New Haven Independent

posted by: 4SURE on February 4, 2011  11:09am

That is awful! Sounds like this employer was a real jerk! I hope Michele will find a better paying job elsewhere. Good Luck:)

posted by: just curious on February 4, 2011  11:10am

are you allowed to just publish people’s cell phone number like that?

posted by: Just Sayin' on February 4, 2011  11:12am

Hey Paul, what’s your cell number?  In case members of the public wish to express their opinions on issues to you directly, that you report on.
That’s crazy that you, as a journalist???, would publish that.

posted by: Privatization=corruption on February 4, 2011  11:21am

This is exactly the reason unionized school custodians are fighting to keep their jobs. Is this how you are suppose to treat dedicated workers. These private companys treat people like disposable items. As I quote Will Clark referring to when he has a problem with a private company custodian “If I have a problem with them, I make a phone call and Goodbye never to be seen again” How arrogant can you be?

posted by: robn on February 4, 2011  11:25am

The city shouldn’t be letting contracts out to companies that gag-order their employees.

posted by: Unreal on February 4, 2011  11:35am

Reported gets dissed so they retaliate by publishing a cell phone number?!  Completely unprofessional.  I don’t agree with the firing the employee however, I will refuse to support the Independent after that juvenile reaction!

posted by: Our Town on February 4, 2011  11:45am

As soon as I read that article yesterday, I knew Michele was a goner. I actually blame the Independent reporter for writing her into the story and Paul for publishing it. You should have known what would happen to her. And now you should stay on this until Michele is gainfully employed again.

posted by: Noteworthy on February 4, 2011  11:49am

Ms. Mayorga, working her last day, says the city has asked that she be reinstated. The mayor, with his usual aplomb and in a rambling retort which can only be described as incoherent, denies that. He still sounds angry and I’ll bet he made a phone call and threatened with salty language to cancel the contract. I spoke with John Izzo. He says there is more to it. Asked what that is, he refused to say but did say the company would be coming out with a statement later. I shiver with anticipation. Watch for the campaign donation.

posted by: Whatsername on February 4, 2011  11:52am

Wow.  Bad form on the publishing of the cell phone number.

The custodian shouldn’t have been fired, unless there was something in her contract/work policies where there was some sort of stipulation.  Either way, though, I can’t imagine that’s legal.

posted by: ignoranceisbliss on February 4, 2011  11:58am

While I think the firing was a horrible mistake, so is the publishing of the cell number. I consider it to be completely unprofessional for a news organization. Actually its beyond unprofessional it is street tactics advocacy. Apparently the NHI doesn’t adhere to traditional ethical standards of journalism. If not I think you owe it to your readers to let us know what your standards are and what type of “news organization” you consider yourself to be. If you consider yourself to be a news organization at all. Or are you just a blog and readers should expect a completely activist, biased story that should be read like a Rush Limbaugh program.

posted by: Steve B on February 4, 2011  12:00pm

Bush league. At least respectable journalistic ventures make an attempt to appear objective. Would you care to publish your personal cell phone number, Mr. Bass? You do yourself no favors with this kind of trashy behavior. It’s stuff like this that gives readers a reason not to take the NHI seriously.

posted by: ASL on February 4, 2011  12:06pm

I am not sure what the uproar is over the publication of the cell phone number.  Is there some sacred right to keep your cell phone number private?  I don’t take issue with privatization but if you are a private contractor paid with public dollars, you should expect to be held accountable to the public.  Taxpayers would expect to able to contact a public agency providing public services and we should expect the same of a private company providing the same services, on our dime.

posted by: DKR on February 4, 2011  12:09pm

WHAT A DISGRACE…!!!! the chief was reached by phone..!!!! yet again he’s “HE’S OUT OF TOWN”,, imagine that,..michele was asked a question and gave her opinion,.one that i think validates the rank and file. an “independent witness” if you will. she was a good worker,.easy to talk to and did her job with class and dedication. then you (the public) wonder why morale is what it is in our department….!!!!!

posted by: Paul Martin on February 4, 2011  12:09pm

Lou Caviliere:

This isn’t Russia. If it was, you guys would behave more professionally toward citizens in exchange for your theft of public funds.

posted by: Paul Bass on February 4, 2011  12:13pm

Thank you for the feedback on the cell phone number. I knew it was an extraordinary measure. Here’s my thinking:

What the company and that manager did to Michele Kearney was so far beyond the pale of any legal or ethical or moral behavior, a lukewarm “please don’t do that again” response from the press would be pathetic.

I did not burn anyone or violate any confidential information in publishing that number. His cell phone number is widely available. That’s why I got it.

It is common practice to publish phone numbers for people to call to register dissatisfaction. Especially numbers of public entities. I think it’s a canard to pretend a company hired to do a public job is not privy to the same demands put on government. I have personally been up to the state Freedom of Information Commission to fight this question. I have never lost.

We feel very good about quoting a custodian about conditions in a public building. She has as much right to have her voice heard as does a paid corporate flack or high government official. The Independent is dedicated to letting everyone’s voice be heard.

If anybody tries to mess with people who choose to exercise that right, we will stand behind that person 1000%. You’re all on notice.

posted by: Really? on February 4, 2011  12:15pm

I’m a New Haven Police Officer and I see Michele almost every day. Truthfully, she is very nice. However, if she violated company policy she exposes herself to action. This happens every day in the private sector. Furthermore, even though I like Michele, I don’t feel that she should have commented on this issue. Honestly, I think the NHI reporter put her in a bad position and Michele didn’t really know what to say. Maybe OR&L management could have spoken with her first and advised her of company policy and issued a warning. But in all fairness, that really is up to the company.

posted by: streever on February 4, 2011  12:19pm

The City needs to end their contract with OR&L.

They have just given the custodians (and the public) all the ammunition they need to fight the push to privatized custodian services.

Kudos to Mayorga, who I have always believed is an ethical and caring person—in stark contrast to the whims of her employer. I’m glad for you that you’ve gotten out.

(I have had the displeasure of witnessing Mayor DeStefano’s bullying and inappropriate office manner directly: it is a big part of why I try to not directly insult any of his young staff for their actions, knowing how he behaves, and how he directs them, and knowing that his morality is not the same as their morality.)

posted by: Ellis Copeland on February 4, 2011  12:19pm

Yeah, Paul, “everyone” has a right to be heard—unless they disagree with you too much or unless they point out that you are as much a part of what is wrong with this town as any hack.

posted by: reason on February 4, 2011  12:26pm

I agree with Our Town. Just because you can interview anyone you want doesn’t mean you should. Did you think about the potential consequence when you added her to the story? The outcome was predictable and sad. I blame the employer for taking such a hard line. But really, intelligent reporters and editors couldn’t have seen this coming? Isn’t there some obligation, even out of compassion, not to “stick out” someone who might not be savvy when it comes to the media? You asked a question, she answered it. You asked her name, she gave it. Bet she regrets it now. What, couldn’t find more cops who would talk so you looked for someone, anyone who would? You can castigate the employer but shouldn’t you look at yourself too. They pulled the trigger. But you provided the ammunition, for what? Did she really add that much to the story? I respect the freedom of the press. But really, before you cast the first stone…. look at yourself.

posted by: JAK on February 4, 2011  12:35pm

Why would a vendor (O,R&L) risk losing an important client (City of New Haven) by actively causing bad publicity for that client? Even if there are no stipulations in her contract, she should have known better than to comment on anything pertaining to her employer’s client.  Not her business. 

As for Cavaliere, he sure changed his opinion about free speech since he berated Barbara Fair for execising her first amendment right, didn’t he?

posted by: Nick on February 4, 2011  12:36pm

Paul, you got this one plain wrong.  An employee does not automatically have the right to have her voice heard.  When anyone signs an employment contract, he signs away his First Amendment free speech rights at the same time.  You cannot criticize your boss (or, in this case, your boss’s boss) and expect to get away with it.  It makes no difference whether it is a public or private setting.

What was relevant to this story was the views of the police officers.  The views of the custodian weren’t.

[Paul responds: Thank you for the comment. I don’t believe that employment contracts, no matter how they’re written, destroy people’s constitutional rights. I think that’s especially the case with outsourced government work.]

posted by: Cityres on February 4, 2011  12:40pm

Not only is it outrageous that she was fired, but is anyone angered by the fact that this contract is held by O,R & L?? A company out of Branford? There’s no viable cleaning companies in New Haven?

posted by: Shiney Top on February 4, 2011  12:40pm

This is why the Mayor and Will Clark push for privatization.They get rid of Unions so they can be what they truly want to be Dictators!!!! They hide behinde the actions of the private company,s again no accountability on their part blame everyone else. Please let us all not forget that Will Clark when working for a private law firm handled the school custodians contract.This same guy now wants to blame them for out of control work rules!!!  the same work rules he did nothing about last contract.Was he held accountable? and the fact is Will Clark did testify “If I don’t like someone I make a call goodbye never seen again” ... There is no doubt the Unions need to help the taxpayer,s through this.But the taxpayer need to help the Unions get rid of the administration after all they let all this happen!!!!!

posted by: ignoranceisbliss on February 4, 2011  12:51pm

Its fine that you feel

“a lukewarm “please don’t do that again” response from the press would be pathetic.”

But should there be any response (especially one that exhorts action by readers) from an organization that purportedly reports the news that is not clearly titled “Editorial” ?

posted by: ricky perwood on February 4, 2011  12:55pm

so lets get this straight. NHI asked a woman who was in no way part of the story and she gave her opinion. Ok that happens, but why did they publish her quotes and her picture ? and now they publish someones cell phone number to try and get out of their major mistake ? This site and its editor have no journalistic integrity. NONE. I cant believe how vindictive whoever write this article is.

posted by: HM on February 4, 2011  1:02pm

Thank you for publishing this story. Regardless of whether or not including a private phone number was a sound choice, I’m very glad to learn about this. I appreciated your inclusion of this person in the previous article, as I think janitorial staff are often ignored in organizations and was pleased to see she had input. It is the job of the media and journalists to find injustices like this and call attention to it - thank you for your work!

posted by: JD on February 4, 2011  1:11pm

This whole union vs non-union fight and who is better or more protected,is not the issue here.  I think Michele could have been given a written warning for violating company policy, but I can tell u unequivacally, as a Judicial employee with routine business at the NHPD for over 10 year now, the Facility has never looked as good as does now.  Years ago, when the city employees took care of the facility, it was absolutely horrible.  It was dirty and evrything was falling apart.  There was no accountability with the “in-house” custodians whatsoever.  Plan and simple, the union guys were not working very hard.  The O, R & L staff I ahve seen are very professional and they have made a 100% improvement in the whole look and feel of the building.  Please do not let this one instance ruin all of the good things they have done for the fine Officers of the NHPD.

posted by: robn on February 4, 2011  1:14pm

Public and Private

Heres the distinction. A private employer might be justified in asking an employee, while on the job, not to make public comments about (legal) things if those comments might embarrass or affect the company. However…

1) This particular private employer was being paid with public funds to do work on public buildings in the company of public officials and a gag-order on the private employee is implicitly a blessing by the City of New Haven to shut that employee up (blessings which we do not give because we’re ostensibly a transparent government as required by state law).

2) The private employee wasn’t commenting on her company or representing her views as the company’s views, she was commenting on the actions of public officials in a public setting…maybe slightly undiplomatic but still fair game.

posted by: Confused on February 4, 2011  1:26pm

Subtracting the “phone number” issue out of the equation I have to agree with the issue at hand and I agree with HM’s posting.

It is also the job of reporters to bring injustices like this to the spotlight just as reporters have been doing for years and years worldwide. Lets be honest with one another the company its self is tailoring back their comment because they felt the firing was to harsh. Also how is she violating company policy? She wasn’t talking about the lack of custodians being hired locally, or how bad her employer is (Branford company) or talked about horrible work conditions from the Branford based company. She simply was stating her opinion on what she saw between police and union.

posted by: derek on February 4, 2011  1:30pm

this is a perfect example of privitization, first The Mayor brings in this cronie form Chicago who has done absolutely nothing to help the violence in New Haven, but good ol John took it upon himself once again now hes looking to get rid of more custodians and unions, well as you see without Unions we have no rights. Who needs to go Destefano and his oter cronie ( Will no respect Clark )

posted by: Whatsername on February 4, 2011  1:51pm

Paul said: “It is common practice to publish phone numbers for people to call to register dissatisfaction.”

It just seems like the NHI’s action exacerbated this issue (Michele’s employment with OR&L) and that you want NHI readers to be outraged, cause a stink, and “fix” your mistake.

