That's a comment that Village Administrator Jim Saracco made to Councilwoman Rosie Goss in a Property Committee meeting yesterday according to the morning papers. The meeting was held mainly to resolve the Shelter Gate issue for the price tag on recent repairs and improvements to a couple of shelters in Hammonds Park. Originally the project started out to replace & repair some rotted wood. Somewhere along the line it was decided to add outlets to the shelters and this increased the costs by nearly $4,500. The additional work wasn't checked out with the Fiscal Officer beforehand. After all was said and done there was both shock & dismay when the bill came in.
Council tabled the bill originally to get an itemized statement from the contractor that did the work. Yesterday Goss held a meeting to determine what to do with it. Who would have thought that a Property Committee meeting would turn into a shouting match with tempers flaring? Saracco has admitted he made a mistake and apologized. Seems like politics beyween different factions is still running rampant in our village. The bill will be taken off the table at the next council meeting. Wonder if all will act like adults when it's discussed in Council Chambers?
As I said before it's beyond time to let go of the petty crap and devote more time to being responsible care takers of what is best for our village. With our limited funds available everyone in office should be working together for the common goal of moving our town forward. There's a lot of costly items being considered or presently being undertaken to maintain and improve our infrastructure. To move forward it's going to take everyone involved working together. That's hard to accomplish with back stabbing and name calling. Sometimes you just got to suck it up, grin and bear it. Did you elected folks see the article today about the increased cost of road salt?
In other village news the Lt. Governor and other dignitaries were visiting the Port Authority facilities last Friday. The visit was to tour the facilities. State Sen. Wilson & State Rep. Bolon have requested $5 million of the the $1.5 billion state stimulous package for property acquisitions and additional improvements down there. The property acquisitions is for the anticipated Baard plant. Even without the ORCF plant the port terminal is beginning to play an increasing role in receiving and shipping goods not only statewide but nationally too. NASA has already signed on to use the facilities to ship parts made up around Cleveland to Florida. That's just the beginning of what they can do down there. It's not only good for the Port Authority it'll be good for Wellsville too.
Oh, before wrapping this up I have to mention one more thing about the heated meeting yesterday. Wonder if Jim realizes that under federal guide lines that calling a female "girl" is considered sexual harassment?
Careful Jim, careful...
ole nib
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34 comments:
"Saracco has admitted he made a mistake and apologized"
"As I said before it's beyond time to let go of the petty crap and devote more time to being responsible care takers of what is best for our village."
Surely, you jest. He admitted making a mistake??? and he apologized????
Wonder if the state auditors will be so accommodating as to say, "Oh heck, he apologized so all's well."
For God's sake, this is TAXPAYERS' money you're talking about being misused and it's OK to just "apologize?" I think not.
As for being "responsible caretakers of what is best for the village" I think that's what Mrs. Goss is TRYING to do.
Didn't anyone learn from the fiscal emergency? Since when can someone just decide to use taxpayers dollars to make repairs to something without council approval?
And just WHO authorized the contractor? And doesn't ANYONE see a problem with using a councilman's relative?
My God, this place is completely out of control.
No Nib, he's too stupid to know that. Goss should demand Saracco be fired. He was just trying to get off the subject of him breaking the law and sitting on paperwork until the job was done. He didn't start yesterday, he knows he was told to sit on the paperwork, only this time he got caught. The people of Wellsville don't know that this stuff has gone on during Surace's entire administration. Rosie, please do yourself, and the people of Wellsville a favor, demand he be fired. If that does not happen get a lawyer and sue him. He is no administrator Surace knows it Council knows it, and the residents know it. What a damn liar. It's funny, everytime there is a dispute over a contracter doing a job Cataldo Construction is always involved. 18th St. pavillon, street signs, ring a bell. Saracco said hewould never hire them again, hell no, he got caught thsi time, blame Cataldo Jim, that's your style. You blamed Bill Cataldo for it quote " if he didn't open his mouth, everything would have been okay". What, What, What, What the hell is wrong with you? Also you blamed Tony Cataldo too. Who you gonna blame next? Fire that joke Surace, before he brings you down with him.
