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Posted by: PBC FL Cop

October 17, 2007

Sheriff promotes officers

21 out of 29 gave donations

By Shaun Sutner TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
ssutner@telegram.com

Sheriff Guy W. Glodis recently handed a batch of promotions to jail employees who have been loyal contributors to his political campaign fund.

The sheriff, who railed against cronyism and nepotism in his 2004 campaign against longtime former sheriff John M. Flynn, had $516,000 in his campaign account as of last month, the most of any sheriff in the state, according to state campaign finance records.

The sheriff, who does not face re-election until 2010, has been viewed as a possible contender for statewide office.

Of 29 line correction officers and commanders whom Sheriff Glodis promoted in June to higher-paying jobs at the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction in West Boylston, 21 gave him cash donations, according to state records.

Some, like Michael Haley of Fitchburg, who was promoted from lieutenant to captain, gave his boss $500 in 2005, the maximum allowed by law in a calendar year. Capt. Haley then gave $250 in 2006 and $125 this year.

Capt. Haley, 56, who was hired by former Sheriff Flynn in 1991, said he also contributed to his former boss when he ran the jail, and that his ability and experience in the corrections field counted the most in his advancement.

“I don’t believe you have to give to be promoted,” he said. “I do believe it’s a good practice to give to the sheriff who’s there if you support him.”

Another lieutenant who made captain in the most recent round of promotions, Marc A. LaPierre of Hubbardston, gave the sheriff $225 in 2005, $100 in 2006 and $225 in 2007.

Steven Kenneway, president of the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, said the sheriff should use promotional exams — as the state prison system does, along with interviews — to help decide professional advancement rather than relying on the sheriff’s discretion.

“I truly believe there’s a system where (employees) believe they’re obligated to give money, not only to get a promotion, but also to stay out of trouble and stay under the radar,” Mr. Kenneway said.

A spokesman for the sheriff, Deputy Superintendent Jeffrey Turco, said any suggestion that the sheriff has favored those who have given him campaign contributions is “absolute nonsense and beyond insulting.”

“It’s offensive and absurd,” Mr. Turco added.

He said major criteria for promotion include length of service and competence, and that the average time on the job for the 29 men and one female civilian clerk who were promoted is 14.7 years.

More than 50 of the 79 employees who interviewed for the 29 promotions were contributors, meaning that many who were passed over had given donations to the sheriff’s campaign fund. At the same time, others who did not give were promoted, Mr. Turco said.

Mr. Turco also said that of the 712 employees of the jail, fewer than 260 have contributed during the last four years, while nearly 80 percent of the sheriff’s financial supporters come from outside the jail.

He added that the administration has disciplined or fired about three dozen jail employees since 2004 who donated money to the sheriff.

“He’s not in a position where he needs to strong-arm anyone,” he said. “He’s going to promote people who buy into a belief in dedication and professionalism.”

“There are people who have not contributed to the sheriff but who have a belief in professionalism and dedication and that this institution should be accredited” and they are sometimes promoted, he added.

Meanwhile, all five jail employees who were promoted to lieutenant in June contributed to the sheriff’s campaign account. The promotions took effect July 8.

David Anderson, of Holden “maxed out” this year, last year and in 2005 with $500 cash donations annually. Nicholas Casello of Leicester also gave the sheriff the most allowable by law — $500 in 2004, 2006 and 2007. Lt. Casello also gave Mr. Glodis $500 in 2002 and 2003 when he was a state senator.

Another new lieutenant, Robert R. Daignault of Worcester, contributed $375 this year and $245 in 2005.

Lt. Brian Giles of Northbridge gave $125 this year, $250 in 2006 and $100 in 2005. Lt. Kevin F. McCarthy of Worcester gave $350 this year, $175 last year, and $110 in 2005. And Lt. Mark Morrissey of Paxton donated $275 to the sheriff’s election fund this year, $300 last year and $125 in 2005.

Mr. Turco pointed out that officers such as Capt. Patrick Allen, and Sgts. John W. Foley, Steve Foulkrod, Eric O’Connor, James O’Day and David Whitney have never contributed to the sheriff’s campaign funds.

Mr. Turco also noted that two of those promoted to sergeant, Eric O’Connor and Steve Foulkrod, are shop stewards in the correction officers union that has often been at odds with the sheriff.

“The sheriff is not going to promote someone or not promote someone based on whether they supported him politically,” he said.

Fourteen of 19 correction officers who were promoted to sergeant were campaign contributors.

Under the jail’s promotional system, three-member promotional boards give equal weight to the following factors: educational background; most recent job evaluation; length of employment; and interview performance.

Other factors such as disciplinary background or exemplary work are also considered, Mr. Turco said.

Mr. Turco said the administration is open to using promotional examinations, but that it would be an item for contract negotiations.

Contact Shaun Sutner by e-mail

How long to Turco work for the agency before being promoted to the number 2 position-Deputy Superintendent/Special Sheriff?? Oh that's right, he was hired by Glodis as the Special Sheriff, having never worked in corrections or law enforcement prior. It seems length of service was required in his case.


Yes, I guess it would be offensive and absurd to think Glodis would ever promote anyone based on politics or campaign contributions

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