I like NHI and this isn’t going to make me stop reading—I just wish that Paul’s explanation made sense to me.

posted by: William Kurtz on February 4, 2011  2:50pm

When my I saw that guy’s phone number combined with the barely-concealed call to action, my first thought was that you had got it really really wrong this time.  After reading your rational explanation, I am not so sure. 

That’s not to say I’m sure I agree that it was appropriate, but the point about the shady line between public and private is well-taken. 

It bears thinking about but there may be ramifications.  Is every person who works for any company that supplies any service to a public agency subject to the same treatment?

posted by: Dan George, HR Director on February 4, 2011  3:02pm

To the New Haven Independent Editor, Readers and Contributors:

Ms Kearney will be paid for her administrative leave.  O,R&L has attempted to contact her several times throughout the day to learn more about the circumstances and advise her to report back to work on Monday.

Dan George
HR Director
O,R&L Facility Services

posted by: NHPD Employee on February 4, 2011  3:10pm

“unauthorized statement”???? Are you kidding me? Does she need to trademark the quote? And she never said it reflected the opinion of the company, it’s her own personal opinion. Michele is one the best O,R & L employees we’ve had working in the building in a very long time. She’s hard working and does a thorough job. She’s very friendly and personal, not like some of the creepy people we’ve had “lurking” around the building. Obviously if there’s a no confidence vote going on, that speaks for itself, Michele wasn’t telling the reporter anything we all didn’t already know. Hope to see you very soon Michele.

posted by: Our Town on February 4, 2011  3:41pm

Thank you Dan George…let’s get Michele back to work ASAP.

She probably totally humiliated by all this.

posted by: andrew garrow on February 4, 2011  4:18pm

i notice there is no phone number or street address where one could reach the New Haven Independent. 
Can you please make that public to us paul?

[Editors note: our contact info is posted here: ]http://newhavenindependent.org/index.php/about_nhi/]

posted by: Peter Goselin on February 4, 2011  4:29pm

Just to clarify about a private employee’s right to free speech.  There are two pieces to it.

On the one hand, because the employment action taken was by a private employer—and apparently not acting on the direction of any government entity - there is no First Amendment issue involved.  The First Amendment prohibits restrictions on free speech by the government, not by private citizens or businesses.

On the other, and no matter what her employer’s policy may be, Connecticut law guarantees her the right to speak on a matter of public concern without retaliation or discrimination by her employer, so long as her speech does not disrupt the workplace.  The law that gives her that right is in the Connecticut statutes and is referred to as Connecticut General Statutes Section 31-51q.

posted by: Labor Force on February 4, 2011  4:58pm

It is an outrage that Paul Bass would publish the Managers #.  regardless of how you feel about whether this employee was termianted or not, it is wrong for any paper to use someone’s phone #.  How about putting your cell phone # on your stories, so people can call late tonight to let u know how they feel about your unethical reporting.  But what would u expect from the NHI.  No one takes this rag seriously - never have - never will.  You are pathetic Mr. Bass!

posted by: anon on February 4, 2011  5:09pm

If you Google John Izzo, his number is readily available on a number of websites, as he is a Realtor affiliated with Weichert.

That said, objective newspaper articles shouldn’t contain “calls to action.”  It is fine to publish, highlight, or link to a public phone number, and combine that with reporting on the injustices regularly perpetrated by bungling corporate entities such as O,R&L, but the objectivity of journalism can be undermined when reporters make arguments about what readers should do in response.

posted by: Threefifths on February 4, 2011  6:24pm

The reason they let her come back is they are afraid the rest of the workers will now try to form a union and they all should.

posted by: Considerned NH on February 4, 2011  9:01pm

I cant believe that NH independent would stoup to such a low leave PB is a crook and a bs reporter…. this poor women works hard and he knew better then to take advantage of her. $10 bucks say Paul Bass wont post this but whatever happened to freedom of speech. Great reporting

posted by: S. Collier on February 4, 2011  9:33pm

Great job getting Michelle back.  Now you need to help Sgt Anthony Santarcangleo who was transferred without cause when his piece appeared on the NHI.  He did nothing more than reminisce about his favorite chiefs over 30 years and let citizens know 25% of the PD have 20 or more years and WILL be leaving on June 30th. It hit a nerve with king John. A personnel shortage looming larger than the budget deficit.  The fact it takes a year to hire and train recruits coupled with the difficulty they will have attracting any decent people with pension and health care cutbacks Limon’s Gestapo tactics were evident by issuing the transfer notice from the sub-station in the Windy City.  A 30 year veteran transferred without being given the decency of a week’s notice.

