the size of the department plus the new hires (or re-hires) for the period of the grant.

This appears to be a classic case of cutting off one's nose to spite one's face. If Mayor Hannon was truly interested in protecting Village residents, this grant would have been accepted. It would have provided more protection to Village residents and a safer work environment for village fire fighters --and at no cost to village residents. Instead, Hannon is rejecting the more than $1.3 million grant since accepting it would insure the continuation of the quality fire service we have come to expect.

It becomes ever clearer that Hannon is bent on wrecking the Village fire department. The why is known only to Hannon. However, one can not discount ego. If he succeeds, it will be clear to all that he is the "boss".

But where will this leave Village residents? And at what price, Hannon's ego?

Recent History

2011-01-24T04:32:00.000-08:00

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayana

The Fire Starter was recently in the public library reading the Press & Sun Bulletin in an attempt to get a better grip on the Village's situation. It was really quite an education. Our paper of record had extensive writings on the subject that were extremely informative.

We found a story in which the reduction in fire department manning was discussed. The mayor claimed that the Village could not afford the fire department. The Mayor argued that occasional or permanent closures of a fire station may be required. Although we had not recalled this, the fire chief made grave predictions about the cost in safety to citizens and fire fighters noting "the fewer men you have, the more injuries you're going to suffer. The number six is not a safe number". We were struck by what a "stand up guy" the chief is.

We also found angry letters to the editor from residents concerned with the decreased protection. One in particular charged that the mayor is "more worried about overtime expense than the safety of village homes and lives." We could not agree more. Others charged that "if you give up on services you're going to lose all of your people". The Mayor responded that "the trustees are faced, in my opinion, with tax increases that will lead to a dissolution of the village".

We found numerous articles in which local fire officials were critical of any attempt to go to a mixed paid and volunteer department. The obvious increase in burden on surrounding paid and volunteer departments was repeatedly sited. Also noted were decreased response times and effectiveness.

We found an editorial which noted that the Mayor's "supporters will no doubt claim that he improved things in the village while detractors will insist he has made a mess. Both sides will agree that his term brought tumult, turmoil and a near-total lack of civility to village government". The mayor's term will go down as "one of the most contentious -- and expensive -- terms in village history."

Everything seemed to meet with our recollection of the last 18 months. All except the "stand up guy" as fire chief. We did not recall Hrustich being a "stand up guy" at all. In fact quite the opposite -- all Hrustich has done is promote himself and his bank account while placing residents and fire fighters at risk.

Suddenly we noticed that we were in the archive section of the library and the newspapers were from 2002 and 2003. The fire chief concerned for the safety of fire fighters and residents was Stephen Andrew of the Endicott fire department. And the shortsighted and vindictive mayor was not Dennis Hannon but Michael Colella.

Fire starter was struck by the fact that Hannon has been singing from Colella's hymn book. The rhetoric and the scare tactics are the same. The Hobson's choice remains the same -- slash the fire department and safety or all will be lost. The petty demonization of village employees. The only new twist is Hannon's abuse of disciplinary charges to persecute his enemies. This was apparently a trick Hannon learned as police chief.

The end of the Colella story is as instructive today as it was seven years ago. Colella's destructive policies and personal bullying left him the disgraced former mayor of Endicott. True leaders led the Village of Endicott out of the mess Colella created. The fire department was saved and the public protected. Colella was relegated to the dustbin of history.

Now Hannon and Bertoni have gone down the same road previously trod by Colella. Could their political demise be far behind?

The Sheriff's Latest "Investigation"

2011-01-20T04:30:00.000-08:00

"The time is always right to do what is right." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Well, Mayor Dennis Hannon was quiet for a few days but apparently could not bear being out of the media for more than a week. Yesterday's Press & Sun Bulletin again carried a story featuring our hero, Dennis Hannon, uncovering wrongdoing in the Village of Johnson City. In this episode, he is leading an investigation into equipment tampering within the fire department. The article is not clear exactly what was tampered with our how but it may have had something to do with breathing equipment.

Fire Starter's intial observation regarding this story is...where is the story. The Press & Sun Bulletin seems to have successfully filled several columns in it's pamphlet thin publication but it is nearly impossible to discern what the "news" is. There was some kind of incident involving some unnamed firefighters investigated by unnamed police officers who found nothing. This is like a Seinfeld episode..."an investigation about nothing".

Fire Starter is always struck by the leaking of these "ongoing investigations". It has always been our understanding that "ongoing investigations" are held "close to the vest" so as not to damage any potential leads. That is unless it is not about investigating but rather exposure for the already grossly overexposed Mayor of Johnson City.

Fire Starter has noticed that this has given our pious pontificator Hannon the opportunity to express his grave concerns and the overpaid and under worked Joint Fire Administrator an opportunity to clarify that "tampering with life saving equipment is bad". Fire Starter is glad we were able to get Hrustich on the record on that point. Apparently neither Hrustich nor Hannon have any concerns about the life threatening situation they have placed Village Fire Fighters in through under staffing.

Finally, if the Union lawyer is right, this has been the most pathetic and disingenuous investigation yet. If fire fighters lives have been placed in danger, why have only three victims been interviewed? Why not interview all of the firefighters, civilian employees, the politicians and anyone else with access to the fire department? It's as if there was a bank robbery and only the teller who took the "hold up note" was interviewed.

Fire Starter is not blaming the police department for any shortcomings in this "investigation". This is clearly coming from the top. And Hannon is only interested in headlines, not answers. It is time for Hannon to stop his petty attacks and headline grabs and "do what is right". Unfortunately, this does not seem to be within him.

The Corruption Continues

2011-01-13T04:30:00.000-08:00

“It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible". - David Brin

Mayor Hannon of Johnson City has been systematically dismantling the Fire Department and the Police Department ostensibly in the name of economy. As we have repeatedly pointed out, the cost savings are minimal and the cost to safety are substantial. We have repeatedly argued that his actions reflect a deeper animus toward the fire department and the real losers have been Village residents. What Fire Starter did not realize was that there have been financial winners within Village government.

For example, you may recall that Rachelle Gallagher, the Chief Clerk of the Village Court, has done some dirty work for Mayor Hannon. She utilized court resources to do a background search on a village maintenance man that Hannon wanted to get rid of. She passed this ill-gotten information to her husband, Scott Gallagher, who is an assignments editor at WBNG and also on the Village payroll as recreation director. He then tried to use this information and his position at WBNG to smear the maintenance man.

Well apparently doing Hannon's dirty work has its rewards. And Village residents are paying for them. While Hannon is laying off fire fighters and not replacing police officers, Rachelle Gallagher has received substantial pay increases. According to Press Connects data, between 2008 and 2009, Rachelle Gallagher's pay has increased by 27%. In 2008, Gallagher made $28,652. In one year, her pay jumped to $36,447. During this same time frame, civil service employees in similar positions of responsibility received pay raises of approximately 3%. Is it any wonder that Mayor Hannon receives such unerring positive coverage from WBNG. It's the best coverage your taxpayer money can buy.

Fire Starter also noted that another Hannon appointee received a substantial pay increase. The Deputy Village Clerk, Cindy Kennerup, has also enjoyed a substantial windfall from "his honor". Between 2007 and 2009, Kennerup's pay has increased 25% with no change in title or increase in responsibility. What additional "services" Kennerup is providing is not immediately clear, but it must be something "special".

Again, it must be kept in mind that during this time frame, Hannon has been slashing public safety while rewarding cronies. It is clear that it is not about cost savings. It is about punishing enemies and rewarding friends. And all at your expense.

Stop the corruption. Speak out. It is not too late to send the cronies packing and insist on the services you are paying for.

Insurance Costs to Skyrocket

2011-01-10T04:30:00.000-08:00

“Lying is done with words and also with silence.” - Adrienne Rich

The Fire Starter has begun to present questions and answers regarding the cost of any plan to create a fire district which encompasses Johnson City, Endicott and parts of the town of Union. The better armed we are as citizens, the better able we are to cut through the cloud of lies and half truths being perpetuated by certain dissolutionists and Village Board members.

One issue which may escape notice from many is the cost of homeowners insurance. One of the major factors in the price of home owner's insurance is the nature and quality of fire service in the community. Most insurance companies utilize rating information provided by Insurance Service Organization (ISO). ISO is a a resource to insurance companies that evaluates all aspects of the quality of fire service in a given community. ISO ranks fire protection on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being the best and 10 being no fire protection.