Way to go Jim. Keep up the great work. You're stellar. Better yet, give it up and let someone who knows what the hell they are doing get in there. If you care so much about Wellsville, you will, let alone if you care about making an idiot of yourself on a daily basis. I know this sounds harsh, but I truly like you and feel you would do yourself and everyone else a favor if you went home and retired. Think about it. For everyones sake.
We need to ask somebody who is honest at Village Hall who knows the truth about these sneaky moves that go on all the time. Saracco lies, Surace lies, so somebody who is honest let us know what the hell is the deal with Saracco. Not just this latest thing, but I hear he is as dumb as all hell and does not know the first thing about being an Administrator. No wonder Wellsville is the laughing stock of the County. Surace wake up man, you know Saracco is a failure. I know damn well that there are people in Wellsville who could do the job.
Appalled - I didn't say that it was ok since Saracco admitted he made a mistake & apologized. You're trying to put words in my mouth. That statement was just part of the story.
To me the cost of installing some outlets in a couple of shelters was exorbitant. Also, I have to agree with Goss that it could have been put off for further consideration.
If I wasn't concerned about tax payers money I would have never written this piece.
nib
Ole Nib: Keep posting....because everything, and that means everything, that goes on at Village Hall has to do with the taxpayer's money.
I think you are missing the point. This is not abouit electrical work. The fact of the matter is he did not turn in any paper work. See thats against the law. He was told to sit on the paperwork, he will never admit it, but when it goes to court, and that is where this is going, he will tell all, unless he lies on the stand. The state will be called, no more of your doing things against the law Surace and Saracco.
I believe that he is very busy! It is not easy trying to squeeze yourself into every Wellsville photo opoptunity. That has to be very exhausting. Keep up the good work boy.
Anon of 9/24 - Are you referring to the bill when you said he didn't turn in the paperwork? Who told him to sit on it? If he does have $25,000 to spend at his discretion the total amount was well under that. Does he have $25 grand? Is this in the budget? Is this amount for the year? Please explain that to me. I have often wondered about that. Every time Saracco gets caught with his hands in the cookie jar he mentions his $25 grand allowance. I know if it is over a certain amount it has to be checked with the Fiscal Officer. I think that is $3 grand. Saracco didn't do that & he has openly admitted that he didn't.
There's more going on than what's been reported on so far. There's probably a lot of us trying to understand it and get to the bottom of it. I doubt if I'm the only one. I think this latest incident is a continuation of whatever is going on. It gives the ville a black eye and I don't like it one bit.
nib
Wiz - I know, Lord, I know. Politics do indeed make for strange bed fellows.
nib
How bout we get back to the speeding kids in town. I haven't heard of one ticket. Lets save a life for goodness sake.
I've counted 18 kids in the last 15 minutes, flying by my house. So fast I can't even get a look at the liscense#.
Saycheese, you hit the nail right on the head. He's too busy going to the bank everyday also. Damn joke, fire that weasel, make Wellsville a better place. As far as the speeding cars, call a Councilman, because Scarabino or Surace won't do a damn thing.
Ole Nib, you can check out the law yourself at http://codes.ohio.gov/orc
section 9.231
Although the village administrator is allowed to spend up to $25,000 by law, he still needs to secure estimates of a project and not just hire whoever he wants (or who anybody else wants). According to sources who attended the council meeting where they questioned the work done, Saracco made the statement "if he just would have kept his mouth shut, we wouldn't have this problem". So, is the "he" Billy Cataldo? Why did he have to keep his mouth shut? Man wanted paid for his work and had every right to ask for his money (whether he overcharged or not) but he refused to give an itemized bill, again, WHY? All expenses should be cleared through the fiscal officer to make sure the funds are available. Jim Saracco has been there long enough to know that. Council has every right to question spending, that's why they are there, to protect our interests.
p,a&c - Thanks for the explanation. I've heard the $25 grand mentioned a few times but never got around to checking it out. I didn't know if it was a local ordinance or ORC. As they say you're never too old to learn something new.
