Uncategorized 8:20 am
Newsvids reads:
Atlantic City: Promises kept, problems persist
Thirty years after the kick off to legalized gambling in Atlantic City, there is no question that casinos have transformed it into a $5 billion-a-year powerhouse.
But problems that money was supposed to address remain.
Watch the AP video report on Atlantic City’s fun thirty years.
Atlantic City and Casino Gaming and Political donald trump 10:28 pm
Donald Trump says the following in a recent Associated Press piece on the thirtieth anniversary of casino gaming in Atlantic City:
“I’ve never in my life seen a group like the elected officials in Atlantic City, and it’s been like this for decades. They either leave City Hall like this,” he said, holding his arms out in front of him as if his wrists were handcuffed, “or this,” he concluded, pointing to his temple with his index finger, making circles to indicate craziness.
He is right on the mark.
Mayoral Race and Political Dominic Cappella, Floyd Tally, Stanley Holmes Village 9:42 pm
I received the following from the Cappella camp. The verbal assault from Floyd Tally signals one thing: there is trouble in the Evans camp.
CAPPELLA
F O R M A Y O R
STRAIGHT TALK… REAL CHANGE!!
www.CAPPELLAforMAYOR.com
CappellaCampaign@aol.com
PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF CAPPELLA - CONSTANTINE GUSIS, TREASURER
May 20, 2008
CAPPELLA TARGETED, DEBATE SCRAPPED
Assistant Business Administrator Domenic Cappella and two campaign staffers arrived at the Stanley S. Holmes Village Community Room twenty minutes early for the scheduled 6:30pm Mayoral Debate. They were met by independent candidate Joseph Polillo, several concerned residents, and employees of the Atlantic City Housing Authority. Word began to spread that the debate had been cancelled by the Authority and all visitors were told to leave.
Amid brief complaints from residents irritated that the function was being dismissed at the last minute, former city employee Floyd Tally burst through the door and made a bee-line for Domenic Cappella. What followed was a six minute long tirade of obscenities and verbal ridicule followed by very animated death threats mixed with promises of physical harm. Mr. Cappella remained seated and calm as the situation unfolded. An off-duty Atlantic City police officer present for the event expertly diffused the tensions and convinced Mr. Tally and two other individuals accompanying him to leave the building.
Shortly after the stunning display of aggression, Mr. Cappella and Mr. Polillo noted the absence of Mayor Evans and former Mayor Langford. As the crowd of supporters and family members loyal to disgraced former City Council President Craig Callaway grew, it became obvious the debate was in fact cancelled and the time was appropriate to leave. The verbal onslaught continued, albeit more subdued, as Mr. Cappella made his way through the offensive crowd to his vehicle.
Mr. Tally was terminated from his City position after various run-ins with law enforcement disqualified him from holding a municipal job. Tally has been indicted, along with David and Jihad Callaway, for crimes against a City Councilman and all three men are presently awaiting trial. Tally and both Callaways, along with several other known holdovers and cronies from the crumbling Callaway political machine, have been recently seen working out of a windowless Mississippi Avenue address being rented by the campaign of Mayor Scott Evans. “If this doesn’t prove to everybody that the Callaways hate me and are behind the Mayor, I don’t know what will!” said Cappella just before exiting the meeting room.
Mayoral Primary Candidate Interviews and Political 10:53 pm
Here is the third and final interview with Democrat mayoral candidates. Still to come is the lone Republican, John McQueen. Independent candidates will be featured after the June primary.
___________________
Jesse O. Kurtz: WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER MAYORAL CANDIDATES?
Dominic Cappella: I’m different from the other candidates because I represent common sense from a private industry point of view, not as a career government employee. Government jobs are necessary, but after a while you start to loose [sic] track of what’s important to the people. I may not be the most successful business owner in the City but I know what its like to meet a payroll and I think I understand better than the other candidates the difference between what the government wants for the City and what it needs. City Officials don’t always make the difference clear when they tell us what they want for the City and what the City really needs. I have experience with the daily operations of City Hall as the former Business Administrator of two distinctly different municipalities but it’s not my first and only career. The biggest difference between my opponents and me, I still think like a CEO and not a career government employee.
2. HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE ATLANTIC CITY TO PEOPLE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE CITY?
DC: “You’ve got to see this place!” Atlantic City is on the verge of being a world-class gaming/resort destination. Can you imagine a City roughly four square miles that has 33 million visitors annually? It is amazing and it’s only getting better. There is nearly $10 billion in construction announced already with more to come. Beautiful beaches and great shows, outlet shopping and the best casinos east of Vegas… bring the family and have some fun.
3. WHAT DOES THE MAYOR OF ATLANTIC CITY DO?
DC: The Mayor of any City, and especially Atlantic City, is the Chief Executive Officer. Just like any other CEO, the Mayor is the highest-ranking “corporate” officer, administrator, and executive in charge of total management of a City. The Mayor and the “Board of Directors” (City Council) report to the shareholders, the owners of the company… the citizens. The Mayor’s responsibilities therefore, include the proper management of the City, both financial and operational. The Mayor is also the most visible representative of the City; a role which requires communication skills and unwavering nerve as an ambassador for the City and emissary in the search for investors and developers.
4. WHAT DOES THE TERM “MOVING THE CITY FORWARD” MEAN?
DC: “Moving the City Forward” can mean several things to several people. To me, the phrase is like the end of a page. You have a decision to make; do you revisit what has already been done and try to continue business as usual – or – do you take the next step? “Moving the City Forward” is a declaration that opportunity has presented itself and courage is needed to take a leap toward a future brightly defined by the people who have a vision for prosperity. In my mind, moving Atlantic City forward means promoting future development, streamlining City Hall, and making sure the people of Atlantic City are not left in the dust, mired with doubt and the allegations of corrupt leaders. It’s time to move this City forward!
5. WHAT WILL YOU ADD TO CITY GOVERNMENT?
DC: I don’t want to ADD to City Government, I want to reduce City Government. I will do that by making it more responsible to the taxpayers.
6. WHAT WILL YOU ELIMINATE FROM CITY GOVERNMENT?
DC: I will eliminate from Atlantic City government exactly what has given it a bad name… wasteful spending, patronage jobs, nepotism, sweet-heart contract giveaways, and the general status quo of pay to play politics. This is a good city with great employees. People who work hard that deserve to have an administration they can count on to support them and their work with sound fiscal policies and fair hiring and promotion practices.
7. DO YOU SUPPORT AN ORDINANCE BANNING SMOKING IN CASINOS?
DC: I support a law from Trenton or Washington that would ban smoking in casinos, not a municipal ordinance. To have any City Council, not just Atlantic City, feel as though they have the right to regulate the daily operations of a private business is a dangerous precedent to set. Who else can they tell how to run their business? Or maybe your household… I don’t want City Council telling me how I should run my home. The State of New Jersey decided it was going to outlaw smoking in public places. I was under the impression a casino was a public place, but no, Trenton made an exception and created a huge mess for the people and casino employees of Atlantic City. The Mayor should be standing in Trenton, shoulder to shoulder with his constituents, demanding equal enforcement of the smoking ban. Likewise, he should be supporting federal legislation in Washington that would ban smoking in all casinos. Why should Atlantic City have a disadvantage competing with casinos in nearby states?
8. SHOULD CASINO EMPLOYEES BE ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR POLITICAL OFFICE?
DC: Yes
9. DO YOU PREFER A LARGER LEGAL DEPARTMENT THAT DOES LESS CONTRACTING OF ATTORNEYS, OR A SMALLER LEGAL DEPARTMENT WITH MORE CONTRACTING OF ATTORNEYS?
DC: I would prefer a larger, knowledgeable and experienced Law Department with much fewer contracted lawyers because we all have justified suspicions about how contracts are awarded, who has influence over those contracts, and whether or not the City is actually getting what it pays for by the time the contracts expire. I understand there are some necessary exceptions such as clear conflicts of interest in which outside attorneys are necessary but these rare occasions that do not justify the number of existing legal contracts we are all paying for now. When I was the Business Administrator I proved this can work. I did not approve any new contracts for the law department.