posted by: steven ortiz on February 4, 2011  10:02pm

someone should put her in charge , you don’t need a college education to know whats going on in a place or be able to compare the way things feel, I bet she makes the least amount of money in that entire building even though she makes the most sense . mop on sister mop on!

posted by: Jeff Pipes on February 4, 2011  11:12pm

To ALL “Bass-Busters”, which is the kindest way I can refer to the people who continue to write on these blogs, read Paul’s website(s), and essentially contribute to his work while ridiculing his intentions:
If you actually knew Paul personally, know about how he treats his fellow man, how he searches for the truth no matter what the cost, and utilizes his “Independent” abilities to correct wrongs AND bring pressure on those that commit them, you wouldn’t be appalled that he printed this cell phone number.  Maybe it doesn’t conform to your archaic form of Journalism still seen in failing print publications, but it is effective and LEGAL.  Paul will not only share his salad and lemon squares his family made with anyone who’s interested in good will, but he will also put his neck out for anyone that has been wronged because he believe’s in what is right.  Maybe instead of dogging Paul or as I’ve stated, “BassBusting”, you should ask yourself “what have I done to help someone even though it may be controversial?” If I were fired or even put on leave for what Paul wrote I would be ecstatic he printed the cell phone number that got me rehired.  If you think Paul and his staff are such horrible journalists, where is your site that gets as many hits may I ask….hmmmm?

posted by: catwoman84 on February 4, 2011  11:26pm

That is totally ridiculous.  I hope that she files a lawsuit against them.  This is a good example of how employers are treated when there is no union. No wonder Mayor Destefano wants privatization.

posted by: Jeff Pipes on February 4, 2011  11:59pm

Labor Force, anon, andrew garrow (which you can stop in anytime and i’d be happy to some to Paul’s defense), and all others that desent on the NHI’s tactics…guess what, you are all wrong. 
posted by: Dan George, HR Director on February 4, 2011 2:02pm
To the New Haven Independent Editor, Readers and Contributors:

Ms Kearney will be paid for her administrative leave.  O,R&L has attempted to contact her several times throughout the day to learn more about the circumstances and advise her to report back to work on Monday.

Dan George
HR Director
O,R&L Facility Services

That about sums it up. NHI’s reporting IS effective so as soon as you people can make a news organization that exacts this much action in so short of time, you are simply irrelevant

posted by: the watcher on February 5, 2011  1:12am

a vote of no confidence on the police chief give me a break how about one on the other chief officer of operations for the b.o.e. that would be interesting.this is getting boring peaple.

posted by: Tom Burns on February 5, 2011  2:18am

Mr. Paul Bass—you are the best at what you do—no allegiances and no agenda’s—-You have my utmost respect—cause you take chances—-and you make a real positive difference to everyone’s world—-I blog and post my phone # because I believe in what i stand for and love to answer my potential critics—for I am for whats best for everyone—I am last(can we all take on this motto) then there will be no problems and no wars as we fight to put our brother’s and sister’s needs before ours—-it is that simple

Michelle—I knew you were going to get your job back—-and if you didn’t, all the regular/normal people had your back—I certainly did and was appalled by the actions of your company. In their defense they subsequently made the right decision, but Mr. Izzo probably needs more education concerning employees under his charge. Lets all grow—Tom

posted by: CityHall Worker on February 5, 2011  8:06am

While many Union workers in various industries do perform well, the local Unions in the Elm City have not performed well at all.  Their workers have neglected our school facilities and just about every other city-owned building in New Haven for years.  The reason the state, many cities and towns, and lots of the corporate sector continue to outsource their maintenance and custodial is very, very simple and very obvious.  Just look at the before and after in any of the older buildings in New Haven that has been privatized over the years. 

When the city outsources they obviously save money, but equally as important is they get:
More productive workers
More quality control
More financial control
Much better maintained facilities
Much cleaner facilities
Better maintained grounds

More importantly, they get much more accountability.  The private companies they outsource to have to be licensed, bonded and insured and they must have a good track record and a proven history to be a successful bidder on state and municipal bids.

