Human rights head alleges racism Man who reviews bias complaints says he wasn't considered for jobs
By PAUL NELSON, Staff writer First published in print: Tuesday, December 23, 2008
SCHENECTADY — The head of the department charged with fighting discrimination in Schenectady County has himself filed a complaint with the state alleging he was discriminated against by his bosses.
In the complaint, Brian Wright, executive director of the county Human Rights Commission, contends the county attorney was "instrumental" in denying him promotions. The complaint also alleges that the county acknowledged having secret files on Wright.
An investigator with the state Division of Human Rights who looked into the charges has found probable cause that the county "has engaged in or is engaging in the unlawful discriminatory practice complained of."
In a deposition, Wright, 55, who is black, alleges he was passed over twice for higher- paying jobs this year because of his age, race and sex, and that county officials did nothing when he complained about what he perceived to be discrimination.
In one instance, Wright says an $80,000-a-year job former Democratic County Legislator Edward Kosiur received was neither posted nor advertised. Kosuir got the position after a failed Assembly bid last year. The state investigator determined that even though Kosiur started a provisional appointment as special assistant of the Commission to Youth on Jan. 1, he didn't fill out the application until early February.
The state's probe also found there also were questionable circumstances surrounding a second position Wright was interested in that went to Shane Bargy, who later resigned to take a job out of state. Bargy and Kosiur are white.
"The complainant's race cannot be excluded as a fact in the respondent's decision," according to the investigation's findings.
Additionally, Wright, who with longevity pay earns $66,545 annually, says the county has no internal policy to deal with charges of discrimination.
On Monday, Wright said he is in the middle of negotiations on a settlement with the county and refused further comment. Christopher Gardner, the county attorney who allegedly fueled the complaint, declined to discuss the matter.
But in comments to the human rights investigator, Gardner denies engaging in discrimination and says Wright "would not have been seriously considered" because he had been cited for allegedly downloading pornography on his office computer in 2003, and both positions involved dealing with youngsters.
He also says the county has hired other blacks for several positions, adding that Wright was "fortunate" he was not fired for allegedly creating a "hostile work environment based on sexual harassment."
The investigation, however, determined that not long after the alleged pornography incident, Wright was hired by the county to draft an affirmative action policy that included sexual harassment. That policy was never adopted.......................http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=753374
In one instance, Wright says an $80,000-a-year job former Democratic County Legislator Edward Kosiur received was neither posted nor advertised. Kosuir got the position after a failed Assembly bid last year. The state investigator determined that even though Kosiur started a provisional appointment as special assistant of the Commission to Youth on Jan. 1, he didn't fill out the application until early February.
Mr. Wright, Kosiur's created position would have gone to Kosiur whether you were black or white. This position and salary was created, developed and thought up just for Ed Kosiur himself. Theyhad to find some place and save face for him since he failed miserably with his very unpopular sex offender law and his failed run against Amedore.
Funny how this story did not make the Gazette! I guess Mr. Wright knew it would never be printed there, so perhaps he went to the TU, huh? IMHO
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Great story by Paul Nelson, only in the TU. The Gazetto is too busy investigating high priced paper clips in Rotterdam. Finally somebody on the inside is singing. This story has sent shock waves through the political and legal community. The first of many shoes to drop?
State agency allows discrimination complaint by Schenectady County human rights director December 23, 2008 Updated 3:25 p.m. By Michael Lamendola (Contact) Gazette Reporter
SCHENECTADY — The state Division of Human Rights has found probable cause in a complaint filed by the executive director of the Schenectady County Human Rights Commission, alleging the county denied him promotions and raises based on his race, gender and age. Brian Wright, 55, the county’s only African American department head, filed his complaint with the state Division of Human Rights May 1. He also filed a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Wright and County Attorney Chris Gardner had no comment. Wright alleges in the complaint that the county denied him raises and promotions on three occasions between Dec. 20, 2007, and Jan. 31, 2008. On Dec. 20, 2007, Wright sought to apply for the position of commissioner of social services for youth development, a newly created management position. The position offered a salary of between $59,000 and $85,000. Wright, who has been human rights executive director since 1996, earns $66,545 annually. Wright said in the complaint he was told not to apply for the position by Gardner. Democrats, who control the county Legislature, never posted the job and instead awarded it to Ed Kosiur on Jan. 1, giving him a salary of $80,000. Wright said his credentials for the position “far exceeded the qualifications held by Mr. Kosiur.” Kosiur, a former Democratic county legislator who represented the city, holds a high school diploma. Majority Democrats rewrote the job specifications to allow Kosiur to take the job based on his existing credentials. They also made the position exempt from civil service regulations, allowing them to fill it with a chosen candidate. “I believe I was...............http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2008/dec/23/1223_discrimination/
Funniest part from Mr. Nelson Lumpy Kosiur filled out an application for his "job" in February after he has been on the payroll for over one month. So Schenectady County. This story has legs. Had enough yet?
Michael Lamendola did an outstanding job on this article!
But without knowing all of the intricate details.....we all knew this was a created position with Kosiur's name on it. We just didn't know what led up to this decision or what happened 'behind the scenes'. It is very sad to see how someone with all ofthe qualifications for this position was beat out by someone with a high school education. (no disrespect) IMHO
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
...And don't forget, they chased poor Shane Bargy to another state. He was awesome to work with. Both are very good articles and I'm glad to see them printed.