10. DO YOU SUPPORT THE CITY’S EMPLOYMENT OF LOBBYISTS?
DC: No. It is the Mayor’s job, along with his staff, to represent the City at political functions and personally appear on behalf of the City in County, State, and Federal legislators’ offices and committee hearings. The City should not need to find someone else to represent itself through another six-figure contract.
11. ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE CITY’S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS?
DC: No. There will always be ways to improve transportation in Atlantic City, especially as we look to future development and a higher influx of guests and employees. Any Administration should be looking at ways to help the taxicab and jitney industry improve their services. One direction of traffic on Pacific Avenue is an excellent way to eliminate congestion during peak hours and special events.
12. WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES FOR UPGRADING CITY INFRASTRUCTURE?
DC: I see three immediate concerns.
First, the City should focus on its roads. Some parts of Pacific Avenue can be pretty uncomfortable for passengers. Additionally, proper crossing paths, turning lanes and parking spaces should be inspected, realigned and repainted.
Second, the City’s traffic control system is in need of upgrading or reprogramming. With better synchronization and timing flexibility, traffic can be controlled more precisely to eliminate backups and promote a smoother flow into, around, and out of the City.
Third, the City should promote the purchase and redevelopment of vacant lots and tenements throughout the City. I believe this can be done by combining lots into larger, more desirable plots of land. In some cases this may require the City to purchase land in the middle of two lots, or on the edge of other such properties, in order to combine them with the surrounding lots to accomplish the goal of a property sale. There is plenty of land the City owns that it doesn’t need and even more property that the City may be able to promote the sale of if an aggressive strategic plan and promotion can be established.
13. WILL YOU PROMOTE MORE, LESS, OR THE SAME AMOUNT OF PUBLIC HOUSING?
DC: I will promote less public housing. I believe it is more worth while for the City to promote home ownership than public housing. Home ownership is a stepping stone to financial independence. If the City can put a person or family that is struggling into a position of ownership instead of reliance, then I believe that person or family is much more likely to achieve stability and prosperity in the future.
14. ARE THERE TOO MANY, NOT ENOUGH, OR JUST THE RIGHT NUMBER OF CITY EMPLOYEES, VEHICLES, AND CELL PHONE PLANS?
DC: There are too many employees, most of which are at the top of the pay scale.
There is no reason that this City should have as many cars as it does. The first thing I would eliminate is the “take-home” policy for non-emergency personnel. If you work for the City in a non-emergency capacity, it is no different from any other job in the private sector. Regular employers don’t provide cars to and from work, why should the City? If you have to travel on official business, the City should provide a car pool from which you can sign a car in and out on an hourly basis.
As far as cell phones, as Business Administrator I had already identified the City’s cell phones as a problem. Previously, three different carriers provided three different programs with three different plans, active on carrier-specific phone models. I changed that to one carrier, with one plan, with more negotiating leverage and phones that are now interchangeable because they all work on the same network. This is the type of examination required to streamline the City and eliminate wasteful spending.
15. IS THERE ENOUGH ENFORCEMENT OF DRUG, PROSTITUTION, AND OVERCROWDING LAWS?
DC: No. Our police and fire departments do an excellent job on a daily basis but they are limited by the resources they have. If there are any drugs, any prostitutes and any crowding, then there isn’t enough enforcement. It’s as simple as that. It should be a priority of any administration to ensure the best qualified people in the ranks are promoted to leadership positions in the police and fire departments and then listen to what they say they need as far as resources to enforce the laws of this city to the best of their abilities. These men and women know what to do and how to do it, the Mayor should be able to provide them with the resources they need to be successful.
16. DOES THE CITY HAVE A ROLE IN ENFORCING IMMIGRATION LAWS?
DC: As I understand it now, it is not legal for the police to ask an individual his current citizenship status. This not a policy I agree with and if there are procedures municipal authorities have available to them in order [to] combat this growing issue, the City should explore it. Local police and other law enforcement agencies are the first line of defense against this silent invasion. There are legal ways to become a productive member of society and a citizen of this great country and it is still a crime to bypass those laws.