ISO bases its evaluation of Fire Departments upon the number of personnel on duty, training level of personnel (paid or volunteer), the availability of appropriate equipment and the availability of water both through hydrants and pumper trucks. By evaluating these factors, insurance companies have quantitative analysis of the likely severity of fire damage should a fire occur. In other words, even a slow response from a volunteer department may protect neighboring houses, but will likely result in a total loss for the owners of the home needing the initial response. A quick response from highly trained paid fire fighters will result in less damage to the structure and reduce the cost of repair.

As the Villages consider creating either a volunteer department or a combination paid and volunteer department, it is important to know what effect this will have of the resulting department's ISO rating. A lowered ISO rating translates into an increase in homeowners insurance premiums. Several studies by other communities have shown that a drop in ISO rating of just two levels will result in the average home owner's premium increasing by over $105.00 year. This should be startling information. As we pointed out last week, true anticipated savings from totally eliminating the paid department were 82.12 for the average homeowner. For a combination department, the "savings" would be significantly less.

As we have pointed out previously, there are significant life and death costs in either eliminating paid fire service or crating a "combination" department. But when the elimination of the paid department merely transfers the cost from your tax bill to your insurance bill, why would we want to take this risk?

And if there are no true savings and a clear loss of service, why is Hannon advocating the change?

Dollars and Safety

2011-01-06T05:31:00.000-08:00

“One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.” -
Arnold H. Glasgow

In our last post, we urged a call to arms regarding the piecemeal dismantling of our Village. We urged voters to arm themselves with questions and insist on answers. We also urged voters to seek information and arm themselves with facts.

The elimination of the fire department has been rationalized on the basis that the Village can no longer afford a paid department. Hannon and others have advocated for a volunteer department or a combination volunteer/paid department. When one examines the relative savings, it is clear that they are few. And when one examines the cost in terms of life and property, they are clearly too high.

Initially, we would urge you to look closely at your tax bill. Is it village taxes that are taking the biggest "bite" out of you or school taxes? Although town of union taxes are modest for Village residents, they would certainly soar with any sort of combined department. At the very least, there would be a new layer of taxation from a fire district.

In the Town of Union, the average cost for a volunteer fire department is $32.83 per thousand of assessed value. Currently, Johnson City's fully paid and quick responding department costs Village residents $53.36 per thousand of assessed value. If the Village were to go to a totally volunteer department, the cost savings would be $20.53 per thousand of assessed value. This translates into an average savings of 82.12 per year or 22 cents per day for the average Village resident. If the Village were to go to a combination volunteer/paid department, the savings would be even less.

And what would you be giving up? It seems likely that EMS service would go by the wayside since this accounts for a large percentage of calls answered by the fire department. The department would likely no longer have the manpower to respond to EMS calls. You will be at the mercy of the already overtaxed UVES.

Effective response time would also be greatly hindered. In a volunteer department, you would be waiting for responders to report to the fire station and then respond to your emergency. And that's assuming anyone responds to the call. And when they arrive on the scene, will they have sufficient manpower to "knock down" the fire or will they simply keep it from spreading to your neighbor's home and preserve your foundation for the rebuild? In a combination department, the paid fire fighters may arrive quickly, but will they have the manpower to effectively fight the fire or are they relegated to waiting for volunteers to arrive?

Simple minds may relish in simplistic solutions. But even the most cursory consideration of the changes being discussed raise serious financial and safety questions. And it is up to us to ask the questions and insist on answers.

Call to Arms

2011-01-03T05:40:00.000-08:00

"A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle." - Kahlil Gibran

Last week Fire Starter highlighted the bad and the good in Johnson City politics. We contrasted negativity with optimism. We presented two visions of the Village. Now it is time for action.

Johnson City Mayor Hannon and Endicott Mayor Bertoni have begun to tout their "plan" for consolidation of fire service. Despite the fact that no "plan" has been presented to the public, Hannon has assured us that it can be implemented in 2-3 months. To paraphrase former Speaker of the House Pelosi, I guess they will "have to implement it for us to find out what is in it".

As we have previously pointed out, prior efforts by Hannon at consolidation have been an unmitigated disaster. We are paying more for less service. We are paying more for part time police and fire chiefs than we did for full time. We are sending our detectives out of the Village and using Village resources to supplement Binghamton's police force at the expense of Village residents. What these prior efforts at consolidation have in common is that they were touted as yielding savings with no proof or study. They were implemented without public input and without a "plan". And all the while, Hannon, Balles and Davis "whistle past the graveyard" in the hopes that their reckless decisions do not cost lives.

Which brings us to the consolidation of fire service "plan". There are many questions which need to be answered by Village officials. And this sort of change can not be rushed through to hide the real costs and impact. Hannon's "bully tactics" can not be allowed to cloud the issues for both Villages. As taxpayers, we are entitled to answers.

For example, does the "plan" involve a greatly reduced department for both Villages or a combination paid and volunteer department? What will that do to EMS and response times? Will it take into account the vast geography to be covered by this department? Who are the "experts" that are evaluating these life and death decisions. Single minded dissolutionists like Bill Klish? And do the respective Village Boards have answers to these basic questions or will such impudent queries be brushed aside as the fear mongering of a few?

Over the next few weeks, Fire Starter will provide residents with questions and information to take to Village Board meetings. We can provide statistics and perspective but we can not speak for you. Only you can make your voice heard. Village residents will need to arm themselves with questions and information. They must doggedly demand that their questions be answered.

We have pointed out in the past that it is much easier to tear down than build up. Once the Villages are destroyed, there will be no rebuilding them. The time to act is now.

The Anti-Silas?

2010-12-30T06:44:00.000-08:00

"All negativity is an illusion created by the limited mind to protect and defend itself." -Ambika Wauters

Fire Starter wrote of Monica Silas' corrosive negativity which has placed the Village on the brink of oblivion. Her small minded vindictiveness kept her from seeing the true potential of our Village. Her single minded pettiness kept her from fulfilling the will of the people. And as a result, the voters sent her packing.

Now in contrast to Silas' "vision", attendees at the last Village of Johnson City board meeting for 2010 heard a different approach from a resident. a tireless booster for Johnson City, Julie Deemie challenged board members and citizens to live up to their responsibilities to provide the services for which we pay. She challenged our leaders to build up rather than tear down. And she appealed to Village leaders honor the will of the voters and stop the "slow motion dissolution". But why describe what she said? Here it is:

Earning the Public’s Trust

The decision that voters delivered in Nov. 2009 – rejecting the Dissolution Plan – should have served as a lesson to you. Instead the majority of this board has proceeded in 2010, as if the vote meant nothing, and the will of a vocal group of taxpayers has superseded all other voices of the village taxpayers and voters.

Johnson City’s leaders must do more to earn the public’s trust and involve them in the priority-setting process.

First, this calls for innovation and collaboration. The best ideas don’t come from the top down, rather they bubble up from people, neighborhoods and communities that have the greatest stake in the decisions that get made in your work sessions and these meetings.

Leaders should lead – but they also should listen. It’s time to engage in a real and regular conversation about what sort of Johnson City people want for their children and grandchildren. It’s time to find ways to begin this public dialogue.

The majority of Johnson City’s voters voted to keep their public services and village intact. You owe it to them to find ways to keep these services as a function of village government without compromising the safety of its residents and visitors. To simply “do away” with these departments or reduce them to inadequate levels, as you have allowed, is completely irresponsible and a risk to our families safety and well being. It appears that this board wants to wash your hands of this responsibility rather than working on creative solutions. Rumor says some of you have vendettas against these department or their employees. If this were the case then you would be sacrificing our safety for your personal gain. This would be proven as wrong doing and a clear violation of your own code of ethics as our leaders. The voters of Johnson City elected you to serve as their mayor and trustees not to act out of spite and revenge. You are obligated to serve the will of all Johnson City residents, not yours nor those who pressure you. You must be firm and move forward in a just and honorable manner in order to regain public trust.