Funniest part from Mr. Nelson Lumpy Kosiur filled out an application for his "job" in February after he has been on the payroll for over one month. So Schenectady County. This story has legs. Had enough yet?
No we need more of Judy Daggy and Tony J because they keep reaching out and moving forward, and they really are the tops.
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
SCHENECTADY COUNTY State backs discrimination claim BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter
The state Division of Human Rights has determined Schenectady County likely discriminated against the executive director of the county’s Human Rights Commission, a state official said. Commission Executive Director Brian Wright, 55, the county’s only black department head, filed his complaint with the state Division of Human Rights on May 1, alleging the county denied him promotions and raises based on his race, sex and age. Wright also filed a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. State Human Rights Commission spokesman Manny Kottaram said an investigation determined that Wright’s charges should be heard by an administrative law judge. “There is enough reason to believe discrimination occurred,” he said. Kottaram said no date for the hearing has been set. “It’s like a civil lawsuit in that both parties can present evidence and witnesses,” he said. The judge can issue an order based on his findings. The state commissioner of human rights must approve the order before it can be enacted. Wright alleges in the complaint the county denied him raises and promotions on three occasions between Dec. 20, 2007, and Jan. 31, 2008. Wright sought or was interested in two positions created last December when the county consolidated the youth bureau and job training agency departments to save money in a tough budget year. On Dec. 20, 2007, Wright tried to apply for the new management position of commissioner of social services for youth development. The position offered a salary range of between $59,000 and $85,000. Wright, who has been human rights executive director since 1996, earns $66,545 annually. Wright also was interested in the newly created position of director of temporary assistance and employment, another management position with a salary range of between $59,000 and $85,000. Wright said in the complaint he was told by County Attorney Chris Gardner not to apply for the youth development position. Democrats, who control the county Legislature, never posted the job and instead awarded it to Ed Kosiur on Jan. 1, giving him a salary of $80,000. Gardner refused comment on Tuesday. Wright would not comment either; the state provided the complaint. As for the other employment director’s position, county officials gave it to Shane Bargy at a salary of $62,000. Bargy was displaced when the county eliminated his position in December 2007 as director of the youth bureau, which paid $56,000 annually. Wright said his credentials for the commissioner position “far exceeded the qualifications held by Mr. Kosiur. I believe I was denied this position because of my race,” Wright said in the complaint. Majority Democrats rewrote the job specifications to allow Kosiur to take the job based on his existing credentials. Kosiur holds a high school diploma. He is a Democrat and former county legislator who represented the city. Kosiur gave up his county Legislature seat to run for state Assembly in the 105th District in a special election during the summer of 2007. After he lost to Republican George Amedore Jr., Democrats gave him the county job. Bargy said he was not qualifi ed for the................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....amp;EntityId=Ar00902
If in the end the findings are in favor of Mr.Wright, which it clearly appears to, what then? Will the county be fined? Will Mr.Wright get Kosiur's position? Will the position be re-written or abolished? I don't see how the county will be able to defend it's decision to promote Kosiur to that positionbased both on experience and education.
I personally do not think this $80k, created, position was needed to begin with. IMHO
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
No, nothing will happen because the citizenry like Somebody and Rightious are more intent on solving a bigger problem which is getting rid of troublemakers like Joe Suhrada who says impolite things while he is in the middle of telling the truth about all the crap and corruption that is going on in our community. Get Suhrada and now Sanatabarbara OUT, by force if need be!
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
It gets better. In the Paul Nelson TU article, a high ranking Democrat admits they have enemy files, kept under lock and key. They refused to produce the enemy file on Mr. Wright for State officials. Large State fines and sanctions will be meted out.
This is shades of the Nixon operation. One party Krat rule that also runs Nisky and the City into the ground. The problem is the timing-most sheeple are fighting mall crowds and trying to fill Christmas stockings. Mr. Suhrada will run for re-election and be named new Majority Leader. He must clean out the County barn starting with Lumpy Kosiur, County "Planner" and the County Manager. Yes-Krats like Judy D, Tony J, and Karen Johnson must be chased out of office, kicking and screaming.
It gets better. In the Paul Nelson TU article, a high ranking Democrat admits they have enemy files, kept under lock and key. They refused to produce the enemy file on Mr. Wright for State officials. Large State fines and sanctions will be meted out.
This is shades of the Nixon operation. One party Krat rule that also runs Nisky and the City into the ground. The problem is the timing-most sheeple are fighting mall crowds and trying to fill Christmas stockings. Mr. Suhrada will run for re-election and be named new Majority Leader. He must clean out the County barn starting with Lumpy Kosiur, County "Planner" and the County Manager. Yes-Krats like Judy D, Tony J, and Karen Johnson must be chased out of office, kicking and screaming.
I agree - but replaced with WHO. There's not a lot of folks stepping up - exactly because of the "enemy files" and the crap they pull out of their hats against families, relatives or events of 20-30 years ago.
Well Suhrada is a much bigger problem since he "went against" the MalloSSi family. La Familia!!!!!!!!! Yeah! get him!
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
Logged
Great story by Paul Nelson, only in the TU. The Gazetto is too busy investigating high priced paper clips in Rotterdam. Finally somebody on the inside is singing. This story has sent shock waves through the political and legal community. The first of many shoes to drop?
