by | Jan 22, 2014 3:34 pm | Comments (0)
Six internal memos dating back to 2010 warned Derby’s former mayor about possible pollution at O’Sullivan’s Island as the mayor and his administration kept assuring the public the park was safe in the wake of a $4 million federal cleanup.
The memos have never previously been shared with the public.
by | Aug 23, 2013 9:08 am | Comments (0)
The report kept from the public’s view regarding the alleged malfeasance of a former Derby tax clerk is far from the Book of Revelation, but it provides some clarification on last year’s internal investigation.
Continue reading ‘Confidential Report Gives Some Details On Derby Investigation’
by | Jul 18, 2012 8:51 pm | Comments (0)
At least three Ansonia public officials received a signed document from the tax collector’s office saying they were up to date on motor vehicle taxes even though they owed money.
The authorization from the tax collector allowed the three officials to register their cars with the Department of Motor Vehicles despite the fact they hadn’t paid their car taxes in years.
The revelation — uncovered after a Valley Independent Sentinel investigation — raises questions regarding the management of the Ansonia Tax Collector’s Office and whether preferential treatment is given to people with connections to City Hall.
Continue reading ‘Ansonia Officials Owe Car Taxes But Don’t Suffer The Consequences’
by | Apr 17, 2012 12:25 am | Comments (0)
Last year, when the Valley Independent Sentinel investigated the extraordinarily high kill rate at the Derby dog pound, animal advocates questioned the commitment and management skills of Joe Klapcik, the city’s animal control officer.
Those questions surfaced again Monday, after news spread that Klapcik abruptly quit his job Friday.
Continue reading ‘Filthy Conditions Alleged At Derby Dog Pound’
by | Feb 3, 2012 4:57 pm | Comments (0)
While James Finnucan was in charge of the Ansonia Housing Authority, his family also collected rent from tenants in a Section 8 apartment the Finnucans owned, the Valley Independent Sentinel has learned.
The arrangement was a conflict of interest and Finnucan should have resigned or sought a waiver, according to the regulations of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
However, Finnucan never sought a waiver and he didn’t resign until Dec. 28, 2011 — 17 months after Ansonia Housing Authority employee Gwen Archer first complained about the situation.
Continue reading ‘Documents Reveal Conflicts Of Interest At Ansonia Housing Authority’
by | Mar 17, 2011 12:01 pm | Comments (0)
For the past three and a half years, one out of every two dogs taken to the Derby pound was killed.
The death rate is far and away the highest in the lower Naugatuck Valley, according to records reviewed by the Valley Independent Sentinel.
In some cases, the dogs were perfectly healthy. Several were young. Others were desirable, easy-to-adopt breeds such as Labradors and terriers.
The practice was a cost-saving measure, according to Derby Police Department administrators.
Continue reading ‘High Kill Rate Triggers Change At Derby Dog Pound’
