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Post by Swimmy on Jan 21, 2010 9:14:35 GMT -5
Like I said, I'm not able to discuss his accomplishments as chief other than what I've said. I'm not convinced his promotion to chief and his time as chief is a direct result of the decrease in crime, especially when crime has decreased nationally.
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Post by Swimmy on Jan 21, 2010 12:09:37 GMT -5
During my search for articles regarding labella, I happened across this comment on a udn article" Johnny Beans on 01/16/2010 05:05:36 pm
Recently, during the mayors limited response to OD reporters regarding LaBellaGate, the mayor boldly claimed that crime was down in Utica, and that people should thank the now rescinded chief for making them feel safe.
Is this the truth or is this another example of how blatant cronyism and selective use of statistical data works in Utica?
Let us not forget, it was under LaBella's watch that one of the most horrific crimes and tragedies in the history of Utica occurred. The murder of Kristin Longo and the destruction of the Longo family. Of course, Labella didn't personally commit the crime, but could someone more competent, astute, and qualified have been able to circumvent it? If Roefaro and LaBella are going to make self-professed claims of the latter's positive affect on crime then shouldn't they also take responsibility for all the crimes that do occur?
According to private research companies, state agencies and the FBI, recent statistical data involving crime in Utica is defined as so:
VIOLENT CRIME COMPARISON
NY State measures a 4.52 per 1000 residents.
Utica measures 4.71 per 1000 residents.
CHANCES OF BECOMING A VICTIM
NY State 1 in 221
Utica 1 in 212
MURDER
USA Rate per 1000 = 0.06
Utica Rate per 1000 = 0.08
ROBBERY
USA Rate per 1000 = 1.41
Utica Rate per 1000 = 2.29
PROPERTY CRIME
NY State = 1 in 46
Utica = 1 in 24
BURGLARY
USA Rate per 1000 = 7.27
Utica Rate per 1000 = 9.97
THEFT
USA Rate per 1000 = 22.86
Utica Rate per 1000 = 28.68
(I'm sure this doesn't include all the legalized theft going on by those in public office. I'm certain that number would be double)
I know, the mayor will claim that they he has all the correct information and that these statistics are inaccurate and erroneous. Much like his claim that they did all the right things and followed all the proper legal guidelines in appointing his best friend to Chief of Police. I have not been able to verify where he got these numbers or whether they are accurate, anyone know where to direct me for it? |
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Post by bobbbiez on Jan 22, 2010 0:21:43 GMT -5
Well.....one can do a seemingly good job and not be qualified. And by the same token...one can be qualified and do a lousy job. While LaBella may be doing a seemingly good job ( and while you have an inside track there Bobbiez, I have a few there as well), all may not be as it seems. And of course there are rules to follow as well, let alone the open display of nepotism in his appointment does not speak well for the administration itself. It will be interesting to see how all play this game as it goes along its merry way.  Ralph, I'm not basing my opinion on who I know or who you know concerning Chief Labella's performance. I base my opinion on the fact the Utica PBA is willing to publicly stand behind their chief which means the majority of officers are happy and proud to work under him. When it comes directly from the horses mouth it tells me more then what comes from those who know little of what is actually taking place in the police department. Those who work under the man are telling you he is doing a great job. I choose to believe them then all the gossip others want to throw out. I also base my opinion as a resident who lives in a target area and who has witnessed first hand the improvement in my area since LaBella was appointed. I base my opinion on being a watch commander in my neighborhood watch group and am seeing a good solid relationship building between residents and officers which was greatly needed to fight the crime on our streets. Whatever happens with his position will be decided by the proper authority and I will respect that decision, but for now, I will continue to give the man his rightful dues. He is Chief of Police and I respect the man in his position for the good job he has done.  |
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Post by tanouryjr on Jan 22, 2010 0:41:59 GMT -5
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Post by bobbbiez on Jan 22, 2010 0:45:37 GMT -5
lets face it folks the guy has people working for him who should have been chief that just make him look good....saying the man is a dumb as a box of rocks would be an insult to the rocks. and as far as roefaro goes he makes former mayor sal caruso look like a flaming genius. Corner, you did mean former Mayor Mike Caruso right? Totally useless!  Let's face it. When something bad happens in a city department who gets the blame? We all know the heat is always directed to the head of the department. If the department is handled well then the credit also goes to the head of the department. LaBella is no different. Make no mistake he has plenty of good men under him, but he is the Chief, and runs that department.  |
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Post by Ralph on Jan 22, 2010 3:51:42 GMT -5
"Those who work under the man are telling you he is doing a great job."
Actually, that is not what those that I come in contact with that work under him are telling me.
While I know nothing of his performance on the job myself, I do know that the PBA standing behind him does not necessarily mean the entire department does. But that is the case in almost all venues of city government let alone the LE sector.
As I said when Pylman was on the job, he is the chief and should be accorded the respect and cooperation given that position until such a time as he is no longer holding it.
I have no take on it one way or the other besides what I read in print, have seen on TV and have been told by those I associate with that are employed there.
My only point is the method(s) by which he acquired and was appointed to the position. Those in my mind leave much to contemplate.
Larry, That was interesting, but you yourself know that Executive Privilege is there for a reason. Though I don't always agree with what is discussed, Jim has a valid point in them not discussing it as it is a personnel issue and would also open them/the city up to liability issues.
