Pay Barnicle Already and Move On

by: Bill Liblick

There comes a time when a hot political issue must be put to bed, especially when it diverts attention from running a municipality. Such is the case involving Village of Monticello Mayor Jim Barnicle, the monies he was paid when he took over the position of acting village manager, and the insistence of several trustees that he return the money.

Prior to hiring Ray Nargizian as their new manager, Barnicle gave himself $2,000 a month for taking over the duties of the village manager until a replacement for Richard Sush was found.

Two Trustees, Democrat Scott Schoonmaker and Republican Gordon Jenkins argue that Barnicle illegally gave himself the pay raise, because the board did not approve it. When a lawsuit was threatened, Barnicle immediately stopped the payments.

Backroom political wheeling and dealings is nothing new to Village of Monticello politics. The village is known for its musical chair games when governmental positions open up.

But, this time things are different. With Ray Nargizian at the helm of managing the Village of Monticello, the opportunity is there to stop business as usual.

The opportunity is at hand for Barnicle, Schoonmaker, Jenkins, and all of the other elected trustees to immediately sit down and resolve this matter.

Maybe Barnicle made a mistake, it happens. Nothing tragic will take place if he is paid for his services. Yes, Barnicle went about it the wrong way. If the voters are so upset with what he did, they will vote him out of office. To continue to rehash this is clearly not productive for anyone.

Schoonmaker and Jenkins are really good people, who beyond a doubt want what is best for the Village of Monticello. That is why it important they put this nonsense involving Barnicle behind them. Save the fight for another day with an issue that is more significant.

It is essential for them to make certain that Ray Nargizian has few if any obstacles when dealing with Barnicle and his personal political agenda. Past Monticello managers are known for their turbulent combative times with elected Village officials.

If he is allowed to do the job he was hired to do, dramatic things will happen in Monticello with Ray Nargazian there. In just a few short months the work achieved has been remarkable.

Nargizian is a man with vast knowledge, dedication and conviction. In his new position, he has already demonstrated that he will reach out and work with everyone despite political affiliation or socio economic background. He has one objective, and that is to return the Village of Monticello into a thriving, safe place to live and conduct business.

From code enforcement, to the landfill, to economic development Nargizian is bravely tackling every issue.

Most importantly - Nargizian has the business experience to properly manage, and the heart to understand the needs of the people he represents.

The Village of Monrticello has so much to overcome. There are serious matters at hand including gangs and increased crime. There is no courthouse to even arraign criminals because of mold. Village police officers are asked to work under deplorable conditions in an outdated facility.

For the sake of everyone concerned, just pay Barnicle and move on. There is too much work that needs to be done.

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