"Mayor Jackson Layoff Threats – Here we go again!"

From past union challenges to Mayor Jackson’s employee tactics, we have come to expect disastrous results. Every time the mayor attempts to save the town money through lay-offs the town loses in court and the taxpayer’s foot the bill. Needless to say, the mayor hasn’t much to show for his failed policies and repeated losses in the courts.

That’s why I was puzzled when I was sent a copy of a letter dated July 22nd, 2012 where the mayor stated the following: “The alternative to these Retirement Agreements, to meet the negative -$1,208,064 in Retirement Incentives/Staff Reduction savings in the FY 13 operating budget would require a lay-off of over 45 staff members and there would be no choice but to include guardian personnel.” First, given the unions success rate in court, the threat of more lay-offs seems laughable. Any union member frightened by the mayor’s threats should calm down and examine his record as a leader. A reasonable person would conclude that his bark is loud, but his bite is toothless.

Second, given the recent crime wave in Hamden, does anyone believe the mayor will risk his already tarnished reputation on reducing guardian services? I think not. I have received calls from union members requesting my input. The mayor is bargaining from a weak position. The council and mayor depend on union votes to remain in power. Those who want to retire and who have already planned to do so would be foolish not to grab the taxpayer provided cash the Democrats so willingly give away with a minimum of concern for the people who have to earn it. Those who wish to remain working should continue to do so with little chance of any serious consequences. The mayor simply has not shown any ability to lead and cannot be relied upon to solve the problems he and his predecessors created.