We all must work together, government, residents, taxpayers and businesses. No single or select group of people is capable of making the proper decisions that will lead this village forward. You need to slow your course of actions, first earn back public trust by diminishing these rumors, and truly listen to the will of the people of this village. To accomplish this you must communicate to the people by publicizing board meetings, hosting public input meetings and through direct mail. Then and only then will residents of this village begin to trust that you intend to serve the properly and without bias. The Village of Johnson City will then begin to heal, make progress and begin seeking its true potential.

We, the residents and taxpayers need to feel secure in your motivations. I truly believe that each and every one of you has the potential to be a great leader. You hold the power to make lasting changes in our village. Listen to the will of the people: North side, South side, downtown, businesses, rich, poor, middle class, and then base your decisions with a pure heart and conscience for the good of all who reside here.

Well said Julie. If one or two Board members show the same sort of dedication to the Village as you do, the Village's future may be bright.

However, if Davis and Balles continue to follow Hannon's destructive path, there may be no stopping the dissolution of the Village. Once Hannon has stripped away all of the services, there will no longer be a need for a Village.

We must all rise up and challenge our representatives. Julie Deemie can not do it alone. Attend meetings. Ask questions. Demand answers.

Silas' Bitterness was Corrosive

2010-12-27T04:30:00.000-08:00

“Growth in wisdom may be exactly measured by decrease in bitterness” - Friedrich Nietzsche

It was with great disgust and disappointment that the Fire Starter read Monica Silas' comments at her last Village Board meeting and her comments in the Press yesterday. Her personal attacks at the Board meeting would have gotten others "gavelled out" as out of order and in violation of the Village Board's "decorum policy". But alas, such rules are for the "little people". King Dennis and his court need not observe any rule they impose upon everyone else.

Silas is obviously taking her electoral loss hard. She now has to return to her menial, dead end job and face the fact that she is merely a small and bitter person with neither status nor power. She could not even graciously congratulate her replacement, Greg Deemie. Instead, her bitterness shined through and suggested that Greg would see things her way once he was on the "inside". This statement was most striking since it was this attitude that got her ousted.

Silas made a series of unsubstantiated and baseless charges against the Johnson City Fire Fighters. The absurdity of her charges is so patent, we will not spend time addressing them. However, we will make one observation. Silas was obviously kicked by some "rogue fire fighter as a child". Nothing else would explain her unbridled and irrational vitriol.

What is most shocking is the complete lack of insight Silas showed regarding the attitude of Village residents. She has spent so much time in the echo chamber with Hannon, Balles, Sullivan and their like, that she believes her own nonsense. Even with having been thoroughly rebuffed by Village residents, she seems to take this as ignorance on the part of Village residents rather than a rejection of her negative and destructive politics. Such arrogance is staggering.

We have observed before that it is much easier to tear down than to build up. Silas has proven this over the past two years. In the last two years, Hannon, Silas, Balles have torn apart the police and fire departments. Solid carreer professionals have been chased away and replaced with "yes men" politicians. With the foundations dug out from under them, these departments tilt precariously on the brink.

There is still time to save the Village from the corrosive negativity of the past several years. It is up to all of us to attend Board meetings and speak out against Hannon's destructive policies. We must insist on proactive rather than destructive. Economic development rather than systematic dismantling. And we must insist on genuine cooperation instead of the unproductive muscle flexing power trips which have become the hallmark of the "Hannon Years".

We are all responsible for the future. Silas' defeat was a good start. There is still much work to do.

Of Fire Fighters and Police Officers

2010-12-23T04:43:00.000-08:00

"When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work." - Edward F. Croker

"The backbone of our nation's domestic defense against terrorist attacks will continue to be the men and women in local law enforcement and emergency services." - Saxby Chambliss

Fire Starter read with great interest regarding the fire tuesday in downtown Binghamton. The fire was massive yet it was promptly controlled by "Binghamton's Bravest". Fire Starter can not help but wonder how much of downtown Binghamton would have been lost had they been relying on volunteers to protect the City. It certainly should give the residents in Johnson City and Endicott great pause as their relative leaders discuss a partial or complete volunteer department.

As Christmas fast approaches, Fire Starter's thoughts now turn to the brave men and women who stand between us and danger. We are mindful of the brave fire fighters and police officers who will be protecting us while we celebrate with family and friends. We are mindful of the sacrifices they make every day to protect us from the unimaginable.

It is with this in mind that we ask everyone to keep these guardians in our thoughts and prayers now and throughout the year. We also are mindful of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. So far in 2010, more than 150 police officers answered their final call. More than 30 career fire fighters answered their final alarm. They leave behind them wives, husbands, children and parents. Although we cannot know the family's grief, their loss is our loss. We are all diminished by their passing.

May the peace of the Holiday Season be with all of you. And may our heroic protectors be kept safe from harm.

Vending Machine Follies

2010-12-20T04:36:00.000-08:00

You know he is lying because his lips are moving - Unknown

The Fire Starter reported to you about Hannon's retaliation against Bruce King several weeks ago. And despite the lead time the Press had, they were unable to uncover the most obvious of lies and distortions offered by Hannon. This is largely due to its failure to even investigate Hannon's assertions.

Hannon Said: "Zikuski wanted the machines removed because he was concerned about someone going through secure areas to refill them."

But sources within the police department have confirmed that it was Hannon who raised the issue with Zikuski. Hannon objected to Bruce King in the "secured area".

Hannon asserted: "Essentially I was acting on the request of the police association to have those machines removed."

But again, sources within the police department reveal that the PBA had no problem with King's access to the "secured area". What they objected to was Hannon's plan to have machines placed in non-secured areas.

Hannon goes on: "Although this has nothing to do with the removal of the machines, I think it's important to note that for the past year-and-a-half or so the taxpayers of Johnson City have been subsidizing Mr. King's business."

If it has nothing to do with the removal of the machines, why mention it? But on the merits, Bruce King has confirmed that the reimbursement check was sent to the Village in March of 2010. Perhaps the"crack" clerk treasurer, Tom Johnson, lost it or Hannon "misplaced" it. Or perhaps it is in the evidence locker with the other unaccounted for "Hannon money". The reality is, if Hannon is so "proactive", why did this get past him? It's a wonder the Village has been able to pay its legal bills without the reimbursement from King of $57.04.

And then Hannon's biggest whopper: "I don't retaliate against people for anything."

Well this will certainly come as a surprise to Police Chief Doug Potts, Fire Chief Henry Michalovic, Fire Captain Marty Maney, Fire Marshal Robert Dempsey, the entire police department in the nineties. And let's not forget the "lowly maintenance man".

Fire Starter can only imagine the sprays of coffee and choking spells in Village breakfast nooks prompted by this final assertion.

So what have we learned today, class? Well, Hannon is a vindictive liar who will say and do anything to get is enemies. And the Press is incapable of covering a legitimate scandal and obvious abuse of power. Where was comment from Zikuski or the PBA? Why wasn't any of the above researched and printed? The Press appears incapable or unwilling to attempt to verify or debunk any bit of tripe offered by Hannon. And because of the resulting uniformed public, democracy suffers.

Incompetence or Corruption?

2010-12-16T04:30:00.000-08:00

“What the people out there are calling for is honesty which has been missing for quite some time now. We are tired of all the deceit and incompetence of this government.” - Joseph Muscat

Fire Starter has learned that under the guise of consolidation of services, Johnson City is yet again subsidizing public safety in neighboring communities.

We have previously highlighted Village's deal to share a fire chief with the Village of Endicott. In the end, the Village of Johnson city paid $50,000 more for a part time chief than it would have cost for a full time chief promoted from the ranks. Endicott reduced their cost of having a fire chief by $45,000 and went from a full time chief to a part time chief.

In the police department, Binghamton was the beneficiary of Hannon's largess. Similarly to the shared services deal with Endicott, Johnson City is paying $50,000 more for half of Binghamton's chief than if they promoted through ranks. Binghamton, on the other hand saved $45,000 courtesy of Uncle Dennis from JC. Dennis was so generous that he is also reducing Binghamton's expense for other command positions through the use of Johnson City tax dollars.

Fire Starter has now learned that Dennis Hannon is essentially gifting the services of a Johnson City Police Detective and the use of a Johnson City Police car to the City of Binghamton. Daily, this detective now signs in at the Johnson City Police Station, signs out a JC detective car and reports to Binghamton to pick up his Binghamton counterpart. They both spend their day in Binghamton doing Binghamton police work. Fire Starter has learned that the JC detective has been unable to carry out his duties in the Village due to his responsibilities is the city of Binghamton.