17. DO YOU SUPPORT THE NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM?
DC: Yes. The program may not be an ideal situation but it does help the problem. Unless illegal drugs can be miraculously eliminated all together, people will continue to use them. The government can address one of the side effects of drug use, namely the transmission of HIV, hepatitis and other blood borne viruses through contaminated needles. Needle exchange programs not only stop the transmission of disease by providing addicts with otherwise difficult-to-obtain sterile needles, but these programs provide support and information that can lead addicts into treatment.
18. HOW WILL YOU AVOID SCANDAL AND BUILD A MORE POSITIVE REPUTATION FOR ATLANTIC CITY?
DC: Aside from my previously mentioned intentions of eliminating contracts, the Pay-to-Play mentality and push for fair hiring and promotion procedures, I would like to see the Ethics Board properly funded, staffed, and populated with non-partisan members whose reputations are beyond reproach. I also think the City should look at expanding drug testing to ALL City Hall employees, including the seventh floor. My best answer though is easy, vote for me. I have no political baggage, I don’t owe anybody any favors, I’m not beholden to any special interests, and I have never been under investigation or indicted for any crimes. I’m an honest, plain-spoken guy and I intend to surround myself with people who meet or exceed the same level of personal conduct and moral fiber.
Mayoral Primary Candidate Interviews "Moving the City Forward", Atlantic City Democrat Mayoral Primary, Atlantic City Lobbyists, Casino Smoking Ban, Chief Integrity Officer, Enforcing Immigration Laws, Mayor Scott Evans, Needle Exchange Program, Work-Force Housing 12:40 pm
Here is the second in a series of interviews with the three Democrat and one Republican candidate preparing for the June 3 primary election. All candidates were sent the same eighteen questions. Following is Mr. Evans’s response.
___________________
Jesse O’Leary Kurtz: What makes you different from the other mayoral candidates?
Scott Evans: “My background as a firefighter is the most obvious difference.
“I’ve served this city and our citizens for more than two decades, and that service to one’s community really gives a person a unique perspective. My career is built on public service and public safety. My duty is to our community. My goal is to make Atlantic City safer.
“I have worked in every neighborhood throughout this city for 21 years. I hear the concerns people have about public safety, about property taxes, about jobs, about inept and corrupt public officials. I’ve already begun making changes. I’ve already begun holding people accountable, and this is just the start.
“There truly is a lot to do, and my administration is committed to improving our community so Atlantic City residents are safer and have a better quality of life.
“I’ve fought fires. I’m not afraid of a little hard work.”
2. How do you describe Atlantic City to people not familiar with the City?
SE: “As a good place to do business. As a city of neighborhoods and diversity. As a great place to be from. I’m proud to call this home.”
3. What does the Mayor of Atlantic City do?
4. What does the term “Moving the City Forward” mean?
SE: “I feel like it’s all about improvement and progress. We need to embrace our past, but not return to it. We need to improve the way the city provides services to residents. We can be more efficient. We can make better decisions. We can improve the quality of life in Atlantic City. That’s moving forward.”
5. What will you add to City government?
SE: “A sense of urgency. I’ve been in office six months, and I’ve seen the hurdles we face. We need greater accountability. We have great people who work for the city. We have dedicated public servants, so this isn’t an insurmountable goal.”
6. What will you eliminate from City government?
SE: “We must eliminate waste. We owe it to taxpayers to cut costs. Rather than eliminate something, we need to add something – more efficiency through training and accountability.”
7. Do you support an ordinance banning smoking in casinos?
SE: “Signing the ordinance to ban smoking in our casinos was a historic moment, and it was long overdue. The ordinance is a perfect example of how we can take care of those who live and work here. That’s what public officials and public employees need to do – take care of those who live and work here, make life better for those who live and work here.”
8. Should casino employees be able to run for political office?
SE: “The state has established the law on this issue.”
9. Do you prefer a larger legal department that does less contracting of attorneys, or a smaller legal department with more contracting of attorneys?