There's a lot of us curious as to why the contractor is reluctant to provide an itemized bill. Interesting, very interesting...
nib
Why is calling someone girl considered sexual harrasment? That is silly. I am sure men say much worse things than that to women everyday. What did Mr. Sarracco do other than not give an order to the fiscal officer on time? Does anyone but me think this may be being blown out of proportion?
Don't Get It - As far as I'm concerned it's one of those silly rules that was spawned out of the new age of political correctness. I have trouble understanding it too. Here's what I found in Dictinary.com that may give you some understanding as to why it's considered offensive: "Usage note: Just as many mature men, even young men, resent being referred to as boys, many adult women today are offended if referred to as girls, or the less formal gals. In business and professional offices, the practice of referring to one's secretary as the girl or my girl, as in I'll have my girl look it up and call you back, has decreased but not disappeared entirely. Such terms as the girls in reference to a group of women, girl or gal Friday in reference to a female secretary or assistant, and bachelor girl in reference to an unmarried woman are increasingly regarded as offensive, and working girl in the sense “a woman who works” is declining in use."
nib
Ole nib didnt get a chance but thanks for the very nice right up on the games a while back..
As far as I am concerned the whole "political correctness" thing is blown out of proportion. I dont beleive it to be ANYONES right to tell me how I should speak or when it's OK to say something in certain groups or how to refer to someone. Everytime I see these things on tv it jsut about makes me sick to think that somany are driven by what society says is proper. I see a future for these clones/drones of society if this keeps up. No one allowed to speak what they think in fear of retaliation? I dont know about everyone else. but I tend to say what I want, where I want and how ever the hell I feel like. If you are offended, Please don't listen.. You too have rights...
TBrown
I dont think it is something to get fired over.
I tend to agree. There's such a thing called common decency which I try to adhere to. In other words don't use insulting remarks just to be rude. However, there are many times you have to be blunt in conversations just to get your point across with no misunderstanding. I'm sounding like Forrest Gump here but Mama always said "if you don't have nothing nice to say then keep your mouth shut". I always thought if you can't say what you think you're going to blow up with frustration! One of the beauties of the English language is that there are so many ways to tell someone they don't have a clue and to bug off. You can even say it diplomatically. Sometimes the P.C. police go overboard.
nib
What is with the weird whistling noise in the ville. A two/ three tone whistle at various times of the day, and in the middle of the night. If anyone lives between 9th street and 12th street you cant help but hear it.
Saracco broke the law. Council's job is to watch how the taxpayers of Wellsville's money is spent. They are just doing their job. Saracco sat on the paperwork, becase he knew it would not have been approved by the Fiscal Officer. He is Surace's Stooge, so he broke the law for him. The Girl, and Weasel and Spy remarks, simply were made to get off the real issue. Let Sarraco go he is dumb as hell anyway, sooner or later, STATE OFFICIALS WILL BE TOLD ABOUT HE AND SURACES BULLSHIT. BREAKING THE LAW WITH THE SAME OLD CONSTRUCTION CO. SOUND FAMILIAR.
Ole Nib that is right..common decency should be used. Some dont choose to use it. But what gets me is the fact that people getting fired over remarks or saying the wrong thing. This is crazy. We don't have freedom of speech anymore. We have the freedom to say what we like as long as it doesn't offend the wrong person. If you are offended by something. then dont listen, dont associate , but for Gods sake, let people speak how they want to speak. Right or wrong ..why shoul dwe be policed on what we choose to say and where, or how it is said. Dont get me wrong, We should use common
sense when speaking. but if someone should slip. they should not be fired for that.. that is just ridiculous... just my two sense..