The underwriting of neighboring communities is bad enough. But now, village resources are being gifted to neighboring communities. Ad this is not even to mention the complicated jurisdictional and authority issues which are sure to come to the surface.

What's hard to rationalize is why is Hannon doing this. does he think he will someday become Broome's "supercop" or County Executive? Dream on. Hannon has shown himself incapable of managing his own "train wreck" of a personal life much less the Village or a county.

Which leads Fire Starter to the conclusion that if Hannon is not "on-the-take", he is being cheated.

But Did Hannon Lie??

2010-12-13T04:30:00.000-08:00

“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” - Albert Einstein

Fire Starter read with great interest the latest diatribe from Johnson City resident and dissolutionist, John Sullivan. We have addressed Mr. Sullivan's prior diatribes and really have no interest in revisiting these issues. He really offers nothing new in this latest screed.

To read Mr. Sullivan's column, you would have the impression that he is clean as the driven snow. You would never suspect that his wife is an Endicott school teacher who "feeds at the public trough" to borrow Mr. Sullivan's lexicon. You would never know that he receives a Veteran's credit on his property taxes based upon his military service for a home which is in his wife's name only. And you would never know that perhaps his interest in "secession" of a portion of JC could be at least in part fueled not by his sense of civic duty but rather his frustrated attempts to launch a development project.

What was most interesting in this latest piece was his indignation regarding the union's lawyer calling Mayor Dennis Hannon a liar. Recently, the Press & Sun Bulletin ran an article regarding Hannon's "investigation" of former Fire Marshal Dempsey. In that article, the Union's lawyer, Gene Faughnan said that Hannon's assertions regarding the destruction of documents was untrue. Faughnan said: "He's saying that things were improperly not where they're supposed to be. I'm saying that's patently false. He's lying,". In it's online edition, the Press provided copies of documents that were allegedly "missing". A review of those documents reveals that at least four of the incidents referenced by Hannon were expunged from the records of the fire fighters by agreement with the Village. If he lied about this aspect of his report, what else did he lie about?

Suillivan is upset with Hannon being called a liar. He says "the language used by Johnson City Fire Department union lawyer Gene Faughnan in reference to our elected officials is highly offensive on its own".

But did Hannon lie??

Sullivan says "calling our mayor a "liar" in print (without being established in court) also tarnishes the excellent reputation of his law firm".

But did Hannon lie??

He goes on to suggest "maybe the general partner of HH&K should communicate with Mayor Dennis Hannon about the veracity of Faughnan's allegations."

But did Hannon lie??

No where in Mr. Sullivan's latest screed does he try to defend Hannon's falsehood. Maybe he already knows there is no defense. And to the likes of John Sullivan, it really does not matter whether Hannon lied so long as it advances his dream of dissolution.

And this sort of situational ethics is exactly why Hannon, Sullivan and their ilk are so dangerous.

When They Came for the Firemen...

2010-12-09T04:30:00.000-08:00

"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter". -George Washington

Free Speech is dead in Johnson City. That is, if you are a professional fire fighter. Tuesday night, the Village of Johnson City voted to modify the Rules and Regulations of the fire department to make it a punishable offense to criticize the Mayor and Board members. this was done in response to alleged abusive behavior in the past.   Strangely, Hannon was unable to point to a single instance in which any fire fighter had acted in an insolent or abusive manner.

In keeping with other petty dictators such as Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez, Hannon has sought to consolidate his power through threats, intimidation and blatant violations of civil rights.  It is not surprising that he should continue his tyrannical plan by limiting free speech. He initially tried to silence all citizens but found enough push back from citizens that the measure had to be withdrawn.  So now, he will attempt the suppression of opposition with baby steps. But make no mistake, he will be coming for other village employees should they get "uppity". And Village residents will not be far behind. With every taste of abuse of power, Hannon's appetite is increased. It may only be about fire fighters today, but it will not end here.

And it seems likely that the fire fighter's union will go to court to try and stop this blatant violation of the constitution.  This will result in ever increasing legal bills for the Village. And for what? So that Hannon can be free of criticism?

The last time Hannon attempted such a power grab, the Press & Sun Bulletin had an editorial in which it admonished Hannon to have a thicker skin. But this time it is strangely silent. Are they now on Hannon's payroll? Or are they too lazy or incompetant to tell the real story? and what of citizens who have sat by while this tyrant continues to trample fundamental rights. It is reminiscent of the Martin Niemoler timeless warning regarding oppressive regimes:

"When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Jew.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out."

So we all must ask ourselves...when do we say once and for all; enough. We as citizens of the Villlage of Johnson City better find an answer soon. Before it is too late.

Hannon Goes After Free Speech Again

2010-12-06T04:23:00.000-08:00

“Every tyrant who has lived has believed in freedom - for himself” - Elbert Hubbard

In yesterday's Press & Sun Bulletin, reporter Steve Reilly reported on proposed changes to the Rules and Regulations of the Johnson City Fire Department. To read the story, one might imagine that Hannon is routinely being yelled and cursed at by Village employees. One can imagine that Hannon is frequently assaulted by vile language and threats of violence at Village Board meetings. You can even imagine that poor Hannon is in fear for his safety because of unruly Village employees. And you would be wrong.

Fire Starter reviewed the proposed regulations and the former regulations on the Press Connects web site. What is apparent is that the proposed changes to regulations seeks to penalize fire fighters who CRITICIZE the mayor or the Village Board. It is not abusive or insolent behavior that Hannon is trying to stop but rather mere CRITICISM.

Taken in isolation, this would be disturbing enough. However, with Hannon's track record of attempting to squelch free speech, it is nothing short of shocking. Let's now take a stroll down memory lane and revisit Hannon's repeated assaults on the first amendment:

In Late 2009, Hannon attemted to discipline Captain Marty Maney for speaking at village board meetings and being CRITICAL of reductions in the size of the department. he ultimately had to surrender this assault as it was clearly violative of the Unted States Constitution.
In January of 2010, Hannon attempted to limit citizens ability to ask questions at board meetings during the "privilege of the floor". Hannon again surrendered in the face a public outcry against this unconstitutional assault on Village citizens.
Several months ago, Hannon threatened Village firefighter and resident Marty Meaney when he asked questions regarding unaccounted for money in the police department.
Just a few weeks ago, former trustee Bruce King posted a piece on Press Connects that was critical of Mayor Hannon and set the record straight regarding Hannon's bald faced lies.

Which now brings us to Hannon's latest assault on the constitution. At this point, Hannon has been brushed back enough times on this issue that he should have the understanding of a constitutional lawyer. Most lay people understand that this sort of jack-thuggery is not permissible. However, it seems that Hannon has again decided to roll the dice on another legal battle and let the Village residents bankroll him. Yet everyone understands that snake-eyes are in his future.

Which brings us to the press coverage of the issue. Mr. Reilly is either incompetent or on the payroll; much like his fellow media hack, Scott Gallagher of WBNG. How Mr. Reilly could look at a rule which makes it a punishable offense to CRITICIZE the Mayor or the board and allow the mayor to say he is not trying to squelch CRITICISM is beyond our comprehension. Frankly, most grade school children would recognize the absurdity. But apparently not Mr. Reilly.

Which is why the Fire Starter began posting seven months ago. It became apparent that we could not rely on anyone else to tell the truth about local government. And this is why we will continue to post regarding outrageous conduct by our local leaders.

Hannon Violates Rules Again

2010-12-02T04:23:00.000-08:00

"A fish rots from the head down" - Chinese Proverb

Fire Starter considered addressing Mayor Hannon's latest smear with a detailed point by point response. However, his smear of the fire department was so vague and redacted that there was no way that one could go line by line to refute his allegations. And this was exactly Hannon's intent. He is such an unmitigated coward that he is unwilling to hold his allegations up in the bright sunshine to allow for a full and fair evaluation of his claims. Rather, he would prefer to indict through suggestion and innuendo.

But Fire Starter has been looking at another aspect of Hannon's latest petty thuggery. Hannon seems to be a man who knows every letter of the rules but has no concept of justice. This is why it is somewhat surprising that he is so blindly unaware of the Village of Johnson City Code of Ethics.