SE: “I support the option that costs taxpayers less money. If that means contracting the work to an outside firm, then that is the best option. If it means keeping the work in house, that is the better option. I’m not sure that one approach is always the best answer. I think a hybrid approach, based on the city’s needs, is the best way to keep costs down.”
10. Do you support the City’s employment of lobbyists?
SE: “We hired a lobbyist to protect Atlantic City’s interests in Trenton during discussions over the tax trust fund. We ended up getting just what we wanted and just what the taxpayers deserve.
“Lobbyists can provide a useful function, but I don’t think that means we should employ an army of them.”
11. Are you satisfied with the City’s public transportation regulations?
SE: “Our transportation regulations need to change as the city changes. We need to continue evaluating our growing neighborhoods to ensure public transportation is meeting the needs of those who rely on it.”
12. What are your priorities for upgrading City infrastructure?
SE: “The number one priority is developing a five-year plan. We need to maintain our public buildings. We need to do more to maintain the boardwalk, which has been neglected for years. But most importantly, we need a five-year capital plan to identify the priorities and identify the capital costs so taxpayers know the financial scope of the work that needs to be done.”
13. Will you promote more, less, or the same amount of public housing?
SE: “I call it work-force housing – affordable housing for people who earn entry-level wages. We definitely need more work-force housing so people can live where they work.”
14. Are there too many, not enough, or just the right number of City employees, vehicles, and cell phone plans?
SE: “The city’s public employee work force can be reduced modestly. That likely can be done through attrition – not filling some positions once a person retires. But any changes we make can’t disrupt our job – providing services to the taxpayers.
“I think we need to revisit our guidelines on the use of city-owned vehicles, for no other reason than the cost of gas is out of sight. If we can reduce our gas consumption to save taxpayers money, then we are obligated to do that.
“As with our vehicle policy, it makes sense to review our cell-phone policies. The goal with program[s] also must be to eliminate waste and save money.
“In both cases we need to respect any contracts already in place.”
15. Is there enough enforcement of drug, prostitution, and overcrowding laws?
SE: “The police department does a great job, but they need more resources to combat drug trafficking and prostitution because the problem continues to grow. We need to improve the quality of life in Atlantic City.
“Reducing crime – through the use of foot patrols and technology – reducing drug trafficking and prostitution will make our city a better, safer place.”
16. Does the City have a role in enforcing immigration laws?
SE: “It’s a federal issue, but we need to stay aware of immigration policies and trends because it affects our community.”
17. Do you support the needle exchange program?
SE: “I support the needle exchange program because it’s a public health issue – clean needles can stop the spread of disease. More importantly, any needle exchange program has to be tied to counseling and drug prevention programs to help people overcome addiction.”
18. How will you avoid scandal and build a more positive reputation for Atlantic City?
SE: “I have proposed creation of a Chief Integrity Officer. We already are advertising to fill the new position. I will maintain a higher level of professionalism by treating people the way I want to be treated.
“We also need a fresh start. We can’t expect to improve our reputation by electing those who have broken federal law. We can’t expect to improve our reputation by electing those who owe the city nearly $1 million. Taxpayers deserve better.”
Mayoral Primary Candidate Interviews Lorenzo Langford, 2008 Atlantic City Mayoral Race 11:11 pm
Here is the first in a series of interviews with the three Democrat and one Republican candidate preparing for the June 3 primary election. All candidates were sent the same eighteen questions. Following is Mr. Langford’s response.
___________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Jesse O. Kurtz: What makes you different from the other mayoral candidates?
Lorenzo T. Langford: I am the only candidate for Mayor of Atlantic City possessing both legislative and executive experience.
2: How do you describe Atlantic City to people not familiar with the City?
LL: That would depend on the context, but politically speaking, the city is like a ship right now, without a rudder and in need of a good steward.
3: What does the Mayor of Atlantic City do?
LL: The Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer, where in a business sense, would be like a corporation with over 1700 employees. Additionally, there is the ceremonial aspect of the position, such as social and ceremonial and other special events that enhance the reputation of our city, as well.
4: What does the term “Moving the City Forward” mean?
LL: It means accentuating the positive, and eradicating the negative.
