Mayor hires lawyer to investigate claims Jan. 29, 2014 | 0 Comments A A Written by Joseph P. Smith FILED UNDER News Local News Anthony Fanucci VINELAND — Mayor Ruben Bermudez announced late Tuesday that an outside legal counsel will do a “comprehensive” investigation into what the mayor termed as Councilwoman Angela Calakos’ allegation of official misconduct by Business Administrator William E. Lutz. The investigation, the mayor stated, also will examine city Solicitor Richard Tonetta’s conduct. The outside counsel is Woodbury attorney Allen Richardson, who previously investigated a city judge last fall. Bermudez did not disclose how much the investigation would cost. The mayor’s office emailed an announcement to media shortly before 5 p.m. City Council members had not seen it prior to the start of their meeting at 5:30 p.m. and the members did not comment on the statement. The investigation will focus on a reported conversation Calakos had with Lutz in November. Lutz reportedly told her that he had been in a meeting with city Solicitor Richard Tonetta and Landis Sewerage Authority Executive Director Dennis Palmer. Lutz reportedly told Calakos that Palmer attempted to bribe the city solicitor in connection with ending a city effort to take over the independently run sewerage authority. Palmer and Tonetta deny ever meeting together with Lutz. Both men are known to intensely distrust and dislike Lutz, and Palmer has Vineland officials on notice he may sue the city over the administrator’s alleged remarks. “The investigation will determine whether or not there is any factual merit to Councilwoman Calakos’ claims involving both city officials,” Bermudez stated. “Mr. Richardson’s investigation will include a comprehensive review of all facts in this matter, including, without limitation, those reported by the media and included in Mr. Palmer’s filed tort claim notice against the city.” The mayor also said in his statement that “the city has a legal and moral obligation to thoroughly investigate matters alleging any official misconduct. However, fundamental to our justice system, we should be careful to withhold judgment until the inquiry is completed.” Page
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 09:34:24 +0000