Under Section 2 of the Code of Ethics, the code is clearly states that it is to apply to "every officer or employee of the Village of Johnson City...". One proscription in the Code notes "he/she shall not disclose confidential information acquired by them in the course of their official duties or use such information to further their personal interest". Section 5 of the Code, entitled "Penalties" holds that "In addition to any penalty contained in any other provision of law, any person who shall knowingly and intentionally violate any of the provisions of this code may be fined, suspended, or removed from office or employment...".

That the document released by Hannon contained confidential information is without question. In addition to the various claims of misconduct by various fire fighters, it discloses specific allegations against retired Fire Marshal Robert Dempsey. Such matters, as we are constantly advised by Mayor Hannon, are confidential and can not be disclosed. That is unless there is something to be gained by Mayor Hannon. Then the rules no longer apply.

Only the rules do apply. Hannon is an officer of the Village. The code applies to "officers and employees". The Code prohibits the disclosure of confidential information acquired in the course of "official duties". Hannon clearly disclosed confidential information regarding Dempsey and perhaps a number of other current and past fire department employees. And Hannon seems to have done so for his own personal political benefit. Three strikes and you're out.

Which brings us to the penalty phase. Under penalties, violators may be "fined, suspended or removed from office...". Perhaps we ought to start with the 30 day suspension that Hannon seems so fond of and investigate his removal from office in the meantime. Certainly, we would not want to hold Hannon to any lower standard than he has applied to other Village employees and officers.

As evidence of the multiple abuses of power mount, it is time to consider whether Hannon needs to be removed from office. He has lost all moral authority (if he ever had any). The Village can not move forward with such corruption at the top. It is time for Hannon to step down or be removed.

Hannon Continues Abuse

2010-11-29T03:54:00.000-08:00

“Since the things we do determine the character of life, no blessed person can become unhappy. For he will never do those things which are hateful and petty.” - Aristotle

While Fire Starter was contemplating the many blessings to be thankful for, Dennis Hannon was plotting his next abuse of power.

You will recall that two weeks ago, former Johnson City trustee and local businessman Bruce King posted a detailed article on Press Connects which corrected many of the misrepresentations made by Dennis Hannon in a prior Press article. We were so impressed by the information that we re-printed the post here with Mr. King's permission. Well, it did not take long for Mayor Hannon to abuse his power as mayor and go after Mr. King.

Bruce King owns and operates a successful vending machine business. Mr. King has soda and candy machines in businesses throughout the southern tier. Included in his list of sites was the Johnson City Police Department. Well no longer.

Within hours of the publishing of King's piece in the Press & Sun Bulletin, King received word from Dennis Hannon that his machines are to be removed from Village property within 24 hours. No explanation. No justification. Just "remove the machines".

Fortunately for Bruce King, these machines are but a small cog in the wheel of his business. But again, this highlights Hannon's willingness to use his power to punish his enemies. But what is most disturbing about this latest incident is Hannon's willingness to abuse his power without even a shred "cover". In his current delusional state, he seems to think he has a right to abuse the public trust to pursue his personal enemies. The voters rejected this sort of approach when it rejected Hannon's partner in buffoonery, Monica Silas. Hannon should be aware of the election results. Which leads us to believe that he has begun to lose his grasp on reality.

Which also leads us to believe that there will be more of this nonsense to come.

Giving Thanks

2010-11-22T06:16:00.000-08:00

“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” - Albert Pine

As we enter Thanksgiving week, Fire Starter has a few thoughts about the Holiday and the months to come. Thanksgiving is a time when we slow down, count our blessings and attempt to place adversity in perspective. With this in mind, Fire Starter has a few thoughts on things we can all be thankful for.

The United States Military - These brave men and women travel the the far reaches of the world to protect our freedom and our way of life. They sacrifice family, careers, and sometimes their lives to allow us to live our lives in safety with our families. Their unselfish service is awe-inspiring.

Police Officers - Police officers go to the dark corners of our society so that we do not have to. They protect us day and night. While we eat turkey, they patrol so that we can relax and enjoy family. We often deal with them on the worst days of our lives, yet forget that this is what they deal with every day. They stand between us and societal chaos. And for that, we should all be thankful.

Fire Fighters - When all are running from the fire, they are running toward it. They place their lives at risk to protect ours. They leave family behind on holidays since there are no "scheduled emergencies". They do not regard themselves as heroes as they are doing what their career requires. But we all know the heroism of their daily service.

Medical Professionals - Whether doctors, physicians assistants, nurses or other medical professionals, these men and women serve 24/7. They provide care and comfort when we and our love ones are at our most vulnerable. They are at the ready no matter the illness or injury. And they provide the care with skill and compassion.

These are but a few who will be serving us while we are serving ourselves turkey and stuffing. Fire Starter urges everyone to pause for a moment and give thanks for these dedicated and diligent professionals. Their service allows us to live in safety and security.

And for that, we should all be truly thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Learn to Lose Gracefully

2010-11-18T04:30:00.000-08:00

The following was submitted to Pressconnects by Former Johnson City Trustee and local businessman, Bruce King. It addresses Mayor Hannon's smears and distortions which were recently printed on the OpEd page of the Press & Sun Bulletin. We reprint it here with Mr. King's permission.

Learn to lose gracefully. 11/16/2010

Mayor Hannon's Guest Viewpoint, dated November 11th, says that it is the other guys fault. Here is my viewpoint having served on the board longer than anyone that is there now with the exception of Trustee Balles. Mayor, you didn't “take your seat”, you were voted into office. Had the voters known that you were going to cost them the vote in 2008 would have been different. I call it irresponsible to spend hundreds of thousands, possibly a million dollars in attorney fees, court awarded settlements, and probably two years salaries for six firefighters who didn't have to come to work but will get paid.

I do not believe that all village departments were being mismanaged. I believe that there was/is an issue in the courts, issues in the clerk/treasurer office, and yes there were issues not being properly addressed in the fire department.

As for meeting minutes I have talked with former Mayor Lewis and he says “that's a lie, he never instructed his clerk to not record specific things”. I remember, from my four years on the board, in a work session clerk Kakusian took some notes on her computer as was the case of her predecessor Mr. Augostini although he didn't use a computer. They didn't take down any word for word work sessions conversations. As for the regular meetings, Clerk Kakusian's printed minutes of the meetings had much more information than when the previous clerk printed them. The tape backups of the regular meetings are there for review and to listen to the tone of the meetings. (Or are they?) Where are they and are they available to be reviewed?

The Fire Department did have what was called Chief's Time, another form of compensatory time. It would be awarded to those who came in on their own time to do additional work on such things as rebuild the kitchen on the SS Fire station, to work as Fire Safety Instructors in our schools and Fire Starter Intervention Officers. These times were all recorded and used as they needed to take an hour or two to go to the Doctors or to pick up a sick child and take them to the sitters etc.

As far as a Fire Administrator and unearned compensatory time the Village Board pushed hard to clear up the misunderstanding of who was entitled to what. We had an agreement that the money was to be paid back and he would retire the next year. Trustee Hannon wouldn't hear of it and started his own investigation. More attorneys' fees same end result, money paid back and retirement.

Mayor Lewis says “I never lied to him about mutual aid just explained to him that the current and previous chief's preference was to call in JC FFs because of their response time and familiarity with the Village”. Yes it caused overtime and yes we did need to change the way we called for mutual aid because of the cost of overtime. Question: How long are we going to count on mutual aid from the Volunteer Departments if we don't reciprocate, especially if we are doing it just to save money?

I do agree with you that you “TOOK over” in 2009 by whatever you promised Trustees Balles and Silas. Last fall you told me you hadn't realized how much stuff comes across the Mayor's desk. Had you ever gone into Mayor Lewis's office and sat and talked about the job you would have known that it was much more than you had anticipated.

You have been on a vendetta against Mayor Lewis since you were Chief of Police. I'm not sure when you started hating the Fire department but it was clear from the start of your first term you had no serious interest in sitting down and working anything out.

That pattern is even clearer now that the JC Police offered a good contract with a smaller percentage pay increase than even Binghamton got and you said no. That means more money for the attorneys. You didn't even budget for years 3 thru 5 of their increases. That will be the next Mayors problem.

