Tensions are escalating in North Tonawanda as resident Jacob Quinn considers legal action against Mayor Austin Tylec following a series of events that have raised serious concerns about the mayor's conduct and the implications for free speech in the community. The controversy began when Tylec demanded two uniformed officers question resident Jacob Quinn while he was at work. Tylec publicly expressed his concerns about a parody Facebook page that has been active for many years, which he claims have caused confusion among residents. He labeled Quinn an “antagonist” and suggested that the impersonation could lead to misinformation.
Quinn, who denied running the parody page, views Tylec's actions as a blatant misuse of power, accusing the mayor of weaponizing the police for personal grievances. This situation is further complicated by a history of conflict between the two including a 2019 incident where Quinn circulated a photo depicting Tylec as Adolf Hitler. Although Tylec dismissed the photo as fake, the underlying issue remains: the mayor's response to criticism appears to have crossed a line.
In a bid to prove his innocence regarding the page, Quinn allowed police officers to examine his phone. However, he characterized Tylec's actions as an attack and retribution and suggested that the mayor's involvement of law enforcement in this matter is an overreach. North Tonawanda Police Chief Keith Glass acknowledged that the spoof page is not a crime, yet he stated that it contains “a lot of misinformation.” This raises questions about why Tylec felt it necessary to involve law enforcement in a matter that should be addressed through dialogue rather than intimidation.
The Constitution protects citizens' rights to free expression and Tylec's attempt to silence dissenting voices is a concerning overreach. The parody page includes a clear disclaimer indicating its satirical nature and it is not the role of the mayor or police to enforce Facebook's terms of service. For Tylec to dispatch police officers over a matter of free speech is not only shocking but also indicative of a troubling mindset among public officials who cannot tolerate criticism.
Quinn's assertion that Tylec has targeted him for years adds another layer to this controversy. During a recent board meeting, Tylec offered an apology, stating he would be happy to explain the situation to Quinn's employer. However, many perceived the apology as insincere and condescending.
“So, I will apologize, though, that they went to your place of work,” Tylec said, failing to address the abuse of power involved in ordering police officers to question a resident at his workplace.
In response to Tylec's actions, members of the North Tonawanda Common Council sent a letter to City Attorney Edward A. Zebulske demanding an investigation into the matter. The letter expressed deep concern over the allegations that Tylec may have “weaponized the North Tonawanda Police Department” as an act of political retaliation. The Council condemned any actions that infringe upon citizens’ constitutionally protected right to free speech, emphasizing that such behavior represents a serious violation of public trust.
The letter, signed by Council President Joseph Lavey, Jr. and other council members, requested a thorough review of the mayor’s conduct and an assessment of any potential civil liability and litigation costs to taxpayers. The Council remains committed to monitoring the situation closely to ensure it is handled appropriately.
The letter reads as follows:
Dear Mr. Zebulske,
The North Tonawanda Common Council is deeply alarmed by the allegations raised against Mayor Austin J. Tylec during the January 21st council meeting.
As publicly confirmed by both the Mayor and the Chief of Police, two officers visited the workplace of a private citizen on Tuesday morning to question them about their potential connection to an obscure satirical Facebook page parodying the Mayor.
Following this incident, the individual reported to the Common Council, alleging that Mayor Tylec may have “weaponized the North Tonawanda Police Department” as an act of
political retaliation.
The Common Council is greatly disturbed by the possibility that taxpayer-funded resources
were used to suppress political speech at the direction of an elected official. We strongly
condemn any actions that infringe upon citizens’ constitutionally protected right to free
speech. Such behavior represents a serious violation of public trust.
Irrespective of the Mayor’s apology about this situation, as the city’s legislative branch, we request that the City Attorney’s Office conduct a thorough review of the Mayor’s conduct in
this matter. We are particularly concerned about any civil liability and ask for an assessment
of any potential litigation costs to taxpayers. The Council remains committed to monitoring
this situation closely to ensure it is handled appropriately.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best regards,
Joseph Lavey, Jr., Council President
Robert Schmigel, Alderman, 1st Ward
Frank DiBernardo, Alderman, 2nd Ward
Joseph Marranca III, Alderman, 3rd Ward
Joseph N. Loncar, Alderman-at-Large
The mayor's behavior not only undermines the principles of democracy but also sets a dangerous precedent for how public officials engage with their constituents. Chief Glass, who was appointed by Tylec and signs his paychecks, defended the mayor's actions, stating that the officers' questioning of Quinn was “standard investigative police work.”
He noted that Quinn voluntarily answered questions and demonstrated that his Facebook accounts were not linked to the parody page. However, Glass's comments about the potential for posts to cause alarm or confusion among residents do not fit any penal law definition for a crime, including harassment.
Moreover, the involvement of the Niagara County District Attorney’s office in this matter raises further concerns. Glass stated that detectives had consulted with the DA’s office regarding the complaint, which he characterized as a common practice. However, the fact that Tylec initiated a process that could lead to the arrest of a political rival is alarming and dangerous.
The situation highlights the politicization of government at the local level and mirrors concerns seen at the federal level. The actions of Mayor Tylec and the response from law enforcement have sparked a debate about the limits of free speech and the responsibilities of public officials to uphold democratic principles. The community is left to grapple with the implications of this controversy, as Quinn's potential legal action looms and the call for accountability grows.
Quinn Considers Legal Action Against North Tonawanda Mayor after Using Police for Personal Vendetta