Also, the Vernon Dems are looking for any and all help.  We’ve got tons of stuff to do between now and the close of voting, so please let us now if you can lend a hand!  We are pushing hard for victory, and with your help we will get there.  Whatever else you do, make sure to vote!

Published: Saturday, October 10, 2009 1:16 AM EDT

VERNON — Democratic Town Chairman Tom Didio is asking Republican Mayor Jason L. McCoy to return salary he’s been paid for hours he’s not yet worked, after learning the mayor has received his pay in lump sum payments.

Didio said McCoy routinely has been paid for time he hasn’t worked, and should go on a traditional biweekly pay schedule like other town staff.

“The mayor claims to be fiscally responsible, yet he and his fellow Republicans seem to always have their hands in the honey pot,” Didio said recently. “Why is he being able to get this privilege when no one else is getting this privilege?”

According to payroll records, McCoy has received his part-time, $20,749 annual salary in installments since January 2008, shortly after he took office.

 McCoy was paid $13,000 on Jan. 28, 2008; $20,748 on July 31, 2008; and most recently, $7,581 on July 1, 2009, records show. The most recent payment covers the mayor’s salary until November.

The mayor also has received two stipends of $700 and $600 for opting out of the town’s health insurance benefits, records show.

McCoy, who is running for re-election this year against Democratic challenger Michele Arn, did not return calls for comment.

Town Attorney Hal Cummings said the mayor’s salary is determined by charter and is seldom changed. However, the charter doesn’t dictate the mayor’s compensation schedule.

“There’s nothing that says he gets paid quarterly or weekly or biweekly or whatever — I don’t see an issue here,” he said.

Former two-term Democratic Mayor Ellen Marmer, whom McCoy defeated in 2007, said she took her salary on a biweekly schedule, and said she was appalled McCoy was receiving his pay in advance.

“To me it’s unconscionable,” she said.

The issue also is before the state Freedom of Information Commission after Democratic Councilman Michael Winkler filed a complaint seeking information relating to the mayor’s salary.

He requested payroll records and any signed agreements about the mayor’s salary schedule.

Many thanks to Lance and Edie Chernack for hosting a meet and greet at their wonderful home last night.  The candidates had a great chance to talk to local voters and I think we all appreciated it.  Here are some pictures from the event.

Vernon Democrats

Present

Meet, Greet & Eat!

Meet … Michele Arn – Vernon’s Democratic Mayoral Candidate

Greet … All Democratic Candidates for Vernon Town Council & B.O.E.

Eat … Free Hot Dogs, Snacks & Beverages

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Balloons – Toys – Bring the Kids, Family & Neighbors

Sunday, October 11th 1:00
– 3:00PM

Democratic Headquarters – 500 East Plaza

500 Talcottville Road – Rt 83 (next to Pizza Hut)

Paid for by the Vernon Democratic Town Committee,
James Swicklas, Treasurer

Claire Janowski’s Nomination Speech

Nancy Wyman’s Nominating Speech

Joining Courtney in support of Arn’s nomination, State Comptroller Nancy Wyman praised her as a person of “integrity, honesty, hard work; a woman that understands the issues that are in front of her, understands a wide range of issues. … And there will not be any problem with energy; this is a woman with a whole lot of energy.”

State Representative Claire Janowski recalled Arn as a person who gave her advice and encouragement early in Janowski’s political career. “She also has a great reputation for not only just getting things done, but not alienating people,” she said. “She works with people; she respects and embraces those she deals with. You can believe her when she says she will restore civility… as well as fairness.”

Former State Representative Thomasina Clemons told the crowd that she was delighted when she heard Arn planned to run for mayor. “We really need you, Michele,” she said. “The town needs you, Michele. … Michele Arn is going to be the best mayor Vernon could have.”

Accepting the nomination, Arn told her fellow Democrats, “There’s no doubt that we are bound together by our desire to make Vernon a safe and affordable haven for families and businesses.” Looking forward to the campaign, Arn promised, “We will be honest about issues; no deceptions. We will be clear in our purpose; no personal agendas. And we will take the high road.” Arn promised a focus on transparency and civility in government, saying, “We will strip away secrecy; we will strip away deceit; we will strip away disrespect … we will debate, we will disagree, but we will decide, always with Vernon’s best interests at heart. We should approach our campaign with a serious eye on Vernon’s needs, a serious ear to Vernon’s citizens, and a sense of adventure.”

Joining Arn on the Democratic slate are Town Council incumbents Marie Herbst, Pauline Schaefer, and Michael Winkler, along with returning candidate Steve Taylor and new faces Bill Dauphin, James Krupienski, Terilynn Rogers, and James Sendrak. The Board of Education slate includes returning candidates Terri Goldich and Paul Stansel, joined by Kyle Percy and Christopher Prue.

 “We’re thrilled with Michele and the whole team,” said Democratic Town Committee chair Tom DiDio. “We can’t wait to start taking our message to the citizens of Vernon.”

 “Energy policy is going to be critical to the town’s future,” said Arn. “If we do it right, we can not only save the taxpayers money and protect the environment, but also bring new jobs and tax revenues into Vernon.” In addition to the direct EECBG grant, Vernon would be eligible for regional bonus grants if we could partner with one or more other towns and put together a proposal by October 15.

 Both the direct EECBG proposal and the competitive regional bonus plans must meet specific federal criteria to be eligible for funding, and careful planning will be required to ensure Vernon leverages these grants for the maximum long-term benefit. At a recent multi-town meeting in Vernon, current mayor Jason McCoy said he would be meeting with “his staff,” but to date no public hearings or Energy Efficiency Committee meetings are scheduled. “Someone should be asking the public what they want,” said Arn, “and if the administration won’t, the Democrats will. Residents who have ideas about how they’d like to see Vernon implement energy conservation and efficiency measures should e-mail me at michele@vernondemocrats.com. Also, let me know if you’d be interested in attending a public meeting on this topic.”