Buscetto Defends Proposed Shake-Up

Lontime New London employees targeted; $10M plan for Parade renovations in doubt

By Kevin Dale    Published on 4/16/2008

Print This E-mail Link Send Letter Send Correction New London — As several city employees absorbed the shock of possibly losing their jobs, city Councilor Mike Buscetto III Tuesday defended his “bold” plan to all but do away with the city's current planning and economic development staff. “It's nothing personal. It's financial. There's too many plans and not enough development,” Buscetto said. “I don't think the city is going to crumble because that department was trimmed down. That I feel strongly about. We have to learn to do more with less.” Buscetto said in the past week he consulted with his four fellow council Democrats on the plan, which would eliminate 12 jobs while creating 10 new positions in public works and in the police and fire departments. The shake-up is part of Buscetto's overall plan to cut nearly $2 million from the city's proposed $3.67 million budget increase — a nearly 5 percent jump from last year's $78.7 million budget. The full consequences of the proposed cuts remain unclear, as does the future of the $10 million Parade renovation, which was scheduled to begin this spring and is about to go out for construction bids. “I buy into his philosophy of changing some things because I've been trying to do that for years,” said Republican Councilor Rob Pero. But Pero said questions remain about the long-term health of the city's planning and economic development efforts and the future of the Parade project, which the department is overseeing. “I don't know if we have a lot of answers as to how all these things are going to work,” Pero said. Regarding the Parade project, Buscetto said “the community will really take a look at the impact” when the city receives the construction bids. “We'll see what the true costs come back on it.” The council still must approve Buscetto's plan as part of the city's overall budget, but Buscetto's proposal enjoys the advance support of the council's Democratic majority. Although Buscetto only publicly introduced the plan at Monday's meeting of the council's Finance Committee, he said Tuesday in an interview that its details are close to final. Ten of the reduced jobs would come from the nearly 20-employee Office of Planning and Development, which, in addition to planning and development staff, includes building officials and a variety of city positions funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant program. (Outside that department, the plan would eliminate the $56,000-a-year public works technician and the $32,091-a-year secretary to the city's registrars of voters.) The 10 development and planning positions account for more than $600,000 in salary alone, and Buscetto said he was shocked by the amount of funds dedicated to the department's pay. If the cuts are approved as part of the overall budget, the employees could lose their jobs at the June 30 end of the current fiscal year. Included among the department's eliminated positions are the city's Economic Development Coordinator Ned Hammond and Director of Development and Planning Bruce Hyde, both nearly 20-year employees. “I'm evaluating what it all means in terms of the city's economic development efforts,” said Hyde, who declined further comment. Hammond said Tuesday that he was “trying to absorb it all and trying to still perform the job at hand.” Buscetto didn't notify City Manger Martin H. Berliner of the cuts detailed in the proposal, which the Finance Committee has forwarded to the full council. As a result, some of the employees learned that their jobs could end in about two months through late-night phone calls placed after Monday's Finance Committee meeting. Others learned of the plan when they read The Day or arrived at work Tuesday. Buscetto defended his actions, which effectively prevented the city manager from delivering the news to the affected employees. “I can't do negotiations with the unions and say: 'I want to eliminate your job,' ” Buscetto said. But “it's a place for me to prioritize where the city is headed.” New London

R E A D E R'S C O M M E N T S Posted - 4/16/2008 11:31:11 PM mike does what he does because he cares not about press but for people. Its true he does you dont find many like mike - 4/17/2008 1:07:58 AM Posted - 4/16/2008 11:21:16 PM The donkey runs the show in New London the elephant is quite, and cant do anything so sit back and watch the real changes Donkey from Sheik - 4/17/2008 1:06:37 AM Posted - 4/16/2008 11:18:27 PM Mike should go after the real problem the BOE a corrupt system Joe Girade - 4/17/2008 1:07:29 AM Posted - 4/16/2008 10:16:51 PM We NEED Mike here in Norwich! justmy2cents norwich - 4/17/2008 1:02:28 AM Posted - 4/16/2008 9:21:07 PM Harry mind your business in Waterford Kip - 4/17/2008 1:19:43 AM Posted - 4/16/2008 6:25:45 PM Two things are quite evident with this recent "shake-up" by this guy, Buscetto.First, he wants to be mayor with NO help from a city manager or anyone to pull his covers. And second, him and his cronies all want the parade deal killed and the pedestrian bridge built, again with no interference from people who would expose this as just another shady deal done dirty, in New London. The emperor has no clothes. Alf the tailor New London, CT - 4/16/2008 6:36:46 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 6:14:41 PM I'm glad Charles Reagan is a "former" New Londoner. I sleep better knowing he's gone. Reagrding Mr. Buscetto: At least Mike is trying. Although I did like Mike "The Butcher" Buscetto. Sounds like a pro wrestler. Harry Waterford - 4/16/2008 6:37:08 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 6:03:23 PM I'm not an economics wizard, but common sense tells me that all any honest business wants from government is low taxes and