Pocono News Section

Scranton Council Again Bombarded By Complaints

Scranton Council Again Bombarded By Complaints - Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 12:30PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Wednesday, Mar 5, 2008 @12:30am EST

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- A handful of people again took aim at the top brass of the city's fire department Tuesday night.

"Get rid of this chief, immediately," Geraldine Knight told city council members. Only three members were present. Judy Gatelli and Sherry Nealon-Fanucci were absent. The meeting in city hall brought about another chapter in a stewing standoff. Very publicly, city firefighters and Chief Tom Davis have been at odds over safety track records.

Junior members of city council weighed in on the issue, too. "We're involved in our government, because we're the future leaders," Doug Miller said.

Last week, Councilmen Bob McGoff and Bill Courtright sat down with some of Mayor Chris Doherty's cabinet members, including Chief Davis, to discuss the allegations made against the 25-year-veteran of the department.

Though limited, Councilman Bill Courtright spoke publicly about that meeting. "I don't know where this could be heading, but I don't want to disclose information that could be damaging to either side."

Mayor Doherty has previously said as long as he's in office, Chief Davis is here to stay.

Yet another meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday.