Former Mayor Tom Bucci, a labor and employment law specialist, represents captains Brian Fitzgerald, Steven Lougal and Roderick Porter, and Deputy Police Chief Anthony Armeno challenging Rebeca Garcia’s rank to number two top cop. See complaint here.
In short, Bucci’s complaint argues that Garcia’s unilateral appointment to assistant chief violates a necessary competitive process. The city asserts the position was created by the Civil Service Commission in 2008, approved by the City Council, as a non-competitive position.
Lynn Kerwin, under Mayor Bill Finch, was the first to occupy the job, as a result. It is one of two positions (chief) not associated with a collective bargaining unit in the Police Department.
Bucci has a long, successful history delivering for his clients, particularly members of uniformed services challenging hiring practices, promotions and disciplinary actions.
Bucci’s complaint, according to the schedule set forth by Superior Court Judge Barry Stevens and agreed to by the parties, will sort its way out earliest in the spring.
Stevens presided over the court challenge to the September 10 primary results, brought by Bridgeport Generation Now Votes whose leadership supported Marilyn Moore for mayor. He sided with the city and it was upheld unanimously by the Connecticut Supreme Court.
Another WIN WIN for the Taxpayers!!
I think the Taxpayers need an intervenor, seems that no one in the city Attorneys Office can read the Charter, or maybe it’s Christmas Bonus Time for Bucci.