Editor's Note: The headline has been changed with the addition of "their positions."
Trumbull's first selectman and the acting chair of the Trumbull Housing Authority say Harriet Polansky, Stern Village interim director, got the temporary job legitimately.
Since the THA chose Polansky earlier this month, critics have charged that she got the job because she is a friend of the Herbst family, even after she released a self-written detailed listing of her qualifications to Trumbull Patch.
Both First Selectman Tim Herbst and Acting THA Chair Russ Friedson said Polansky "read about what was going on" at Stern Village in the media and stepped up for the job. The THA interviewed her and found her qualified to be the acting interim executive director, Friedson said.
The acting chairman called her "gracious" for taking the job knowing it might be temporary.
Challenging allegations of politics in the selection, Herbst said Polansky is a democrat who has never donated to the Trumbull GOP.
In December 2012, Herbst did not reappoint some THA members and others resigned. The first selectman appoints the members of the THA. The new board then sacked its attorney, State Sen. Anthony Musto, and 12-year Executive Director Harry Wise, who is helping Polansky with the transition.
Wise is accused of mismanaging Stern Village during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 and failing to implement an emergency plan and have generators installed for more than a year.
Polansky is already pursuing both items, Friedson said.
He noted that Polansky is earning the same salary as Wise, about $70,000 a year. Polansky can also apply for the permanent position, the acting chairman said.
The New THA Attorney
At the same time, critics of the Stern Village changes have said Darrin Callahan, the new THA attorney, will cost too much and is underqualified for the job. Callahan works for , which represents the town in other matters.
But Friedson said the choice of Callahan complies the Town Charter, which he helped revamp as a member of the Charter Revision Commission. Critics cited a lack of experience based on Callahan's biography on the Owens, Schine & Nicola Website.
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Friedson there is more to Callahan than what's on the Web. The attorney has experience with Freedom of Information and election law. Callahan also charges a reduced rate, less than his usual $250 per hour.
"He has a very good, analytical mind," Friedson said.
Regarding FOI law, Herbst had said the old THA board failed to file minutes or agendas with the town for a year, a violation.
Friedson also clarified why he ruled the Stern Village Tenants' Association chairman out of order at the Feb. 13 meeting.
Resident Paul Littlefield was questioning Callahan's qualifications and had started to say that Callahan might be ordered by his firm to work against Stern Village residents.
Friedson then cut him off, calling the last comment a personal attack. The meeting minutes also reflect that exchange.
The acting chair also confronted the charge that the THA is not letting the public question its decisions. Friedson said the new board instituted a public comment section at meetings.
But comments are restricted to issues germaine to the operation of Stern Village, he added. Residents will also get a chance to vet all executive director candidates.
Completing the THA Board
Critics have also questioned Herbst's appointment of Stern Village resident Joy Meehan as the resident representative on the THA. Meehan was being threatened with eviction for smoking near oxygen tanks before being tapped for the board.
She is a temporary appointment until Stern Village residents vote for another representative, Friedson said. The election process for that job is still being worked out.
In addition to the upcoming election, the THA will be searching for a permanent executive director, which could take two to four months. There is also one opening left on the THA board.
Friesda added he does not expect everyone will be happy with the THA's choices but added that Stern Village is being improved and made safer.
"This is not a political board.... The only agenda is what's best for the residents," he said.
Thanks Joey
There have been numerous stories on Stern Village and now everyone, including the Herbst Administration, the THA and its critics, has had the chance to comment. Certainly the public debate will continue and this will not be the last Stern Village story. The question also is, what has the town learned from this experience? Perhaps, for one thing, a clearer hiring process for interim Stern Village executive director should be put in place. (But I am not supporting anyone's side here, just giving everyone a chance to have their say.) That is a part of hiring friends and family question. Is it legal? Without a more defined hiring process in place, hard to say. Should there have been a bigger candidate pool? Do the rules even require it? Again, refer to the interim hiring process, whatever it is. As far as I know, the THA can pick whomever it wants for interim e.d. Friedson addressed this point. I am open if anyone knows how exactly the process works. It has been 12 years since a new e.d., after all. Also, to remain objective, I'm not going to judge Polansky based on who she knows. It must be proven the THA erred in hiring her. And she is still the interim. Those candidates who are still interested can all still apply.
I graciously volunteer to be paid at least $70,000. Heck, maybe $100,000. Why not? I also graciously volunteer to have all my transportation, food, lodging, phone calls, coffee breaks, gas, car wash(Trumbull still has a lot of snow), oil change, new winter boots(in case I might have to walk far) and all overtime paid by Trumbull taxpayers. It sure feels good to volunteer, doesn't it? (BTW, I see no response from Herbst or Friedson regarding their appointment of Ms. Meehan, as SV temporary resident commissioner. How do they justify naming her to the commission, even on a temporary basis?) When one volunteers, out of the goodness of their heart, that implies they offer their time and talents for free. Heck, I'll volunteer for SV, or any town job if it means I will earn $70,000.