When they are awarded a contract with the city they are required to provide weekly and monthly reports, financial statements, personnel updates and much more. 

You do not get much of this with in-house unionized workers these days - and that is a proven fact - time and time again and this is why the School System and others will eventually follow suit.

posted by: Snoopy on February 5, 2011  9:02am

This lady’s rights were violated and Destenfano supported the violation by his comments.  Just another reason why Destefano need to go sooner than later.  His agenda is to support, have officers change reports on the ‘ethnicity’ he has in his pockets, leading to law suits, and eliminating of a previous chief of police. BTW that chief was ? following orders of his appointee (Destefano) in calling the arresting officer in his office and requesting a change in arrest. That officer was doing his job. The arrestee had been non compliant, after more than one visit by arresting officer.  Freedom of speech is a given if you get to exercise it. John Izzo should be FIRED, he has no supervisory abilities. I would be willing to give a few thousands to this woman’s defense fund for litigation. The only time issues of this nature are productive is when it hits the pockets of perpetrator IE John Izzo and his company. And if possible include Destefano and the city of New Haven who hired this company. Had she been of the mayors chosen group his comment would have different. Re: Dan George’s comment regarding she losing her job “None what so ever” not true. They will harass, find fault in her work, start a paper trail, and her job will last as long as a snow ball in hell. FYI I’m glad NHI printed this as well as Izzo’s cell pnone number

posted by: Walt on February 5, 2011  9:37am

I’d like to join those many posters who think the Independent’s action in publishing Izzo’s cell phone number with a slightly veiled call for folks to take direct action against Izzo was pretty low-life,

This is from one who usually admires Paul’s actions His explanation on this one had little value as I see it.

If Paul would publish his own cell number so folks could pester him,  this mess-up might be a bit lessened

posted by: bjfair on February 5, 2011  10:36am

What is most interesting to me is there was no mention of how the chief was blamed for her misfortune having nothing at all to do with it and yet no apologies from those who jumped on the bandwagon before getting the facts. That has a familiar ring . But, oh well….there will be other opportunities to blame him for something, I’m sure,factual or fictional. I, too love Cavaliere’s outrage.

posted by: Hey Paul on February 5, 2011  1:17pm

I know you really care about publishing a good product, so please consider my 2 cents worth.  IMHO, the very best journalism is found in articles that accurately and completely cover all sides of the issue while staying completely neutral.  If you do that well enough, people should be sufficiently motivated to decide to take some action on their own.  Once you directly suggest that they do it, you’re using the news-covering side of your publication to promote your position and it cheapens the article.  I think I can hear my high school journalism teacher saying that it’s ok to do it, just put it in an editorial.  Thanks for listening.  With regard to what happened to the woman in this incident—what an outrage!  Just when I start thinking that labor unions have outlived their usefulness, situations like this arise. A hard-working, well-liked woman is fired for trying be helpful.  Not to mention, the City is likely paying MORE per hour to O.R.&L. for her than she would be getting as a municipal employee. But with this model, the company owners get rich, while she gets paid dirt.  Of course the City does save money—by cheating her out of good health insurance and a pension.  I would find that a little easier to accept if the City’s power brokers (e.g. the mayor and the managers overseeing those contracts) would also switch to whatever health coverage OR&L provides and give up THEIR pensions (fat chance of that).

posted by: andrew garrow on February 5, 2011  8:39pm

Paul, i appreciate you giving me the information for a spanish language newspaper, but i’d feel better if you published your address, and a phone number YOU answered. 
That was weak Paul.  Put your information up, go ahead, lets see why it’s ok to publish private information.  I DARE YOU

[Paul responds: That Spanish language newspaper office is also our office. My phone number is listed. As for dares, sorry. They don’t work. I didn’t publish that man’s home phone or address. That phone number is the one his home office gives out to the general public, at least when I called.]

posted by: OTTO on February 5, 2011  10:51pm

To Bjfair,
Never one to miss an opportunity to move your agenda forward.  Your disingenuous attempt to stand up for the Chief is quite nauseating and pathetic.  I sure hope Chief Limon sees right through your charade.

posted by: To Chief Limon on February 5, 2011  10:53pm

To Chief Limon:
We all apologize for blaming you.  We forgot that half of your month is spent in Chicago.  If the city needed you all month it would have to pay $300,000 annually.

posted by: @bjfair on February 6, 2011  12:54am

At BjFair, ...  You believe the chief had nothing to do with her firing?  You believe it wasn’t a phone call made to the boss from the chief that got Michelle fired…or sorry, put on paid leave.