TBrown
Calling Mrs. Goss "girl" is very disrespectful. I do not know if it has racial connotations or not, but I think that if it is against the sexual discrimination laws, than it should be enforced. We should get rid of Saracco- maybe then we could get bids on future village projects, you know, kind of like other towns do. Everyone knows that there is something fishy going on here...even you have to admit that Old Nib! Five Thousand Dollars to wire the upper pavilion? This kind of reminds me of the mafia contracts in New York City! Over-priced and no-bid, kick-backs, you name it. Something fishy is going on here. Come on, nib! ADMIT THAT THIS STINKS FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD! I, for one, am tired of getting my balls busted by the Wellsville Mob.
You are missing the point T. Brown. Saracco broke the law, and he did it on purpose, because your buddy Surace told him to. See this isn't about his childish name calling, he has made a ton of mistakes, he is useless to the Village. This is just one more stupid ass thing he has pulled. This time he got caught. Call the state, see what they they about his law breaking ass. Your getting of the subject, like Saracco tried to do by calling Don Brown a Weasel and a Spy. Calling Goss a Girl 3 or 4 times, not once.
I don't understand where Mr. Brown gets the idea that Mr. Saracco would be fired for calling someone a name? It's not the name calling, even though it is completely disrespectful to be calling council members names (they are you're bosses Jimmy), it's the incompetency they would be letting him go for. He did not follow protocal, plain and simple! This isn't his first time at the races and he should know what protocal is by now.
Hey carrot topped with peas, calling Mr Saracco " Jimmy" is more disrespectful than calling a female " Girl". By the way, he is 30 yrs or more her senior, and that bad name "girl" is quite appropiate if you ask me.
That goes for you too, Shonuff. Give the guy a break for heavens sake. He has the best interest of this village at heart, and always has, that's a fact, A-hole nuff
You people are disgusting. You attack everyone that does anything for this village. The people that you love to put down and crucify are ones that have the best interest of the village. Do you people? I think not. Your only interest is tearing down, accusing, wanting to fire, sue or anything degrading you can think of. Everyone knows who you are and what you do. You're sneaky, spiteful, dishonest,vindictive people. You have no idea how much time and money your elected officials put in. Do you for one minute think the obligated dinners and functions are free, think again. We've watched for years how you operate and you have the ultimate nerve to suggest kickbacks. You are all laughable and that's what we do is laugh at you. You have never commended anyone on the improvments to this village, it's the one thing you don't care about. So contiue to namecall, yell fire the guy, call the state to investigate and sue the hell out of anyone in office. Why don't you take some of that energy and try to be of some benefit to the, um, actually we can do with out you.
I only jumped in here not to defend or offend anyone, only to make a point of racial slurs and talking inappropriately and how they effect people these days. I dont care whether it's GIRL, Boy,, I can go on all day.. Sorry Ole Nib. I only wanted to hijack this topic to air my frustration on that subject as it seems so many are offended by the term "GIRL". Nothing more...Just sit back sometime and think of some of the things that people make claims over and think about how ridiculous it sounds...Sorry that is a real sore subject for me whomever is involved
TBrown
ASDF JKL, First of all Saracco has been called Jimmy his whole life, just ask him. Everybody calls him Jimmy, where you been. So what is disrespectful about that. Nobody even calls him Jim, it's always Jimmy, wake up.
OKAY GUYS - village politics and shelter repairs aside - which one of you would have taken it lightly is Mr. Saracco's comment to you had been
"I'm busy BOY,I'm busy." ???
From anyone's point of view that kind of communication has no place in a business meeting of any kind.
If Ms Goss kept her cool she has my admiration.
An Ex-Village Resident
I think Mrs. Goss kept her cool and allowed Mr. Saracco to rant on like a raving lunatic so the press could see just how things work at village hall. Usually when someone starts off on the defensive side, it means guilt of some kind. Mrs. Goss did the right thing, she allowed Mr. Saracco to show his true colors. As far as the anonymous poster who claimed these are the people who have the village's best interest, pfft and have the interest off the money, right?
who keeps on writing mrs.goss prepared statements every meeting she has she has a prepared statement WONDER WHO WRITES THEM FOR HER EVERYBODY KNOWS
The same person who writes everything McMahon and Saracco says, because believe me, they are both dumb as hell.
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