no interference. Want to attract economic development? Get rid of the high taxes and bureauracy. Buscetto seems to have the right idea. He should consider complete elimination of planning and development. Larry Norwich, CT - 4/16/2008 6:11:17 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 5:01:32 PM Kathleen, you need to get off this issue with people and their last names and the phone book. Sometimes, even with a last name they wont be listed. But there are a few people known only by one name: Cher, Prince just to name a few. People could have an intelligent conversation with you without divulging their last names. Noelle Morris (unlisted) New London - 4/16/2008 5:24:10 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 3:36:15 PM Buscetto senior, New London's version of "The Godfather" is behind this putsch for control of the Democratic Party. It's the Buscetto's v. the Basilica's. Also, known as the war between the A-WOP-AHO tribes. He is enacting revenge on all who opposed any of his projects, actions, beliefs, and efforts in the past. Bruce Hyde is one of the victims. George New London - 4/16/2008 5:22:51 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 3:30:17 PM that is all you will ever hear from Pero is a whining mouse. In reality he has done absolutly nothing but fumble over his council agenda Wake up - 4/16/2008 5:31:07 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 3:25:59 PM guess its time for the same thing that happened in chicago's, maybe mrs murphy's famous cow could kick over the lantern here, after this plan, there will be nothing left downtown anyways ... think of all the efforts these people have spend TRYING to find people to invest here, when you stop trying - you've given up - who is going to be left except the underpaid and unemployed to pay for all these cops and firemen ???? you can't keep raising the taxes - people are max'ed out ... hey - maybe cross sound ferry wants to buy downtown from the city ... say $ 300,000 ???? jorge - 4/16/2008 5:20:34 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 3:24:04 PM Pero needs to go with Dr Clouet Buscetto not for mayor for President I agree - 4/16/2008 5:21:35 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 3:19:24 PM Mike "The Butcher" Buscetto will not cut the BoE too hard his fellow Dems run that show and will be mad at him. It was a show of cutting a little. The Whole 2 million could be cut from the Central Office alone and no one would even notice. Nice start! Kendal - 4/16/2008 5:20:48 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 2:49:13 PM This guy (Buscetto), amazes me. He will do anything, for some print. If their was a cat stuck in a tree, he would get it down! Just ask him, he would be glad to tell you. Just make sure either the local paper were present, or the camera is rolling. dee montville - 4/16/2008 5:23:44 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 1:48:02 PM Dear Bill (from another column)-Tried to look your name up but there was no plain Bill listed. Everyone else had a last name. I was hoping we could discuss the merits of the Cross Sound proposal rather then who is on what side which, I am sure you will agree, has nothing at all to do with the issue itself. Put it all together and you might swing over to my side. It actually begins with the (1) closing of the Social Services Department (You will see how this is involved) (2) The people have made known their opposition to a pedestrian bridge. (3) The people are not pleased with the back room politics involved in the Cross Sound proposal. (4) The Council needed at least four people from the ODP to agree that the sale of the property was in everyone's best interest. Pat Serluca, former Social Worker in the SSD, is an employee of ODP. (5) At least 2 others have put in higher bids on the property in question. (6) The Council decides to sell it as Surplus Property-no bids. (7) Buscetto suggests "...doing away with..." the Office of Development and Planning which is responsible for the redesign/reconfiguration of the Parade replacing it with a number of positions including Social Worker which I'm sure will go to Pat Serluca. All of this will allow for the Pedestrian Bridge which the people, as I said, did not want. Cross Sound will get their property and the voters in the City of New London, unless they know someone, will get what they usually get.. I hope with this copious amount of information, you will at lease consider the ethics of this issue. Kathleen Mitchell New London, CT - 4/16/2008 1:53:46 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 12:04:54 PM I do not live in New London but I do work there and I am very proud of Mike Buscetto. He is trying to do what is best for New London and is not afraid to put his ideas out there. Good for you Mike!!! TS - 4/16/2008 12:22:03 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 11:31:21 AM This is in response to Roger. I feel this is a good move. How do you justify the amount of salaries and pay increases that are going on in that office. Do you realize some employees are getting increases of up to 34 percent over the 4 year term of there contract? I would love to increase my salary by 30,000 dollars in that short of time. How did this happen? Another study is how it happened . The reality is that you need to justify these salaries and they have to produce. The ODP office is increasing salaries by 378,000 over the term of the contract. As to how they are funded by the state or federal government, who do you think pays for it Roger? WE DO!!!!!! Get real and say that there needs to be some cuts in certain jobs and realign the office and make it more user friendly. I went up to get a permit one day and the whole office was out. Well this is mismanagement at its worse. You always need coverage so make the changes. Don New London - 4/16/2008 12:42:18 