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Post by lilbump1980 on Jun 11, 2008 8:28:11 GMT -5
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Post by Swimmy on Jun 11, 2008 9:01:07 GMT -5
As I commented on the article, I find it interesting that roefaro was so against Pylman for, among other things, being a non-Utica resident and Julian for allowing it to happen. Now, he's just ignoring it as much as Julian apparently did (except Julian did require two new hartford residents in the UPD to have a Utica residence by now).
Interesting how he was all gung ho about the residency rules, but now just disregards it and flouts it by not producing any written findings as to why he felt the need to waive the requirement.
By no means am I trying to belittle the officers' promotions. In fact, I'm happy to see them be promoted. And I congratulate them all.
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Post by lilbump1980 on Jun 11, 2008 9:25:48 GMT -5
I agree with you swimmy.
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Post by denise on Jun 11, 2008 15:16:51 GMT -5
Oh, the irony.
Seriously though, the residency requirement has always been a crock of shit and has never been adhered to. At least in the police department. I found it laughable that some people made it such an issue when it came to Pylman. Boy, I hope that man enjoys his retirement! He deserves some peace and quiet.
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Post by corner on Jun 11, 2008 15:36:38 GMT -5
These are standup guys that got promoted have worked with all of them at one time or another, good luck to all.
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Post by denise on Jun 11, 2008 19:07:26 GMT -5
I absolutely agree that all who were promoted deserved it. Best of luck to all of them!
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Post by nhcitizen18 on Jun 12, 2008 21:44:28 GMT -5
If I were a resident of Utica I would be really pissed if these residency laws were ever enforced. They should be taken right off the books as soon as possible.
If there is ever a situation where I have need of the police I would hope that the person that responded went through a strenuous interview process that in the end chose the candidate with the best qualifications, personality and ability for the job. I really don't want the "3rd choice" person responding just because they have a "superior" address.
Hell the company I work for is hiring people from India that work directly with us even though they are half a world away...while someone that lives 1/2 a mile over the border in Frankfort can't work in Utica? Give me a break.
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Post by smiley on Jun 13, 2008 9:48:25 GMT -5
It is crazy that people are worried about the residency law.
The police officers that were promoted are deserving and it really doesn't matter where they live.
The issue needs to be put to rest already!
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Post by frankcor on Jun 15, 2008 9:34:01 GMT -5
Whenever I hear someone supporting a residence law in a city, I always wonder what's next? Will they force employees to only eat in the city, too? And only buy groceries in the city? How about vacations?
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Post by Clipper on Jun 15, 2008 9:53:48 GMT -5
Exactly Frank. I agree. I have to look upon residency laws with the same disdain that I look upon nepotism and patronage with.
It was simply a reason to keep the jobs for the local politically connected, and to narrow the field of candidates. It made sure that the hiring was done along party lines or family blood lines, and eliminated the smarter or more qualified outside sources of candidates.
It is archaic, unfair, and stupid in todays world. It may have had a purpose in some situations, in some places, but Utica NY is not one of those places. You can bet your ass that Utica had ulterior motives in instituting it in the first place.
I know I will get flack from some of our members that have relatives and kids that are cops and firefighters, but if the truth be known, the one's that will bitch about my opinion on the matter, have kids that would have qualified and been hired on merit, and didn't need the residency law to slide them ahead of anyone else. (I'm talking about Ralph and Bobbbiez.)
How proud can one be, when they are selected on minimal qualifications, ahead of someone else, because of the residency law? I would say that they should be as proud as the ones they bitch about getting a job on the basis of affirmative action quotas.
Open the selection process to all who qualify on merit, and let us hire the most qualified, and intelligent individuals. Fill the jobs with young, dedicated, and enthusiastic individuals.
Has anyone ever stopped to think, that maybe some of the problem with the relationship between cops and residents, may be deep seated resentment by cops that were brought up in the city, and have their judgment clouded by that resentment? Maybe a cop from outside the city, would be more objective, and less jaded in their decisions. I don't mean that to be a accusation to any particular officers or situations.
There are two sides to any coin, and I think that the side favoring the abolishment of residency laws, is the appropriate side to be on this time around.
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Post by dgriffin on Jun 15, 2008 9:56:11 GMT -5
Whenever I hear someone supporting a residence law in a city, I always wonder what's next? Will they force employees to only eat in the city, too? And only buy groceries in the city? How about vacations? Imagine finding out that your girlfriend had to be from the city! |
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Post by Clipper on Jun 15, 2008 10:10:14 GMT -5
Haha! MY girlfriend IS from the city, and she is a "right purdy city gal too!"LOL She is a West Utica, Ukranian, Lithuanian.
Wouldn't be much different than it was when we were growing up Dave. The selection and diversity is even broader than it was then. We have simply added a few more ethnic options to the mix.LOL
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Post by dan on Jun 15, 2008 10:21:52 GMT -5
-Short story-
Back about 25 years ago I was a happy Volunteer Firefighter, but also owned and lived in a house just off the Parkway on Howard Ave. I applied for firefighter positions for city of Oneida, Rome and Utica, but the one I really wanted was in Utica. I tested for all three and came in within the top 10 for all three cities. Oneida was just too far away at the time to be serious about, but with my scores in Rome and Utica I was confident that I'd be placed. I took the physical test for both and came in tied for first in Utica. I went into the interview with then mayor Mr Lapolla with perhaps too much of an air of confidence, after all, I had been an active firefighter for about 9 years by then. Mr Lapolla got to the point very quickly. He did not believe I was a city resident, regardless of my address. He believed I was still living in Frankfort and just using the Howard Ave address to get into the department. I think I may have put it over the top when I invited him for dinner some time. He may have picked up on a hint of frustration and sarcasim in my voice. Needless to say that the person that tied for first place didn't get placed with the 5 that got chosen. This was one of the defining reasons I got fed up and decided to move to Detroit 2 years later.
-End of short (haha) story-
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Post by Swimmy on Jun 17, 2008 13:44:13 GMT -5
I'm not in favor of the residency laws, I just find it disgraceful that the mayor had as one of his biggest issues against Pylman that he was not a Utica resident. Then Julian slammed two officers for not having Utica residences in response to placate roefaro's rhetoric, and now, roefaro claims that the residency rule is irrelevant. It's ironic. And as I've said before, I by no means intend to belittle these officers' accomplishments. The earned their promotions and deserve to celebrate.
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Post by denise on Jun 17, 2008 19:19:09 GMT -5
Roefaro was for the residency requirement before he was against it. ;D
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