I did agree we needed an outsider to come in and recapture control of the Fire department. I voted to hire Chief Hrustich not knowing he was part of your plan to tear apart the JCFD. As to the letters of “No Confidence” as a taxpayer I expect the Mayors of JC and Endicott to have their respective fire committees investigate. This isn't from one or two fireman it's from 60 plus firefighters. It is a personnel issue but all board members should know and understand the charges and the results. I mean no disrespect to Chief Hrustich; I found him to be very knowledgeable and by all accounts he is a good firefighter.

As for the manning clause, you be the judge.

Contract Article 27

“The Village shall maintain the current and actual level of firefighters throughout the term of this contract.”

This clause has been in the contract since 1984, manpower was at 44 and had to be maintained till this clause was changer or removed.

Mayor Lewis, Trustee Adams, and I did not shove this down anyone's throat. Trustees Hannon and Balles were there at the meeting and both chose not to table the resolution or hold it over to the next meeting. Instead they chose to vote no, knowing that it would pass. I can't speak to their motives of allowing this to happen if they were so convinced it was a bad contract.

We are by some standards a small community and as such if you are in public service you get to know many people. Many people choose to follow in their family's business whether it's a restaurant, police, fire DPW, factory, or education. It is not a surprise that a 65+ year old Mayor with over a dozen grandchildren may have a relative working for the municipality he governs for. It's not nepotism when to obtain a job the applicant must pass State exams and physicals. The family members referenced in the minutes were a son-inlaw's brother and a daughter-in-law's brother, hardly close family. Harry Lewis is not the type of man that would vote to benefit a certain person or persons; he always did what he felt best for the community. Please remember that the job is to protect and serve the community not just the loudest residents.

In closing let me address two final items. The fire contract was not a scam, it was a tough contract and had we been able to work with the firefighters through the months after it was signed without the heavy-handed tactics of Trustee/Mayor Hannon we would not be the center of attention in the paper and your taxes would be the same or less with the 6 laid off firefighters earning the money they will be paid. Secondly to me the term “comrades” has a very negative connotation. Former Mayor Lewis and I take great offence at such a reference having served in the military to protect our great country from such tyranny. Trustee Adams served his whole career protecting and serving the people of JC. It is also an insult to him.

Mayor Hannon: You are not a police officer anymore, it is past time to put away the Billy-club and try honest and open negotiations and communications.

Former Trustee Bruce King, www.letstalkjc .org

Well said Bruce. And we commend Bruce's web site, www.letstalkjc.org, to all of our readers.

Gifting Village Assets

2010-11-15T06:08:00.000-08:00

“The accomplice to the crime of corruption is frequently our own indifference” - Bess Myerson

Fire Starter reported several weeks ago about Mayor John Bertoni gifting Village assets in the form of excess millings from road work. Since then, some have suggested that this is "no big deal" since the millings would have to be disposed of if not gifted to FOB's (Friends of Bertoni's). However, this misses the point. First, if the millings were worhtless or a burden, no one would want them. Obviously that is not the case. The excess millings are useful and sought after since several local businesses utilized the Village's property to enhance their own. Second, it ignores the fact that Village employees utilized Village time and equipment to deliver the material. In at least one instance, Village employees spread the material for the local business. From Fire Starter's point of view, this equals conversion of public property and possibly graft.

Fire Starter now has further information regarding the businesses which benefited from the FOB millings plan. Two businesses that benefited from the FOB plan are Felix Roma Bakery on South Page Avenue and Big Daddy O's on Jennings Street.

Felix Roma Bakery Lot with Village Millings

Big Daddy O's Lot With Village Millings

Extra Millings for Future use at Big Daddy O's

The Bottom line is that local businesses are being gifted Village resources in the form of extra millings and Village employee work. This is wrong and corrupt. And it certainly begs the question, what is Bertoni getting in return?

But if you need some material for your driveway, call Mayor Bertoni today (757-2420) and get your name in for next spring. I am sure Village employees will be right over to take care of the job.

Hannon's Rant

2010-11-11T05:01:00.000-08:00

"Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives..." - John Lennon

Mayor Dennis Hannon published an opinion piece in yesterday's Press & Sun Bulletin in which he attempted to respond to the pamphlet sent to Johnson City residents several weeks ago. Fire Starter read with great excitement and anticipation Mayor Hannon's rebuttal to the detailed and factual account provided by the State Association of Fire Fighters. We could not wait to see all the facts and figures that prove once and for all that the pamphlet was just a "fairy tale".

Imagine our disappointment when we realized that this was yet another fact-less screed intended to distract voters and deflect justifiable criticism.

It was a "hit piece" on Harry Lewis. The Mayor accuses former mayor Lewis of lying to him regarding "mutual aid". No details of what this lie was or proof that it occurred. Only Hannon's unsubstantiated assertion.

It was another tepid defense of Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich. No facts. Just an undeserved and unsubstantiated "attaboy".

It was an attack on the vote of no confidence taken by the fire fighter's union. The no confidence resolution details the misfeasance and malfeasance of Hrustich. Again, no facts. Just the assertion.

He then concludes that "the firefighter's contract was the greatest scam ever perpetrated on the people of Johnson City". But of course, no factual back up.

Fire Starter has always endeavored to provide fact based analysis of Hannon's destructive behavior. We have provided facts and figures regarding fire fighter salaries, the cost of the shared police chief and the Joint Fire Administrator. We have provided figures regarding the cost of the endless litigation and the lack of economic development in the Village. We even provided evidence to show that Hannon's incompetence started while he was Village Police Chief. It may not have won us a Pulitizer Prize, but it has always been fact based.

As a rambling rant, we give Hannon an "A". As anything resembling a reasoned argument or a fact based advocacy piece, he gets an "F".

Which causes Fire Starter to wonder whether Mayor Hannon is beginning to lose his grasp on reality. Perhaps his destructive approach to Village government is beginning to catch up to him. Perhaps he realizes that the end of his reign of pettiness is close at hand. The fact that voters rejected Hannon's crusade to destroy the Village may be too much for him to handle. Suddenly, he finds that he is not the Sheriff of Johnson City but an impotent little man.

And unfortunately for Hannon, everyone else sees the same thing.

Has Hannon Lost Confidence?

2010-11-08T03:23:00.000-08:00

"The problem is, the truth hurts. And it's even harder to admit that you're wrong." - Daniel Anglea

Fire Starter read with incredulity Mayor Hannon's statements regarding the informational brochure distributed to Village residents several weeks ago. Rather than attempt a point by point rebuttal, he dismissed the pamphlet as a "fairy tale". One would think that if the publication was that inaccurate, the Mayor, with all of the facts, figures and records on hand would have been able to prove the fallacy of the assertions in the pamphlet. Instead, Hannon makes several conclusory statements with absolutely no back-up. If the facts are unfavorable, engage in ad hominem attack.

Which brings us to the article in the Press & Sun Bulletin on Saturday. Apparently, Hannon felt it necessary to reveal the contents of the Village Fire Fighters no confidence vote taken in December of 2009. In the no confidence resolution, Village Fire Fighters raise numerous issues regarding the dangerous management style of Chief Hrustich. Numerous examples of his reckless disregard for safety are provided.

Again, rather than provide a basis for rejecting the resolution, Mayor Hannon attacks the messenger and their motivations. Fire Starter is of the belief that if Hrustich was such a great Chief and Administrator, Hannon would have been able to list his numerous accomplishments. However, as we know, Hrustich's accomplishments are few and his missteps many.

Fire Starter has listed numerous instances of Hrustich's poor performance. He apparently makes life and death command decisions when he is not even at the scene of a fire. He advocated and briefly implemented automatic first alarm response between Endicott and Johnson City; a practice which left one or both Villages vulnerable. He has let training lapse on life saving techniques including confined space rescue and and boat rescue. He has made manpower cuts resulting in station closures, under manning and delayed response time. One can only imagine how bad Hrustich would be if he was not such a great administrator as Hannon asserts.

Maybe the Fire Starter is reading too much into Hannon's fact-less and tepid defense of Hrustich. But it certainly raises two possibilities. Either Hannon has no facts to support Hrustich. Or perhaps Hannon is growing tired of his pet Fire Chief and has decided to let him twist in the wind. Otherwise, why would Hannon release the no confidence resolution to the press? It certainly does not paint a favorable picture of Hrustich's management and command of the Johnson City Fire Department.

