Friday, April 19, 2024 | St. Lawrence County, NY
BY JIMMY LAWTON North Country This Week OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg will not hire an outside attorney to investigate workplace violence claims despite a recommendation made by the city attorney. …
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BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week
OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg will not hire an outside attorney to investigate workplace violence claims despite a recommendation made by the city attorney.
Council voted against the resolution Monday in a 4-3 vote, with councilors Dan Skamperle, Nichole Kennedy and Michael Powers in favor and Mayor Jeffrey Skelly, Deputy Mayor John Rishe and councilors Bill Dillabough and Steve Fisher opposed.
Kennedy told council that if there is nothing to be hidden the investigation should be completed so the city can move forward. She said investigation would be beneficial for the accused and the accusers.
Skamperle said he believed it was the council's “duty and obligation” to move forward with the investigation and said failure to do so would be unlawful.
However, councilor Bill Dillabough said the complaints were nothing more than a witch hunt aimed at a particular member of council and he would not support it.
Rishe and Fisher said the matter would be investigated at the state level as is the proper protocol. Both expressed faith that state officials would handle the matter as needed.
At issue are workplace violence complaints, which have reportedly been filed against Skelly by several city employees. Details on the complaints remain unclear as the city has refused to disclose any information regarding the matter.
On May 11 and 12 police were called to city hall for an incident involving the mayor, which allegedly included an argument with the police chief. Some city employees were allegedly escorted home by police due to safety concerns, but no charges were issued against the mayor.
Acting on the request of a citizen, Powers questioned the mayor's decision to vote against the resolution, of which had a direct impact on him. Typically a councilor would abstain from voting on a resolution of this matter due to conflicts of interest.
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