Amico cuts deal, will get one year severance pay on Pittston Politics

Amico & Alberigi

The controversy/altercation involving Wyoming Area Police Chief Chris Alberigi and Building and Grounds Superintendent Dave Amico has been very quite.
   Till now.
   There is a tentative settlement which we hear will be voted on at this coming board meeting.
   Just to bring you up to speed - there were allegations of a physical altercation between Alberigi and Amico.
   Alberigi filed a police report and internal hearings were held.
   Alberigi was suspended for a week and Amico has not been back to work since.
   Fast forward – Amico’s attorney cut a deal with the district and Alberigi has dropped all charges against Amico.
   A few months ago, the board put four employees on notice their contracts were up at the end of the school year hence yielding the obligatory amount of time pursuant to their contracts. Amico being one of them
   Well, in Amico’s deal, along with having all the charges dropped against him, he will receive a year’s severance package and the district will pay all incurred legal fees.
   In return, Amico will sign a release and will not pursue any further legal action against the district or board members.
   Closing thought – can I have a job at Wyoming Area, have an altercation with someone, get a four month paid leave, and then get a one year severance package?

Member Opinions:

By: discusted on 6/23/12
We need a taxpayer uprising. Just stop the spending. You idiots are not the Hussein Obama administration

By: makitrite on 6/23/12
I think the public should be made aware of what happened and allow them to decide if it is a good deal!

By: westsidetaxpayer on 6/25/12
It seems the tax payers lose again! Who is responsible for paying the severance? It’s easy, the taxpayers. Chances are the accrued vacation, health benefits and sick days will be part of the deal as well? Why does the board continue to write checks with the tax payer’s money, when every dollar counts! As a taxpayer, we must stop the frivolous spending and vote for change in the next election!

By: guesswho on 6/25/12
Sounds like the board just wanted this to go away. Pay off Amico so he doesn't continue to pursue further legal action. Sounds like it could've been a lot worse for the board / district if Amico didn't cut the deal...

By: M.Akesense on 6/25/12
Several strong points here by the four above contributors along with the topic article. My thoughts are this: Why would the board vote on this decision at the present time? No matter what occurred, of which I have no specific knowledge besides public info through print media is this: 1.Something did occur. 2.Two employees of the District were involved. 3.Suspensions were issued in varying degrees to those involved. 4.One employee, Mr. Alberiegi filed a police report outside of the District's Police Force of which he is the Chief. This in itself is questionable as to his ability to retain order not only by his personnel conduct within the District but within the confines of his immediate expected control. 5.How can Mr. Alberiegi withdraw his charge/complaint then accept his next paycheck without serious personnel and public doubt to his judgement and job performance as he is being paid to do exactly what he reported then reneged upon? 6. Although I do believe Mr. Alberiegi should be held to a higher level of expectancy simply because of his position, I do not believe Mr. Amico should be excused or held non-responsible for his involvement in the publicly reported incident.7.The President of the Board could table this vote by requesting an investigation outside the District. What the heck, the State Attorney General is coming sooner than later. What is wrong with that? No political favors to those involved. No ridiculous spending of taxpayers money for severance, no spending on under earned salaries and an answer to several unanswered questions.

By: JValenti on 6/25/12
CLARIFICATION - While not confirmed, charges may have not been dropped against Amico. We should have an update for next week.
Joe