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 10:52:21 AM If you are failing to plan, you are planning to fail. Good Luck, New London, as you accelerate into the future with both eyes focused only on your rear view mirror and both hands clutching your wallet. Joe Stonington, CT - 4/16/2008 12:26:33 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 10:05:09 AM I am all for trimming the fat (and usually agree with Mr. Buscetto)--but why the recommendations for elimination of a city clerk position and a public works technician? What is the logic behind these reductions? Sandie New London, CT - 4/16/2008 12:44:06 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 9:58:19 AM Good job Mr. Buscetto. We all voted for you for change and you are delivering. Now you need to do something about the BOE. Yeah New London - 4/16/2008 12:42:47 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 9:18:51 AM Alexandra, Move on the Board of Ed budget is safe! It is democrats for democrats this is not about the taxpayers. Mike will protect the BoE. The cuts were a token and planned. Look at the tone of Elaine No-Brains Maynard-Adams in her Day interview with Jenna (the facts do not matter) Cho. The Board asked for 2 million wanting only 1 million so when it was cut in half people said wow look what Buscetto did. And wow it worked. Elaine would have blown a gasket if this was the real deal! So just move on Alexandra the NLPS system in on the bottom to stay. Keep the Schools undesireable, people sell their houses and people like Buscetto buy up all the property and develop it as commercial venture New London will become a commercial center and residention properties will be minimal. Look at the OPD dismantling. This was the lone obstacle to the elimination of the residenntial base in New London. A working Education system is not a part of the equation. This is not accidental. Think about it from that perspective! Charles Reagan Former New Londoner - 4/16/2008 12:52:58 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 9:08:54 AM It seems that much of the disappointment is centered around the fact that NL is poised for a cultural and developmental break-through. Unfortunately, optimists have said that NL is poised for a break-through ever since whaling left town. A little objective advice, NL is a dump, taxes are high, there is crime, the store fronts are empty, and although 1.5 million people come through the city a year, nobody stays. The first thing the cruise ship passengers did was get a taxi out of town. Maybe what is most positive about Buscetto's plan is it sends a message that if you don't produce results, you can pack your bags. While I am sure the people in the economic development office are wonderful and care about there work, there is no proof of their work. Similarly, Rob Pero agrees with the plan because he has been trying for years to change things. Rob Pero you should either do something or get out, nobody cares what you tried to do. One of the problems with NL is that everybody talks and plans, but no action is ever taken. Congratulations, to Buscetto for taking action, rather than just talking about it. Pete New London - 4/16/2008 3:25:28 PM Posted - 4/16/2008 7:41:51 AM I am proud of Michael Buscetto. The development in New London has been poorly administered and planned. Just look at the downtown area. The parade plan should wait until the transportation study is completed. I must ask though! If we are going to dismantle the city departments that are not performing why are we stopping at the planning and development? I think that the central office of the School system needs to be gutted and rebuilt. The Central office organization of the New LondonPublic Schools has not effectively educated the students of New London for well over twenty years. As a life long resident I have seen it all. I revievew the budget given to me by a neighbor and cannot believe the number of secretaries at the central office. The number of staff at that location is amazing. I know people who have worked there over the years. The organization is fat and deserves to be cut. So cuts to that organization should be deep as well. Why stop at the employees in city hall? On a fixed income I cannot afford the proposed increases especially if we are not getting what we are paying for. Michael please look closely and cut enough to have a zero increase budget! That is why I voted for you! Alexandra Morrison New London - 4/16/2008 8:33:40 AM Posted - 4/16/2008 7:27:54 AM I'm sure Mr Buscetto read through the budget and tried to cut where he thought there was waste. Unfortunately I don't think he has all his facts. Many of the ODP salaries are paid by a govt grant, as well as all the supplies the office uses and RENT on the offices the City employees occupy.That Grant money CAN'T be used for cops and fireman but to upgrade old homes and facades.By eliminating those positions NL stands to give back the Million Dollar Govt Grant!Let Mr Berliner run the city Mr Buscetto! roger new london - 4/16/2008 8:17:25 AM Posted - 4/16/2008 6:54:18 AM Mike come on down to East Lyme We sure could use you here.MIKE FOR GOVRRNOR. joe East lyme Ct. - 4/16/2008 8:22:19 AM Posted - 4/16/2008 6:29:10 AM Rob Pero needs to wake up! Once upon a time, he didn't even know who paid for the transportation of New London students to tech schools. Hello... While I can understand where Mr. Buscetto is coming from, I still think all City departments should look at persons eligible or near eligibility for retirement and offer incentives to move them toward retirement. Then, look at what positions can be eliminated due to those retirements. As was also said in a comment to a previous article, this would also include the Board of Education Administrative Offices which seem to be a little too heavy in personnel. joya New London, CT - 4/16/2008 8:21:03 AM