5. What will you add to City government?
LL: Integrity, experience and leadership.
6. What will you eliminate from City government?
LL: The stigma of ineptitude and corruption in government.
7. Do you support an ordinance banning smoking in casinos?
LL: I support the compromise legislation, that would have designated certain areas for smoking.
8. Should casino employees be able to run for political office?
LL: Yes, as long as they live in Atlantic City and meet all requirements to be a candidate. They should be afforded the same rights and privileges of every other citizen, and should never be discriminated in any way.
9. Do you prefer a larger legal department that does less contracting of attorneys, or a smaller legal department with more contracting of attorneys?
LL: I think that you have to strike a delicate balance between the two.
10. Do you support the City’s employment of lobbyists?
LL: To put this into context. Before my administration, this had never been done before. I went to Washington, DC to research proposals to help the citizens of Atlantic City in receiving aide with tax dollars we had already sent to Washington. As long as the program is effective and we receive a bigger bang for our tax dollars sent, it is a win-win for the people of Atlantic City.
11. Are you satisfied with the City’s public transportation regulations?
LL: The transportation industries regulated by the city, would be the Jitney’s and Taxi franchises. I believe we are on the right track of policing these industries. The other forms of transportation remain out of our hands.
12. What are your priorities for upgrading City infrastructure?
LL: I will continue the plan I started as Mayor, wherein we re-paved 1/3rd of the city streets per year, and other beautification programs to enhance the city for our residents and tourism interests. I would continue to implement plans and programs like these, as needed in an overall management plan.
13. Will you promote more, less, or the same amount of public housing?
LL: My priority would be in maintaining what we have and protecting the existing housing to meet the needs of our residents.
14. Are there too many, not enough, or just the right number of City employees, vehicles, and cell phone plans?
LL: When I took over as Mayor, there were over 1900 city employees. When I left office after four years we had reduced the number of employees to under 1600. With respect to vehicles, we had a vehicle maintenance program, which would replenish the fleet as necessary, except for police vehicles that we endeavored to replace every three years for safety. Most importantly however, for every vehicle that we purchase, we have to retire the same amount through city auction to reduce costs and keep the required numbers in line.
15. Is there enough enforcement of drug, prostitution, and overcrowding laws?
LL: There is always work to be done in that regard, as these are never-ending types of issues and problems. I do believe that we have the resources to combat these issues.
16. Does the City have a role in enforcing immigration laws?
LL: No.
17. Do you support the needle exchange program?
LL: Yes. Needle Exchange Programs have been proven to be a useful tool for reduction of HIV/AIDS incidents, when incorporated with a comprehensive education to drug resistance. And, when taking proactive measures in a city with one of the highest rates of infection and other drug problems, you save resources and money many times fold on the potential back-end treatment for these problems.
18. How will you avoid scandal and build a more positive reputation for Atlantic City?
LL: I already have. My administration and reputation remains impeccable and our administrations record remains, to this day, beyond reproach.
Uncategorized Dominic Cappella, Lorenzo Langford, David Tayoun 10:16 am
Scott Evans for Mayor
“Public Service, Public Safety, Integrity and Trust”
May 8, 2008 Contact: Mayor Scott Evans
For Immediate Release 609 287-3901
Mayor’s Opponents are Afraid
Atlantic City Mayor Scott Evans today released the following statement about allegations made against him by David Tayoun:
“David Tayoun desperately wants someone to listen, but he’s got nothing to say. I’ve said repeatedly that conversations I had with Mr. Tayoun about possible employment at City Hall and conversations about his political support occurred separately. There was never any offer of employment in return for support. Ever. Ever.
“Mr. Tayoun can keep trying to fool people into thinking otherwise. But all he’s accomplishing is keeping the story in the press by continuing to make unsubstantiated claims about conversations that were never linked. The press needs to ask better questions. Reporters need to do more than take the bait – like a hungry fish – that Mr. Tayoun dangles in front of them day after day after day.
“The lure of a potentially explosive political story just before an election must be strong. But the judgment of reporters must be stronger.
“The ongoing attempts to attack my character and tarnish my reputation are happening because my opponents know I will win this race. There is a concerted effort among my opponents to defeat me because I represent change – and they don’t want change.
“My opponents and their political pawns are scared. They are scared because I’m clean – I haven’t broken a federal law like Mr. Langford. I don’t owe taxpayers almost $1 million like Mr. Langford. I’m not an angry, name-calling, disgruntled worker like Mr. Cappella. I haven’t taken information from personnel and medical files of city employees like Mr. Cappella.
“These aren’t the people who should be in public office. Atlantic City deserves much better than to have City Hall controlled by the people who are spreading unsubstantiated rumors about me. Atlantic City deserves much better than to leave City Hall in control of people who are so willing to attack the character of their opponents.”
Uncategorized Dominic Cappella, Mayor Scott Evans, Medical and Personnel Files 5:17 pm
Scott Evans for Mayor
“Public Service, Public Safety, Integrity and Trust”
May 7, 2008 Contact: Mayor Scott Evans
For Immediate Release 609 287-3901
Mayor Evans Criticizes Opponent for Use of Personnel Files
Mayor Scott Evans today released this statement in response to Domenic Cappella’s use of documents from the personnel and medical files of public employees:
“Mr. Cappella’s decision to take information from personnel files and use it at Tuesday night’s candidates’ forum is a clear indication that he believes he is above the law,” Mayor Evans said.
“Coincidentally, his callous, careless use of personnel and medical information followed his insulting remarks on Monday that I’m ‘dumb.’ I’m smart enough to know that an employee’s personnel and medical records should remain private. I’m smart enough to know that the law applies to me, too.
“Mr. Cappella’s decision to use the information raises important questions. How did he get it? Did he steal it? Has he stolen information about other city employees?
“My opponents in this race want to engage in a character debate, but one has raised taxes, owes the city $850,000 and broke a federal law. The other is a disgruntled employee with an axe to grind – and now his use of personnel and medical records further calls his judgment into question.
“I am in this race because I believe in public service. I am in this race because I believe this city and its citizens can and should be safer and more secure. I am in this race because I can make a difference. Atlantic City deserves better.
“I have protected this city as a fire fighter for 21 years, and I’m running for mayor because I want to continue to serve this city. My career and my campaign are based on public service and public safety – on restoring integrity and trust in City Hall,” the mayor said.
Uncategorized Bob Levy, Ernest Coursey, Lorenzo Langford, Clerk Typists Cannot Type, Atlantic Cape Community College, Regina Schaffer, Atlantic City Lawsuits, Demolition Program Coordinator 12:55 am
There are many things for which one can find “only in Atlantic City.” Delicious Italian bread, a world famous boardwalk, and New Jersey casinos are a few. One more is, or at least was, a Clerk Typist who cannot type.
How many people would wish to have a job for which they receive compensation and are unqualified to perform the task required. Clerk Typists are required to meet a certain word-per-minute requirement to achieve employment. Ernest Coursey was a Clerk Typist who could not meet the requirements for his job. Regina Schaffer writes:
Coursey was hired as a clerk typist for the city in 1986, and worked in that position until 1991, when he became a member of City Council. In 2001, Coursey was appointed as a confidential aide to Langford. In Aug. 2005, Coursey was appointed Demolition Pro-gram Coordinator. …
[Dominic] Cappella ordered Coursey to take a typing exam Jan. 3, 2006, the same day former Mayor Bob Levy took office, according to [Mr. Coursey's] lawsuit.
Mr. Coursey is suing the City claiming political retaliation lost him his job. Mr. Coursey brushes aside the fact that he was earning a taxpayer salary for a job that he was not qualified to hold. Rather than issuing a lawsuit against taxpayers, Mr. Coursey owes taxpayers an apology. He should pay back all of his wages earned under false pretense.
Mr. Coursey failed his typing test. Only in Atlantic City will you find a Clerk Typist who cannot type to requirements. Here is an idea: take a course at Atlantic Cape Community College. Learn how to type. Do not sue the City for either a settlement or a judgement that will come out of the taxpayers’ pockets.
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