City Clerk Puts Deputy On Leave

I like Mike but man he has some control issues. Sally has always been the one light in our city government that has been about the people and for the people. It sounds like Mike needs to check his ego right now. just say'n

Sally Brown comes from a wonderful New Haven family and is a qualified, dedicated, knowledgeable and capable city official. I am astounded at the City Clerk's action in suspending her.

This suspension sounds as if Mike had an itchy trigger finger waiting to happen... The operative word supporting this suspension seems to revolve around a non specific office directive which states:
"His directive that only he sign off on financial transactions involving the office".

Brown said in this case "she was asked by accounts payable to sign off on a settlement involving a labor relations dispute involving back pay for a former office employee. Brown said she is authorized by the city to sign off; she said Smart's directive did not cover this area".
There seems to be a conflict between a city request of a city authorization to sign off on an employee matter, and Mike' directive which may be contraindicated by prior city authorizations. Here, similar to the Egan embarrassing episode, is a long time city employee, this one unionized, earning a salary twice that of the clerk @ $93,897. Placed on leave, which represents lost of office coverage that the clerk himself will have to cover on his part time salary of $48,038.

Sally Brown has long run that office above and beyond her job description without complaint. It seems to me that this matter which will be investigated by a internal partial party, could have been handled internally as well before blowing up to the point where the taxpayer will again pick up the tab for personality issues. Not the ideal supervisory response.

O M G !!!!!!!!!!!

This is worse news than Sanders losing NY. Without Sally, this town is in deep doo-doo.
At least she's still on payroll. Good thing cause Sally knows secrets that could bring everyone down.

Sally Brown has been undermining Michael Smart since he took office. It isn't his control problem, it is hers. Whether or not she likes it, he is the boss, and she needs to follow his directives. Her creative "I didn't know he meant all sign offs" excuse is bull. "she was asked by accounts payable to sign off on a settlement involving a labor relations dispute involving back pay for a former office employee. Brown said she is authorized by the city to sign off; she said Smart's directive did not cover this area".

The fact is that she signed off on this payment to an employee she favored, when Smart refused to do so without a legal opinion. She then didn't inform her boss Smart that she did so.

On top of that, she is probably the most rude employee in city hall, and you have to be really bad to earn that title. I avoid that office whenever I can, and when I have to go there, I actually start to hyperventilate.

I don't wish anyone to lose their livelihood, but folks either have to learn to adapt to the new boss and his/her directives, or they need to find a new job or retire.

No matter who she was or what she did in the past, Smart is the boss.

@NHLifer-----Sally is NOT rude ever and as a matter of fact she is usually too busy to suffer fools like you or me. She is the brightest bulb in the cityhall box. If I had more money, I'd hire her for myself.

NHLifer0411. You must know Mr. Smart personally or have some sort of false inside knowledge for you to make the allegations that you have. I for one don't know about the inner office politics, but Ms. Brown has been nothing but kind to me everytime I've been in the office. Even if she wasn't, I wouldn't "hyperventilate" if I had to go in there (exaggerate much?). Ms. Brown has made the office so efficient that there isn't even a need to talk to her or the staff members (so your point is moot). In all honesty there really isn't a need for you to go in the office at all. Ms. Brown made sure that everything is online for the public's convenience. It wasn't until the "Honorable" (he makes people call him this) Mr. Smart came into the office that things began to go downhill and that includes the poor state of the land records.

Mr. Smart might be the boss, but his mishandling of the office is renowned. From voter fraud (which the state is still looking into), to bullying employees the man is one of the worst elected officials in New Haven. Maybe just maybe he could have learned from Ms. Brown instead of sending out nebulous directives. The man doesn't even know the proper protocols discipling his employees. Yea he's the town clerk but he is still supposed to follow proper protocol just like Mayor Harp and every other official within city hall. He should have at least let the Mayor know, that a well known figure in the Town Clerk's office was no longer working there indefinitely, so that she could be on the same page. If that doesn't say power trip NHLifer0411, I have no idea what does. If he thinks he doesn't have to follow city protocols, what kind of example does that set for his employees?

