Mount Vernon’s Hostile Working Environment (Letter to the Editor)
Many of you already know that I spoke at the City Council meeting on October 12th about the racist demeanor of D.P.W. Commissioner Ralph Uzzi towards myself and the black community service workers (see video below). It didn’t take Commissioner Uzzi long to show his true self. The very next day Thursday, October 13th, he once again showed how unprofessional, disrespectful, and discriminating he can be towards black people.
A black young man was waiting in the D.P.W. office Commissioner Uzzi asked him “Why are you here?” The young man replied “I am waiting for Larry the supervisor to sign off on my papers for community service. Comm. Uzzi told the young man “Wait outside of City Hall for Larry”.
The young man went outside. He then went back to the D.P.W. office because he didn’t feel right about going outside. He told Commissioner Uzzi “I don’t want to get in trouble with Larry.” Commissioner Uzzi said “I do not care what Larry says. He has no authority in this office. Go back outside.” City Clerk Mr. George Brown took the young man’s statement to inform the City Council and the Mayor.
People of Mt. Vernon, I ask you what’s next? Is Comm. Uzzi going to ask all the black people to use the back door? Are we moving back to the past with this D.P.W. Commissioner? He should not be in charge of anyone. Why am I the only D.P.W. employee that has to conduct city business outside on the street? I go through this every day on the job between Commissioner Uzzi and Chuck Carretta.
Rumor has it that Commissioner Uzzi and Chuck Carretta are going to do anything and everything they can to get me fired or out of City Hall.
After nearly 27 years of service and commitment to my city of Mount Vernon. YES, MY CITY! Neither one of them even live in Mt. Vernon. Both of them should be fired!
Please keep following my updates. Thank you for your continued support.
Mr. Larry Fair