As far as statistics go, those are almost always a year or more behind and really don't reflect at all on his tenure as chief. And as Swimmy pointed out, a lot of that is also a direct reflection of statistics around the country and its cyclic shifting as well.
I think Corner said it best. The results of the department as a whole is a reflection of the department itself and not a single individual. Those at the head are held up by all those below...........one in that position is only as strong as their weakest link.
Until the NYSCSC makes a final decision, the Mayor revokes his appointment, or he himself steps down, he is still the Chief down there whether anyone likes it or not.
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Post by Swimmy on Jan 22, 2010 7:47:52 GMT -5
I don't think it would take a whole lot of an imagination, given the political climate in oneida county if a closed-door directive came from labella similar to this:
"I am chief, you know who I am and who my connections are. If you don't support me, you'll be sorry."
;D
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Post by bobbbiez on Jan 22, 2010 11:49:18 GMT -5
I don't think it would take a whole lot of an imagination, given the political climate in oneida county if a closed-door directive came from labella similar to this: "I am chief, you know who I am and who my connections are. If you don't support me, you'll be sorry." ;D Not when you're talking about a civil service position. Most don't worry about losing their jobs unless they do something terribly wrong. "You'll be sorry" just doesn't cut it." I'm positive the members of the Utica PBA aren't worried about any form of threats. |
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Post by corner on Jan 22, 2010 12:05:37 GMT -5
lets face it folks the guy has people working for him who should have been chief that just make him look good....saying the man is a dumb as a box of rocks would be an insult to the rocks. and as far as roefaro goes he makes former mayor sal caruso look like a flaming genius. Corner, you did mean former Mayor Mike Caruso right? Totally useless! Let's face it. When something bad happens in a city department who gets the blame? We all know the heat is always directed to the head of the department. If the department is handled well then the credit also goes to the head of the department. LaBella is no different. Make no mistake he has plenty of good men under him, but he is the Chief, and runs that department. yeh thats it made all italians look dumb er ah 1 2 tree |
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Post by bobbbiez on Jan 22, 2010 12:28:06 GMT -5
Corner, you did mean former Mayor Mike Caruso right? Totally useless! Let's face it. When something bad happens in a city department who gets the blame? We all know the heat is always directed to the head of the department. If the department is handled well then the credit also goes to the head of the department. LaBella is no different. Make no mistake he has plenty of good men under him, but he is the Chief, and runs that department. yeh thats it made all Italians look dumb er ah 1 2 tree Ya get no argument from me. Mike Caruso was the dumbest Mayor Utica ever had. Even the Italians were ashamed he was of their nationality. |
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Post by Swimmy on Jan 22, 2010 14:50:31 GMT -5
I don't think it would take a whole lot of an imagination, given the political climate in oneida county if a closed-door directive came from labella similar to this: "I am chief, you know who I am and who my connections are. If you don't support me, you'll be sorry." ;D Not when you're talking about a civil service position. Most don't worry about losing their jobs unless they do something terribly wrong. "You'll be sorry" just doesn't cut it." I'm positive the members of the Utica PBA aren't worried about any form of threats. Who said anyhting about losing their jobs? Look how they ousted Pylman. As I said, with a little imagination and the given political climate, not too difficult to see support being compelled. |
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Post by lovinglife on Jan 22, 2010 16:23:47 GMT -5
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Post by bobbbiez on Jan 22, 2010 16:25:47 GMT -5
Swimmy, Plyman ousted himself and financially very nicely solid to his benefit. If the man wanted to stay on there was no way for anyone to oust him. I think Rotundo's too many years as Chief of Police proves that right and boy they did everything in their power to that man, especially Mayor Hanna attempts, to get rid of him. Finally, he hit the ripe old age where the state could force him to retire or he'd still be Utica's Chief of Police. Thank God for age- requirements!
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Post by Clipper on Jan 22, 2010 16:50:44 GMT -5
Lovinglife, I also read that article on the UDN page. I laughed and shook my head in sympathy for the mayor. Is he actually so damned stupid and ignorant to believe that?
As I said on the comment section at UDN, if the OD decided to discriminate against Italians in the city of Utica, they would immediately lose about half of their circulation. They could publish that rag in a broom closet. LOL
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2010 17:49:45 GMT -5
I listened to the whole interview on WIBX from the start. I thought the interview went rather well until the subject of Labella came up. The Mayor immedietely went on the defensive & I could tell that he was uncomfortable with the subject. Then he came out with this whopper. Roefaro claimed that at the time that he appointed Labella that there was no other Civil Service list for police chief. Huh? I thought that there were 2 other candidates that took the test that Labella should have taken but signed off leaving Roefaro open to appointing Labella. He repeated his claim twice during the interview. Roefaro better get his facts straight.
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Ralph, I'm not basing my opinion on who I know or who you know concerning Chief Labella's performance. I base my opinion on the fact the Utica PBA is willing to publicly stand behind their chief which means the majority of officers are happy and proud to work under him. When it comes directly from the horses mouth it tells me more then what comes from those who know little of what is actually taking place in the police department. Those who work under the man are telling you he is doing a great job. I choose to believe them then all the gossip others want to throw out.