And the Sergeant being transferred, as a previous poster stated, anyone going to comment on that?  Oh wait, that was just coincidence that both of these incidents happened immediately following the Independent’s article…I do believe Chicago has phones, don’t you?

[Editor’s Note: I checked into the transfer. According to the department, the sergeant put in for the transfer himself prior to that day.]

posted by: robn on February 6, 2011  9:30am

Objective journalism is a myth. Even Uncle Walter (Cronkite), a pinnacle of trustworthiness, eventually took a position against the Vietnam War.

posted by: bjfair on February 6, 2011  11:15am

Robn: Cronkite also took a stand against America’s drug war: a courageous journalist
Otto: green doesn’t compliment u at all
@to bjfair: oops, there it is (editor’s note)

posted by: Here It is on February 7, 2011  12:31am

Paul Bass 203-668-5790 call him.

posted by: Robinson on February 7, 2011  9:36am

This is not a true “paper” nor is it a true open forum for everyone.  The independent is a highly opinionated assembly of writings.  Many authors do not allow negative comments about their pieces, and there is no room for disagreement when it comes to mr. bass.  i still read it, but i don’t believe for a second, not one second, that this is a true, fact only based news source.

posted by: Melanie on February 7, 2011  10:20am

I am stunned at how superficial so many posters are. The cell phone number is not the issue. True, it was not a good thing to do. I think Mr Bass must have been very very angry

THE IMPORTANT THING HERE IS THAT A YOUNG LADY WHO DOES HER WORK WELL WAS FIRED FOR MAKING A COMMENT THAT REFLECTED BADLY ON THE MAYOR

FREE SPEECH IS THE CORNERSTONE OF LIBERTY

WE SHOULD ALL THANK MR BASS FOR DOING HIS BEST TO KEEP FREE SPEECH

Sure, theres a lot wrong with what gets posted and edited and censored here. It must be a very very difficult job for Mr Bass to keep the Independent going when he is dependent on business for subscriptions. Business in New Haven is dependent on the MAYOR

I THINK WHAT I’M TRYING TO SAY IS WE NEED A NEW MAYOR IF WE WANT TO KEEP FREE SPEECH AND OUR LIBERTY

posted by: Can't be contacted on February 7, 2011  12:42pm

Hmmmmmm
It seems Michele can’t be contacted by OR&L…
Sounds like she has already lawyerd up. Expect a statement soon…

posted by: @bjfair on February 7, 2011  10:52pm

[Editor’s Note: I checked into the transfer. According to the department, the sergeant put in for the transfer himself prior to that day.]

According to the department—-well, that just says it all!

posted by: bjfair on February 8, 2011  10:17am

Believe it or not sometimes an apple is just an apple.

posted by: snoopy on February 8, 2011  12:04pm

Michele I admire your non availability to calls from OR&L. I would have done the same after being escorted out of NHPD. Hope you will follow up appropriately to this outrageous incident. If I had a JD I would represent you pro bono.

posted by: snoopy on February 8, 2011  12:15pm

DeStefano compared Kearney’s suspension to an employee being dismissed by United Illuminating. “If you’re providing electricity, isn’t that a public service?” A public service yes in her case, however her employer is a private outsourced contractor NOT the city of New Haven.

posted by: just saying on February 9, 2011  1:04am

Michelle needs to lawyer up and let the City know she is not CHEAP .. And who gives a damn John Izzo number is published?? ... OR&l changes staff like ya change up underwear.Or should I say like we change chiefs. Chief Melendez we miss YOU!!!

posted by: Anon on February 10, 2011  9:58am

Frankly, I am glad that one of the “outrageous,” (according to some comments) things Paul Bass has done is finally both in public and for the good.

Congratulations and keep it up.

posted by: just saying on February 10, 2011  10:20pm

Michelle where are you? why haven’t you came back too work yet? We miss you silly gurl!!!!!