By a 3-2 vote at their February 7 meeting, Bethlehem Township Commissioners refused to fork over $500 for a 4-day road trip to Pittsburgh by two of their men in blue. Even a personal appeal by Investigator Steve Malitzki, who claimed this conference would provide "invaluable training" on the use of social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace, was to no avail.Looking over the conference agenda, Commissioner Jerry Batcha asked, "How does Bethlehem Township experience the need for training in Australian counter-terrorism?" Malitzki conceded there's no need, but argued the contacts developed are helpful. In one instance, Malitzki was able to pursue a fraud investigation in England as a result of contacts developed with Scotland Yard at one of these conferences.
"They've had ritualistic traits of the Middle Eastern people," claimed Malitzki, citing that as an example of a block of training he's found helpful.
Stressing the importance of networking, Commissioner Thomas Nolan said he'd be "happy" to approve the funding. But aside from President Arthur Murphy, no other Commissioner shared in his joy. Jerry Batcha, joined by Michale Hudak and Paul Weiss, voted No. Explaining his vote, Weiss pointed to the indirect costs associated with paying the salaries of two officers to attend a conference for four days, as well as providing coverage in the Township. "It's not going to cost us $500. It's going to cost us a lot more because two officers are not going to be here for four days," Weiss remarked. Batcha was more dismissive, calling the conference at a "rather nice hotel" a "vacation with some interesting topics to listen to for a couple of hours."
In other news, Commissioner Thomas Nolan continued to voice his displeasure at the $50,000 spent for HVAC work on new equipment at the Community Center over the past five years. He proposed bringing in a third party to evaluate the units. Solicitor Jim Broughal suggested that, before this happens, it be made clear that the Township has no financial obligation.
Commissioners also appointed Nicholas Salimbene, a manufacturing and supply chain professional, to the Bethlehem Township Municipal Authority. He was the only applicant.
Commissioners will meet again on Monday, February 21, 7 PM, at the Municipal Building.
3 comments:
He looks like he is gonna cry!
This was a stupid vote. They build a Taj Mahal municipal/community center and don't train their cops. Nice!
The commissioners that voted no should be ashamed. Yes, everyone wants days off to stay at a "nice hotel" in Pittsburgh. Even if it was in Miami, does this commissioner not value the police officers, their training, or their morale? I suppose not.
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