Clinton Township asks whether threats led to resignations
 
By Kirk D. Richards
The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio)
Copyright 2007 The Columbus Dispatch
All Rights Reserved

CLINTON TWP., Ohio — Clinton Township will pay a private investigator up to $2,000 to determine whether its fire department is a "hostile" work environment.

Trustee Chairman Larry Wilkes had said previously that he wanted to investigate who is spreading rumors about the department's future, saying that some of the details were so specific that they likely came from an insider.

But on Thursday, Wilkes said that local investigator Vince Catalogna will focus on work intimidation, not anonymous letters and phone calls. Wilkes, however, said the investigation could end up identifying the source of the rumors.

"I'd think the residents would want to know," Wilkes said.

Unsigned letters surfaced throughout the township after trustees announced in February that three firefighter positions would have to be cut. The move saves $270,000 for a department with a $1.3 million budget.

The letters questioned the management of the department and suggested that it would be better to save $66,000 a year by dismissing Assistant Fire Chief John Harris and hiring firefighters who, instead of working primarily in an office, would respond to calls for help.

Since then, several part-time firefighters have resigned. They said it was in a show of solidarity with those whose positions were cut. Wilkes said he thinks firefighters have been intimidated and that might have led to some resignations.

Fire Chief Randy Stickle confirmed Thursday that he already has received a report from the investigator but wouldn't comment on whether it identified the source of the rumors. Stickle also wouldn't say whether action will be taken against any employees.

"We are evaluating it and discussing it with legal counsel," Stickle said.

The investigation could result in discipline, termination, criminal charges or even no action against an employee, Wilkes said.

He said that he and other officials intentionally were not told of the specifics in the report right now because they could be called to testify in hearings.

Trustee Bruce Tjampiris declined to say what he hopes will be accomplished from the investigation or even why he voted to approve it.

"It's best if you talk to Larry," Tjampiris said Thursday.

Trustee John Coneglio, who voted against funding the investigation, did not return a call seeking comment Thursday.

Meanwhile, resident Dolores Inscho considers the investigation a waste of taxpayer dollars.

"I don't understand why such an investigation is needed if we have a fire chief," Inscho said. She also questioned the need for an assistant fire chief post.

"The money they'd save with me wouldn't pay for three firefighters," Harris said, adding that he could give several reasons why he should stick around but that he deferred to Stickle.

The chief said Harris secured a $70,000 federal grant last year and helps with the overall management of the department of six full-time firefighters.

"While we're a small department, we still have the same issues and responsibilities as a larger department," Stickle said. "This is just a difficult time."