The Trenton Times published the following article on April 14, 2014. To read the full article, click here.
N.J. DCA says Trenton mayor was allowed to axe fire director, but needs state’s OK to cut law director
By Jenna Pizzi/The Times of Trenton
on April 14, 2014 at 7:58 PM, updated April 14, 2014 at 8:23 PMTRENTON — Mayor George Muschal was within his rights to terminate Fire Director Qareeb Bashir last week, but would need state approval if he wants to fire Law Director Caryl Amana, the state Department of Community Affairs said in a letter today.
Muschal has terminated several hires made under former Mayor Tony Mack, who was removed from office earlier this year following conviction on corruption charges. Muschal said today he is working with the DCA where necessary.
“We are working cooperatively to move forward on other personnel matters, including the position of legal director,” Muschal said in a statement.
Bashir, a 28-year veteran of the fire department, was incensed about his dismissal and vowed to oppose it, saying Muschal had no acceptable reason for ousting him.
Tom Neff, the director of the DCA’s division of Local Government Services, told Muschal in the letter today that the state agency did not need to give prior approval for him to remove Bashir, because fire director is one of the few director positions not protected by the department’s agreement with the city.