A former City of North Tonawanda employee promises to reveal alleged abuse of power and corruption within various municipal departments.
In a fiery statement released to Niagara Action, the former employee, who wishes to remain anonymous at this time, claims to have been forced to resign due to intimidation, bullying, and threats. The individual alleges that widespread issues exist across the city, including in City Hall, the Department of Public Works, police, and fire departments.
"We've all seen city trucks parked in spots they shouldn't occupy for long periods, and instances where city officials seem to operate above the law. I am done hearing, 'Do you know who I am?'“
The former employee details a culture of arrogance and entitlement among many city employees, specifically those hand-chosen for reasons other than merit.
The former employee vows to expose what he or she describes as hidden truths lurking beneath the surface of these departments. They allege instances of individuals enriching themselves, sabotaging others, and engaging in systemic bullying. The statement details personal experiences of being targeted with rumors, public ridicule, and a hostile work environment.
The individual claims to have warned city officials that a day would come where corruption would be exposed, but that was met with disbelief and arrogance, ultimately resulting in the former employee being threatened. Now, they are promising to share their first-hand experience and other "untold stories" with the public, including names, photos, and specific instances of misconduct, such as retaliation, sexual harassment, forced participation in group showers, being forced to drink on the job, physical sexual innuendos, inappropriate touching, inappropriate dating between bosses and employees, sexual favors, inappropriate conversations designed to trap employees in harassment situations, accruing compensatory hours from sexual favors, and punishment through loss of work hours for non-compliance.
At a time when many residents are demanding transparency and accountability from local government and city employees, this development comes at a perfect time. The former employee's statement concluded with a chilling warning:
"Buckle up and get ready to be uncomfortable; you are not going to want to miss this."
The coming weeks and months could prove to be turbulent for the city as the promised revelations potentially expose a darker side of local governance.
Former Employee Comes Forward to Expose Misconduct in North Tonawanda