| Kubic named emergency stand-in December 13, 2007 |
| The new Town Council quickly took action to change the town charter in regards to a substitute for the mayor in a time of emergency, unanimously appointing new councilman Joseph Kubic to fulfill that responsibility if the need arises. |
| Succession in the mayor's absence has been a question for months, and it is one of the reasons cited by those who are trying to force the appointment of a new charter revision commission. However, Mayor James Miron is questioning the council's action, noting in a prepared statement that the charter already delineates succession in case of his absence. He said the charter is very clear in defining the authority of the mayor and the chief administrative officer, and in outlining the line of succession if the mayor is absent or disabled. He called the council's action last night (Monday) to appoint a member of the Council selected by the Council during the Mayor's 'absence or disability' is premature, as I am not absent or disabled." Provision 1.2 of the town charter reads: "In time of public danger or emergency, he or she (the mayor), with consent of the Council, take command of the police and maintain and enforce the laws. During his or her absence or disability his or her duties shall be performed by a member of the Council selected by the Council." Town Attorney Richard Buturla was surprised by the swift action of the council and said that according to a 20-page report by the state attorney's office, state law supersedes anything in the town charter and that only qualified emergency personnel is allowed to take command. "I was not consulted with by members of the council prior to the council taking action," said Town Attorney Richard Buturla. "State law is abundantly clear that no member of the town council in an emergency has the authority to take control of Stratford Police Department that is left for a certified police officer acting in accordance with the command structure. In an emergency, the Chief of Police is in the charge of the Stratford Police Department." ©Stratford Star 2007 |