Are you a journalist?
Certainly both sides have their own readings of public actions regarding Stern Village.
1. In light of that promise, I see your point. 2. He never specified what standards those were. I also realize I forgot to put in the story that Friedson said they needed to create a job description to kick off the hiring process. There will be a story when that process starts. 3. I now see the relevance of friendship in light of Herbst's campaign promise. As the search progresses, I will certainly question what standards the THA will be using to hire a new director and if a new process will be put in place regarding transitional directors. Thanks.
Comments on your earlier response. 1) Mr. Herbst made "who people know" a major campaign issue so it is absolutely appropriate to question the actions of his administration on that point. It is also absolutely question the independence of the process when the candidate is clearly without normal qualifications (see #2). 2) You printed Mr. Friedson's assertion that Mrs. Polansky was found to be "qualified." That statement is just press release material if you don't ask and print the follow-up question - based on what standards? 3) Sure the THA can hire whoever they want, which is all the more reason to ask questions since they used a subjective, rather than objective, process riddled with secrecy. In fact, there has been virtually no explanation for the process used. Why didn't the THA announce that it was looking for an interim director when they decided to buyout Wise? The idea that we only looked at one person that approached the board based on what she "read in the paper" about problems at SV (as opposed to what she learned about the opportunity to be interim director from insiders) is ridiculous.
Sometimes in journalism, it's not two equal sides, it's a set of FACTS against a set of CLAIMS. The reporter's job is to convey that. When Mr. Friedson says the new THA is not a political board...that's a CLAIM, not a fact and facts can be easily marshaled to refute that. When the first selectman and Mr. Friedson say the hiring of Ms. Polansky was a serendipitous confluence of events--she reached out, was interviewed and hired, that's a CLAIM, not a fact. It's a ridiculous claim, for that matter. When Mr. Friedson says the hiring of the lawyer complies with the Charter, that's a claim—and an easily verifiable one. Allowing Mr. Friedson to try to justify the bizarre appointment of a rule-violator who was threatened with eviction with no independent examination the process around the appointment, is not objective journalism. Clearly in this case, the story came from Mr. Friedson and Mr. Herbst, who most likely asked you for the opportunity to "clarify" their side. And when you used that word in your headline, it lent what they said credibility that isn't deserved. You have a tough job, Aaron. Thanks for the good work you do.
LEAVE THE RESIDENTS ALONE!!! THA RESIGN!!!!!
After Ms. Polansky was introduced, I wanted to ask the commissioners how she got this interim/acting job, but at that point, I feared the gavel would sprout wings and come flying in my direction.
Mr. Herbst calls anyone who criticizes what has transpired here "outrageous." Trust your instincts, Trumbull. I trust mine, and something just isn't right here, in my opinion.
I laughed when I read that. The real question is, 'is there ANYTHING that is right about the SV takeover?' Paul Littlefield pointed out OS&N Atty. Callahan's lack of knowledge, as compared to former SV Atty. Musto, and he was gaveled down and told to apologize to Atty. Callahan for insulting him! Yes, something is very wrong. A savvy resident asked me, 'what's really going on here; what's the longterm plan for SV?' A highly astute question. One of many things which concerns me, is the apparent lack of understanding/knowledge of the new commissioners. They are clearly out of their realm. Of course with Tim pulling the strings, ultimately, what do they really have to know? I believe Mr. Herbst sadly underestimated the huge stink that this takeover would make. He got away with re-writing the Town Charter; gerrymandering 7 districts into 4 GOP favored districts; getting his family's sewer estimate lowered; hiring scores of consultants so he can remain 'teflon;' giving part of Trumbull to Bpt.; hiring the exhorbitant/unnecessary T&B in NN; claiming he saved the town $1M in 100 days, etc. His M.O. is: create a stink (Jog Hill sewers, for ex.); then rush in to 'save' the day; hire some 'expert' - which is followed by an unnecessary, over-the top and very expensive 'solution.' Then he pads the accompanying commission with GOP loyalists. EMS is next . . . same pattern.
As for us "newbies" (sic), most of us have lived in Trumbull our whole lives. We find the job and accountabilities that are being implemented refreshing. Nothing is underestimated and Mr. Herbst continues to uncover fraud and neglegence. Those of us who have lived here, played sports at THS, through many administrations find it delightful. Trumbull is a wonderful town and we stayed here to raise our families. Mr. Herbst go get em!
Then you need to be consistent. Follow Mr. Flynn's postings.
You know you hit the bullseye when you are suddenly attacked personally. It's a dead give-away. What transpired at SV is blatantly outrageous. What if your parents or grandparents lived there? Neophytes and nepotism rule. How could this possibly best serve the residents of SV.??