Talk about the law of unintended consequences.
When New Albany plumbing inspector Steve Brodus complained about the conduct of Building Commissioner Eddie Hancock, he didn't expect to lose his own full-time job.
But in fact, Mayor James Garner did reduce Mr. Brodus, and 18 year city employee, to part-time work, which also eliminated his job-related benfits.
No question, change is justified. The question is, what kind?
Inspection was under the control of Mr. Hancock-a 71-year-old former builder whom the Mayor appointed earlier that year, even though he was not a certified inspector.
At that time the state had begun checking all new commercial and industrial construction in the city, after discovering what appeared to be slipshod local oversight. Some of Mr. Hancock's own private building work was under state scruntiny.
The Mayor's explanation for demoting Mr. Broadus-that it makes budgetary sense, because there's so little work for him to do-sounds as thin as cheap plywood!
Mr. Brodus wondered whether "this was happening to him because he was trying to do his job."
What else should he conclude, after being shoved to part-time the day after he issued a second order to stop work on a project being built by Mr. Hancock's brother.
It should come as no surprise if the public concludes there's something wrong here.
We at Freedom of Speech clearly think that what the Mayor has done looks bad and smells bad!
In the past Mayor Garner's effort to justify his actions was a charge-made against Mr. Broadus he had been working for himself while on city time. Of course Mr. Brodus firmly denied this. And our Mayor could not prove it.
So who do you believe?
Mr. Brodus also noted that the Mayor never raised such an issue with him before cutting back his hours.
If the Mayor had proof, he should have produced it. If he didn't, he should have backed off and shut up about Mr. Brodus...Right?
Freedom of Speech found Mayor Garner's deposition very interesting reading, and we highly recommend you read all the lies stated in it...
You can obtain a copy at the local Federal Building across from the City County Building.
Freedom of Speech would like to Congratulate Mr. Steve Brodus former Building Commissioner on winning his lawsuit against the City of New Albany.
It does show there is some "justice" in our little town called New Albany!