Also how do you know anything about who is or isn't a favored employee? You either have knowledge that the general public doesn't have in this matter, or your just making stuff up. I chose to believe the latter.

Boss or not. What happened to using proper protocol when disciplining an employee. According to the article, Sally didn't sign off for money that was going to her. If she made a mistake in misunderstanding his directives, speak to her. You talk, then write ups and corrective action plans, then dismissals. Sounds like a power trip to me. He was waiting for anything in order to get her out. I hope Ms. Brown fights back...can someone please run against him

@NHLifer0411

From the Charter:
City clerks office:

Sec. 2-90. - Records and copies.
Pursuant to Conn. General Statutes section 7-23 as amended from time to time, the city clerk shall keep the records of the city including all votes of the city, and copies of all deeds and other instruments which he/she has recorded and attested. A certificate by said clerk or assistant city clerk of these recordings shall be conclusive evidence that the record was properly recorded. The city clerk or his/her legally qualified assistant shall affix the seal to all certified copies of record without charge. These records shall be entered by transcription, photographic, micrographic, electronic imaging, or any other process recognized by law.

Sec. 2-94. - Assistant city clerk's; notice to secretary of the state of appointment, vacancy.
Pursuant to Conn. General Statutes section 7-19 as amended from time to time, the city clerk may appoint assistant city clerks, who, having taken the oath provided for city clerks, shall, in his/her absence or inability, have all of the city clerk's powers and duties.

It is clear by state and city law the asst. clerk has the right & duty to perform all the services as that of the city clerk. If Mike intended to change this feature of the law he would have to propose a city charter and state statue change. In terms of the immediate action, Mike was responsible to alert the Mayor, the Corp counsel, the BOA and file a notice of change in a local newspaper. He did neither. Instead, Mike chose to suspend his asst clerk based on his internal memo which did not inform the purchasing manager or any of the other 31 city departments of his questionably change. His callous action will not only cost the taxpayer of New Haven, it may well bear the competition for his job at the next election.

Note to Mike# Sally Brown was once the city clerk**

NHLifer0411 has hit the nail on the head.

Sally was used to being the de facto town clerk. As a former alder I had many occasions to be in the clerk's office. The elected clerk was seldom there. It was always Sally who took care of your concerns.

Now a person is elected to the office of City/Town Clerk who actually believes that he was elected to RUN the office, as opposed to being a mere figurehead.

From the start it has been a power struggle. She was used to being in command. Now, all of a sudden a clerk is elected who takes his job seriously.

Michael has shown, I believe, extreme patience in the situation. He and the City both need a deputy clerk that he can work with.

The only bad thing about this, in my opinion, is that it took so long; and that she still draws down a hefty salary.

All of the comments either show a bias for Smart or Brown. FacChek is typically on point, but may not have all the facts. The final verdict will be decided by ALL the facts and not just the ones people think they know. Maligning either of them serves no useful purpose. It should be noted that Smart does not report to the Mayor. There is credible evidence that his running of that office is very professional and that he spends far more time improving the office than his predecessor. He IS Ms. Brown's boss and has the discretion to issue directives that are reasonable. Time and evidence will tell if she violated anything. By the way, Smart comes from a fine family as well.

@Faccheck: You cite the following... "the city clerk may appoint assistant city clerks, who, having taken the oath provided for city clerks, shall, in his/her absence or inability, have all of the city clerk's powers and duties." Your text criticizes Smart for his actions and suggests the chain of officials he should have informed. The problem with your claim is that Brown's assumption of Smart's duties is only triggered by his "absence or inability." You would have to know that she her actions were due to Smart not being present, or his being unable to perform the specific function. Neither you or I are privy to additional facts that may be relevant to this case. I will say this: I have visited the Town Clerk's Office 11 times since he assumed office. He has been thoroughly professional as have been ALL the staff, especially Mae.

Allan Brison, he's running the office....right into the ground. Ms. Brown moved the office into the 21st century, while Mr. Smart has done nothing but push his ego. Name 1, just 1, positive change Michael has made in the past 2 years....I'll wait.

It's funny how the Alders stick up for their own. But when you needed help in the office, who did you run to? Ms. Sally Brown that's who. I hope you won't be needing help anytime soon cause Mr. Smart has no clue how to help anyone. In order to run an office you need to know....how to run an office. Mr. Smart has proven time and time again that he doesn't know how to run much. He didn't even know that he wasn't supposed to handle absentee ballots as an elected official when he was an Alder.

You guys keep defending him, but ignore the fact that he has blatantly ignored protocol multiple times. You also ignore the fact that Ms. Brown has a legitimate reason to sue the city because Mr. Smart didn't follow protocol. But no you're right he's the "boss" and he doesn't have to follow any of the cities protocols. He obviously knows better than the city right Allan Brison? (That was sarcasm by the way.)

Sally has been a faithful, competent, and diligent city government official. I went to High School with Mike and he had control issues then. It looks like they have carried over into his city government role. I've always believed that it is not about me as a manager, but about the work that we do as a team!!

What is going on in this city?? Give a person a title,office and a set of keys and they think they are the king or queen of England...Sally have ran this office efficiently for years and everyone can attest to this...if you want and intelligence answere to a complicated issue dealing with voters issues,or land deeds....see Sally Brown...what's wrong with this admistraction that can't seem to get it together...every week it's becoming more and more disappointing with power playing with other people lives that's going to cost the taxpayers of New Haven big bucks...but city hall dosent care it's not coming out of there paychecks but the hard working people in this city...my suggestions is what ever department head that screwed up by firing and suspending employees without do-process should be sued and made to pay up when they win a case against the city..that will stop this ego grand standing by saying I'm the boss.and you will do what I tell you to do even when you no it's wrong....I have seen first hand ,just because people get voted into office dosent mean they are qualified to do the job. They hoodwink there base,so lesson learned is vote them out....the city administration and board of alder seems cluess when it comes to taxpayers money...each member need a lesson in finances #101 ....it's so easy to spend other people money than it is to spend yours because yours are still in your wallet or saving accounts ....the people that elected you are going to have to make one more accountable...

This is unbelievable! These folks are embarrassing the Mayor in public to no end. Where is Mr. Reyes to enforce some discipline within City Hall. Isn't he the Mayor's Chief of Staff. He needs to start putting his foot up _____.

Let's deal with facts. Smart was ushered into the position by the Yale union that is working incessantly to coop the political structure in the city. It is true that this marriage was destine for failure. Simply because Sally is no one's flunky which is the complete antithesis to Smart. Additionally, those with severe character flaw have serious trouble with persons who don't suffer from such a disease. Hence, the problems in the office.

Sally was never a political supporter of Smart's, understandably so. In fact, if you recall, it was both Smart along with the Yale union's machinations that forced Mayor Harp to obtain signatures even after she received the nomination from the Democratic Town Committee. Which of in itself was unprecedented. Sally, like myself are "Ole School" politicians who believe that if you want the political position, you get your butt out there and hit the pavement to earn it. Smart and others of his ilk that have similar character flaw, allow the union to manage their campaigns and to dictate their political moves in advance. This partnership of dependence, keeps these individuals forever indebted to the union so long as they maintain their elected position.

Purchased characters will always put on an unnecessary performance in order to get an applause.

Sadly Smart has to try and flex on a woman who has exponentially more credibility than he has and far more integrity as well.

"The Honorable"??? That's funny.
Wasn't the NHI poll asking if the elected position of city clerk should be eliminated a rare unanimous YES?

Perfect timing!

I mean why not triple down on making the Mayor look bad?

To me it looks as if Smart covets Sally Brown's job. The only problem is that she has run the Clerk's office so well, and for so many years!

This gives credence to the movement to eliminate the elected position of City Town Clerk. Since his election, the office has been nothing but a political soap opera (I keep thinking of Smart continually rehiring a favored staff person for temporary positions by changing the job title -- simply because she could nogt pass the civil service test). Now he wants to continue his vendetta against a knowledgeable, courteous and efficient employee who has kept the office running for years. So sad ...!

