This editorial appeared on Sept. 16, 2004.
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TALK about the law of unintended consequences. When New Albany plumbing inspector Steve Broadus beefed 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. Broadus, an 18-year city employee, to part-time work, which also eliminated his job-related benefits.
No question, change is justified. The question is, what kind? Inspection is under the control of Mr. Hancock - a 71-year-old former builder whom the Mayor appointed earlier this year, even though he's not a certified inspector. The state has 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 is under state scrutiny.
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. The building department now will have only one full-time inspector, as opposed to the three people it had early this year.
Mr. Broadus wonders whether "this is happening to me because I'm trying to do my 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, Nick?
It should come as no surprise if the public concludes there's something wrong here. City council members clearly think that what the Mayor has done looks bad and smells bad.
The Mayor's latest effort to justify his actions is a charge - made at a recent council meeting - that Mr. Broadus has been working for himself while on city time. Firmly denying this, Mr. Broadus notes that the Mayor never raised such an issue with him before cutting back his hours.
If the Mayor has proof, he should produce it. If he doesn't, he should back up and shut up.
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