Large Going Away (Taxpayer) Gift to Salada Prompts Questions

A handsome going away present for Chris Salada?

 

Lewiston NY: Most readers know that Lewiston Police Department Chief Chris Salada, 46, retired last month.

Mayor Terry Collesano and the Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees presented Salada with a framed proclamation of appreciation during the July board meeting.

The Lewiston Town Board praised and congratulated him profusely.

And issued a special proclamation to him lauding his services.

The local media has praised him in a spate of touching stories reviewing his fabled career.

But none of these accolades may hold a candle to a going away present of some $38,000 of taxpayer money for what the generous Town of Lewiston board is calling “1,041 hours of unused and Sick Time”.

The town, like many other municipalities allow some employees to build up unused sick and vacation time and

Salada, who began in August 1990, spent 25 years on the Lewiston police force.

But the Town of Lewiston, as general policy only allows $3,000 to be paid in unused sick time and two weeks of vacation time to be given to departing employees.

AN employee according to stated and written policy can typically accumulate up to 150 hours in used time and two weeks of vacation time.

This departure from the standard rules has prompted some observers to be very curious about the special arrangements made for Salada.

But ultimately the town board can spend money as they wish.

Until taxpayers object.

Salada started as a part time officer for Lewiston, became full time, then rose to supervisor and succeeded Ron Winkley as police chief in July 2007.

Seethroughny.net lists his 2014 earnings with Lewiston at $72,742.

Salada was also chief of police for Youngstown but suddenly resigned from that position about a month ago

Salada will take a position with M&T Bank in the private sector and in an investigative role.

Salada’s wife, Amy, serves as clerk-treasurer in the Village of Lewiston.

Salada served as YPD part-time chief since 2008.

YPD Lt. Michael Schuey has taken over the day-to-day running of the part-time Youngstown Police Department.

While no one doubts the good services that Salada offered the town, the gift of some $38,000 for an alleged 1041 hours of unused time requires transparent and complete explanation to the people who will pay it – namely the taxpayers of Lewiston

In short, wasn’t he properly paid for his services?

What’s this all about?