There is really no need for a part-time elected official to run that office. He has nothing to do, so he creates mindless drama. Witness: he will conduct an "internal" investigation (i.e. himself) to determine whether she was insubordinate to his directive. Yeah ...this won't take long!

In this country, we have constitutions and charters for a reason: to establish clearly the powers and duties of elected and appointed officials, the powers of the government and the rights of the people.
This entire fiasco created by the City-Town Clerk is resolved by what the New Haven Charter states: "Sec. 2-94. - Assistant city clerk's; notice to secretary of the state of appointment, vacancy.
Pursuant to Conn. General Statutes section 7-19 as amended from time to time, the city clerk may appoint assistant city clerks, who, having taken the oath provided for city clerks, shall, in his/her absence or inability, have all of the city clerk's powers and duties."
That is the end of the story.
We have charters so that people in elected office do not make up things on their own to abuse their authority or conflict with the WRITTEN law.
Sally Brown should report to work immediately, because the actions of Michael Smart VIOLATE the New Haven Charter. A simple five-minute investigation of the Charter will prove that Smart is wrong. There is no need to drag this out further.
No one is above the law! Wounded and bruised egos are no grounds for violating the charter. If Michael Smart does not understand the regulations of this office by State law and City Charter, someone should inform him now or send him a highlighted and annotated copy of the Charter. The business of that office must proceed with a full time clerk.
At this point, after decades of service, Sally Brown is the local EXPERT on the responsibilities and powers of the City-Town clerk. Maybe the Charter should be revised to make the elected City-Town clerk a full time position and the Deputy position part time. It makes no sense for the Deputy to be paid more than the City-Town clerk. I am sure that is why Sally Brown gave up the clerkship in order to make more money as the the deputy.

What is sad is that there are no working cogs in the cityhall machinery anymore. Sally is the last.
Cityhall is now a big empty building with a few clueless amateurs manning too few of the numerous desk chairs.

CHAOS!!!!!!!!!

Town Clerk can go, both the position and the person. Sally is invaluable.

@ Thomas Alfred Paine. I have never disagreed with you in any of your posts and find you the most reasonable and evidenced-based commenter of them all. However, you seem to fail to consider a critical piece of the regulation. Ms. Brown can only assume Mr. Smart's duties if he is absent or cannot perform them. You would have to know far more details about this specific case than provided in the article, so would I. Until we know when she did this, or whether it was something Smart could do, or if he was absent; it would be unfair to brand him as the problem.

(1) Will someone please finally run for City Clerk on the following platform:

Eliminate the position of City Clerk.

Count me in as your first campaign contribution.

(2) And wt actual f is going on in the Harp administration? All of this infighting has to be taking away from the administration's ability to get anything done. Someone's setting a petty tone and it's got to stop.

@ conscience,

If you know Michael Smart, you know that he is posturing. One doesn't need to know all the facts in this case, just read what has been escaped thus far and one can easily come away with and accurate deduction. Sally should sue him personally, and whoever else who's a participatory partner in this fiasco.

For those who wear spellcheck around their neck, I do realize that "co-op" is correctly spelled this way.

Sally is a good person and they got it twisted this time. The whole thing sounds like O I got you now but even if he said I sign off on everything if Labor Relations and Accounts Payable need something signed and he's not there what was she to do. The question is why is the letter with out the City's letter head did he even write it. Ask yourself this question if the person she signed the paper work for she favored him would she be treated fairly because if you look at it if he's receiving a check then somebody did something wrong. Now he sees away to say she was wrong but he was wrong for suspending the kid. If you receive a pay check from the City you have to answer to someone and they more than likely answer to the Mayor so he should get ready to answer because who cosign this BS need to go down with him.

Congratulations to Sally Brown on her multi-million dollar settlement.

@1showtime1
Thank you! He should not have suspended that kid in the first place which resulted in this. Now the problem is no one co signed on the previous situation or this one. It's a one man show.