It is also worthy of note that in yesterday's Press & Sun Bulletin, a Johnson City resident noted the cold, callous and thoughtless way in which Hrustcih discussed a recent fire victim. The letter writer first commended the Johnson City fire fighters for efficiently putting the fire out. She then went on to note:

"I would like to express deep distress over Chief Stephen Hrustich's actions. He had no business announcing that a very sweet 89-year-old lady was a hoarder. If he had exhibited an iota of compassion, the TV and print reporters would have had enough for coverage of a horrific house fire. But, no, he felt it necessary to demean a woman he didn't even know."

To paraphrase former President Bush, "your doing a heckuva job, Stevie".

As a final aside, it appears that now that the election season is over, Hannon will begin to dig into his secret files and see what kind of mud he can throw at his enemies. Unfortunately for him, the public is tired of his nonsense. They want real answers to the challenges that face the Village. Fire Starter believes that Hannon should use his energies to improve Johnson City rather than throw stones. But we are not hopeful that he has heard the voters.

A New Dawn?

2010-11-04T05:43:00.000-07:00

“However long the night, the dawn will break.” - African Proverb

Election day results are still "unofficial". One can only guess how they may change over the next few weeks.

Endicott had candidates for Village Board who ran unopposed. Some might view this of an affirmation of Mayor Bertoni and his corrupt practices. Fire Starter views this more of a statement reflecting the dysfunctional status of the Republican party in Endicott. The Endicott Republicans are still be reeling in the aftermath of the Colella debacle. However, in the meantime, the Bertoni debacle is unfolding before our eyes.

In the City of Binghamton, there were no City elections. Therefore, at least for now, the price of fiscal irresponsibility and "cost of war" clocks remain to be paid in 2011.

In the Village of Johnson City, residents were given very limited choices. Voters were allowed to choose two trustee candidates. There was Rick Balles who is always on the winning side of any vote...even when he has to change his vote to accomplish this feat. There was the uncontrite suspended lawyer who mishandled client funds but thought he was "just the guy" the Village needed. There was Monica Silas, the Board member who was unable to look beyond her petty grudges to find the greater good for the Village. And there was the one candidate with integrity and a devotion to the Village, Greg Deemie.

For now, it appears that Village residents made the best of their choices and selected Rick Balles and Greg Deemie. They rejected the crooked lawyer. And they may well have rejected the destructive policies and approach of Monica Silas. It appears they turned to the optimistic and forward thinking Deemie. Balles was the least of three evils. His quiet support of Hannon's destructive policies allowed him to "fly under the radar". Monica may well pay the price for her unerring support of Hannon's chicanery.

If the election night results stand, there will be two solid Board members who are willing to roll up their sleeves and move the Village forward and ensure that the services we pay for are provided. Novobilski and Deeemie will hold Hannon's feet to the fire and try to stop his petty pursuits and wasteful spending. And Balles will no longer be able to hide. He will be the deciding vote. He alone will determine whether the Village thrives or whithers.

Fire Starter believes that the Village Board should force a halt to the lawsuits and legal spending. Concentrate those dollars on economic development. Make peace with the fire fighters. Find common ground. Get the police officers up to date on their contract (now five years in arrears). Eliminate the wasteful spending on part time "shared services" in the police and fire departments. This means sending over paid and under worked part time Joint Fire Administrator Hrustich and Joint Police Chief Zikuski packing. And perhaps...just perhaps... Hannon will get the hint and follow them.

And perhaps Endicott and Binghamton will also get the message.

Hope for Change

2010-11-01T06:08:00.000-07:00

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi

The Johnson City Village Board election is upon us. So who should be surprised by the underhanded dirty dealing occurring in the Village.

Prior to yesterday afternoon, Fire Starter thought the worst had come and gone. A sitting Board member was blatantly telling lies about her opponent. Another Board candidate was suspended from the practice of law and the media yawned. Campaign signs were stolen and destroyed. In other words, a normal election cycle for the "corruptacrats".

Yesterday, the campaign took a new and even uglier turn. The Fire Starter found an anonymous flier on the doorstep which featured photos of current and retired fire fighter's houses and the legend "a vote for Greg Deemie is a vote for the Fire Department". This seems to follow up on Silas' lie previously debunked on these pages. Somehow, because Greg Deemie had recordings of Village Board meetings and was subpoenaed to verify the contents of those recordings, he is a "vote for the Fire Department".

What is most stunning is that this is at least the second time Silas, Balles and their supporters seem to cast the conflict as the Village versus the Fire Department. As previously noted, the Fire Department is a department within the Village. However, this certainly does provide some insight into the thinking of these candidates. So when Silas and Balles tells you they are for public safety, remember these facts:

Silas and Balles approved reductions in police staff in the face of the rising crime problem in the Village.
Silas has supported combining the Village police department with the Binghamton police department despite the risks to public safety from the resulting under staffing.
Silas and Balles supported the "shared" police chief concept with the accompanying increase in cost and decrease in service.
Silas initiated and Balles supported the idea of illegally laying off six fire fighters despite offers from the fire fighter union which would have reduced costs and maintained appropriate staffing.
Silas and Balles supported the "shared" fire chief concept with the accompanying increase in cost and decrease in service.
Silas opposes any proposal regarding fire service which would keep a professional fire department protecting Village residents.
Silas advocated for rejecting the 1.3 million SAFER grant which would have reinstated the six laid off fire fighters at NO COST to the Village.

With this record, it is a small wonder that Balles and Silas do not wish to address the issues facing the Village. However, this "Fire Department vs. Village" mentality reveals far more of their mindset than any campaign literature or promise. It reveals a mindset bent on tearing down rather than lifting up. Economic development and safe neighborhoods take a back seat to petty squabbles and power plays. Hannon, Balles and Silas fiddle while JC burns.

The Hannon, Silas and Balles years have been marked by unprecedented acrimony and wasteful and vengeful spending with little to show for it. Crime is on the rise. Neighborhoods have deteriorated. Code enforcement is a joke. Hannon, Balles and Silas have a lot to account for. And tomorrow is your chance to send a message.

Shady Lawyer Gives Shady Explanation

2010-10-28T04:07:00.000-07:00

"Lawyers spend a great deal of time shovelling smoke." - Oliver Wendell Holmes

Fire Starter first reported on October 1, 2010 regarding the shady backround of Johnson City Trustee candidate Shawn O'Buckley. Fire Starter learned that O'Buckley's law license in the State of Colorado was suspended because he:

"...recklessly failed to diligently represent or adequately communicate with a number of clients. He also recklessly charged unreasonable fees, failed to communicate the basis his fee, and failed to safeguard client funds."

These were not mere allegations. Mr. O'Buckley admitted the misconduct and surendered his license to practice law.

The local media has finally begun to notice this shocking information and report on it. What took so long is really hard to fathom. All of the relevant information is freely available from official sources on the internet. One can only imagine the headlines had the misconduct involved a Village employee.

Mr. O'Buckley now tries to say that he did nothing wrong. This would seem to be contradicted by his admission of guilt to the Colorado Supreme Court. So, as the saying goes...was he lying then or is he lying now. As we have pointed out before, either way, this makes him a liar.

However, upon further review, we are convinced that he is at least as qualified for a Village Board seat as Balles and Silas. All three mishandle other peoples money, make false public statements and run from their record. Based upon Balles and Silas' history, O'Buckley appears to be a piker.

Further Endicott Corruption

2010-10-25T05:46:00.000-07:00

“Corruption is authority plus monopoly minus transparency.”
- Unknown

Fire Starter reported several weeks ago about the corrupt nepotism in the Village of Endicott and the Village of Johnson City. It appears that the number one priority of both Mayor Bertoni and Mayor Hannon is to take care of family and friends. And shockingly, the respective Village Boards sit idly by as these two abuse their positions of public trust.

Fire Starter has now learned that the corruption in Endicott goes much deeper. This past summer, Endicott engaged in milling activity to improve the streets of the Village. This process involves grinding up paving material, mixing it with new material and repaving. This process results in some left over paving material which can be used as fill or for parking lots and driveways much in the way one would use gravel or cinder. The material obviously has use and value.

