Politics & Government
Trumbull Contractor: Apologies Needed to Ethics Complaint Targets
The contractor, Al Barbarotta, addressed the Board of Education recently regarding the dismissed ethics complaint, which cost three school officials nearly $19,000 in attorney fees. The school district will pay those fees.
First Selectman Tim Herbst and Trumbull Internal Auditor James Henderson should apologize to the targets of a recently dismissed ethics complaint, said Al Barbarotta, a contractor with the school district.
Barbarotta, one of the five, did not seek an apology but said School Board Chairman Steve Wright, Custodial Services Head Steve Kennedy, recently-retired Supt. Ralph Iassogna and Trumbull High School Building Committee Chairman Jim Nugent deserve one.
He said the complaint against the school officials "cannot go unpunished," and asked for a reprimand against James Henderson, who filed the complaint.
Barbarotta also blasted the timing of the serving the complaint, a day after Herbst feted Iassogna, a 39-year-educator, declaring that day "Ralph Iassogna Day."
"Attempting to tarnish Ralph's career with 11 days left on his contract is appalling and certainly cannot go unpunished," Barbarotta said.
Herbst replied Wednesday afternoon that, "Notwithstanding Mr. Barbarotta’s characterizations, as First Selectman, my duty is to protect the best interests of the citizens of Trumbull, as opposed to some sort of personal or political campaign.
"In my opinion, it indeed is legitimate to question the costs incurred by the Town for snow removal, the delays and defects of the high school project, not to mention a myriad of other issues," he said.
Herbst added, "From the start, I have deliberately refrained from attempting to litigate AFB’s lawsuit against me in the press and I will continue to do so. I am confident that the merits of Mr. Barbarotta’s claims will be rejected."
Barbarotta, as a contractor rather than an employee or board member, said he would consult with his attorney about seeking repayment.
Henderson filed the complaint, the details of which are confidential because of the dismissal. Herbst has said he does not know the details of the complaint, but has issues with Barbarotta's handling of snow removal from 2011 to 2013.
He's also pondering filing a gouging claim with the state because snow removal cost nearly $1 million.
Barbarotta is suing Herbst personally for allegedly interfering in a construction deal with Trumbull Loves Children, with whom Barbarotta has worked for in the past. Herbst cited a potential conflict in the deal, which fell through.
"I am not looking for an apology. I am looking for justice," Barbarotta said.
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