However, in Endicott, this material has become another goody for Mayor Bertoni to give to his friends gratis. Fire Starter has been reliably informed that at least several Village businesses were given this material at not charge. In each case, the material was used as a base for a parking area. In at least one instance, Village employees were instructed to spread the material for the business owner. We are continuing to dig and will provide specifics regarding the businesses involved in the near future.

The gifting of Village assets to local business is clearly improper. There can be no explaining away this conduct. The use of Village trucks and equipment is also improper. The use of Village employees by private businesses is probably most disturbing. These employees were being paid by ALL of the taxpayers but apparently providing services to FOB's (Friends of Bertoni). One can only speculate as to what Bertoni got in return for these Village assets.

The days of this sort back room corruption have long since past. Endicott is not Mayor Bertoni's personal cookie jar out of which jobs and services are doled to his friends and family. It is time for Bertoni to come forward and explain his hand in this theft. And in all likelihood, it is time for Bertoni to step down.

However, Maybe this is some sort of new program in Endicott. Therefore, we would encourage anyone needing a new driveway to call Mayor Bertoni and put in your order at 757-2420.

Economic Development...JC Style

2010-10-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." - Proverbs 29:18

You may recall that several weeks ago, the Village of Johnson City Board was asked to describe their accomplishments in economic development in the Village. Each Board member took their turn and attempted to justify their existence. That is, each Board Member other than Trustee Silas. Instead of outlining her "many" accomplishments, she "turned the question back" on community activist and Johnson City Booster, Julie Deemie.

Fire Starter speculated that Silas really had nothing to say in defense of her tenure and resorted to an "I know you are, but what am I" sort of defense. Sadly, we were mistaken. Hannon, Balles and Silas have many accomplishments as evidenced by the following photo array:

Hannon, Balles and Silas have done a remarkable job of economic development. Should several dozen retail businesses magically elect to open businesses in the Village of Johnson City, the retail space is open and waiting for them. Hannon, Balles, and Silas have done a remarkable job of presiding over the urban "Mumbai-zation" of Johnson City.

But there is still much work to be done. There still are a handful of business which need to be chased from downtown Johnson City. This is why Balles and Silas believe their re-election is so critical. Only they have the skills to critically degrade police and fire service, pursue petty grievances at great cost and "fiddle" while businesses flee from the mess they have made.

As far as the Fire Starter can tell, the one economic development that Hannon, Balles and Silas have triggered was the creation and promotion of this blog.

Hannon, Balles and Silas lack the vision and leadership to move the Village forward.

It is time to send Silas and Balles packing. Since there is only one qualified candidate on the ballot on November 2nd, we again urge you to only "vote for one". This will send an unmistakable message to these petty autocrats.

Deemie Responds

2010-10-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

“Corruption is nature's way of restoring our faith in democracy.”- Peter Ustinov

Fire Starter recently detailed the lies being told by Johnson City Village Board member and candidate Monica Silas. Apparently unable to defend her own record, she made false accusations against one of her opponents, Greg Deemie. In a Facebook post, she accused Deemie of testifying against the Village at a recent court proceeding. This was patently false and she knew it. She was there.

Now Greg Deemie has written a letter to the press confiming what the Fire Starter reported last week.

Dear Editor,

I am a candidate for Johnson City trustee in this year's election. Misinformation has been circulated about me testifying against the village. Please allow me to set the record straight.

I was subpoenaed by the law offices of Hinman, Howard & Kattell to testify in the Public Employment Relations Board court in Albany on Sept. 20. I also was subpoenaed by the Village of Johnson City's attorney for their federal case.

I legally record the Johnson City board meetings; therefore, both sides demanded copies of my recordings. Because I received a subpoena, I was bound by law to appear in court. I was not there to testify against either side; I was there to authenticate my recordings. I was following the order of the law. I never testified because the PERB case was settled out of court and the federal case was dropped.

If those responsible had conducted themselves ethically, the truth would have been known.

Greg Deemie

We await any sort of contridictory evidence from Trustee Silas.

And while we are speaking of the Village of Johnson City, what's happening with Silas' Democratic running mate, Shawn O'Buckley? As you will recall, Silas passed joint election petitions with Mr. O'Buckley. Fire Starter later learned that Mr. O'Buckley was recently suspended from the practice of law in the state of Colorado. Mr. O'Buckley admitted to failing to properly safeguard client money and overcharging clients. We now have the Court Decision regarding O'Buckley.

This guy is a real class act. And a fitting running mate for Monica Silas. It's easy to see why she would be confused by a person of integrity like Greg Deemie.

On November 2nd, you will have your chance to restore Democracy in the Village of Johnson City. Use your vote wisely.

Incompetence

2010-10-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

"Man can not live by incompetence alone". - Charlotte Whitton

The State Comptroller issued a report last week regarding the financial operations of the Village of Johnson City. Although Mayor Hannon tried to argue that the shortcomings in village finance were someone else's responsibility, a review of the Comptroller's report would reveal otherwise. The Audit covered the period from June 1, 2008 to August31, 2009.

At the outset, the Comptroller correctly points out that the Village's "..elected five member Board of Trustees is responsible for the general management and control of the Village's finances and operations. The Mayor, who is a member of the Board, serves as the Village's chief executive officer". In other words, all five Board members (including the Mayor) share responsibility for all Village finances.

Hannon, Silas and Balles were all Village Board members during the relevant time frame. Balles has been on the Village Board since 1998. Hannon was first elected to the Board in 2007 and became Mayor June of 2009. Silas was elected to the Board in 2008. If there were deficiencies in the way Village finances were handled during the relevant time frame, these three bear a significant share of responsibility.

The Comptroller found in relevant part that:

The Board failed to provide proper training to the former clerk treasurer and current accounts payable clerk.

The Board failed to fulfill its responsibility of fiscal oversight.

The Board did not utilize accurate information as the basis of its budgeting.

The Board had no process in place to determine the appropriate balance for reserve for encumbrances.

The Board over expended 21 separate budget lines during fiscal year 2008-2009.

The Board failed to ensure that Village accounting records were accurate and current.

In short, the Village Board failed to meet its most basic responsibilities to the taxpayers. Instead of safeguarding the taxpayer's money, Hannon, Silas and Balles have been distracted by petty squabbles and heavy handed power plays. They pursued frivolous vendettas while the Village finances went unattended.

So now Balles and Silas believe that their performance deserves another term as Village Board members. It is hard to fathom the arrogance that would lead these two individuals to this conclusion. But the taxpayers know better. It is time to turn out the incompetents. And send a message to the lead incompetent, Hannon.

NEWS FLASH: SILAS IS A LIAR

2010-10-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

"He who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual." - Thomas Jefferson

Fire Starter knows that this is no real news flash. Trustee Monica Silas has repeatedly shown herself to be a characterless liar who will do anything to promote Mayor Dennis Hannon's destructive agenda. We just have new evidence of her deceitfulness.

Silas recently posted on her Facebook page that her opponent, Greg Deemie, testified against the Village of Johnson City at a recent hearing pertaining to the suspension of Captain Marty Maney. See for yourself.

First, Fire Starter has confirmed that NO ONE testified in Albany. The Village surrendered in the face of certain defeat. Fire Starter has learned that Monica Silas was in Albany for the hearing and clearly knows that NO ONE TESTIFIED. This makes her Facebook statement nothing short of a lie. Not spin. Not an exageration. A LIE.

Second, Fire Starter has reliably confirmed that Greg Deemie had been present in Albany under subpoena by both the Village and the Village Fire Fighters. We can only guess as to the reason for his appearance, but it may have been because he and his wife Julie are regular attendees at Village Board meetings.

Third, had Deemie testified under oath, he would neither be testifying for or against anyone. He would be telling the truth; something that Silas does have even a passing familiarity with.

And finally, Silas seems to make this out as the Village versus the Fire Department. Last time we checked, the Fire Department is part of the Village government.

Silas seems to believe she deserves another term as Village Trustee. She certainly fits in with Hannon and Balles and the suspended lawyer, O'Buckley. But Village residents deserve better than they have been getting from the Village Board. Village residents deserve integrity in their leaders. Silas must go.

On November 2nd, send a message to the dishonest, self dealing politicians and vote for only one candidate for Johnson City Village Board.