It seems the discord over the contract for constructing the new Ferry Street Bridge has not been without negative consequences. Gossips has learned that, on Wednesday, Peter Bujanow resigned as Commissioner of Public Works. Although Bujanow did not respond to a request for comment about the circumstances that prompted his resignation, rumor has it that Mayor Kamal Johnson's zeal to have the contract awarded to A. Colarusso & Son rather than rebidding the project may have had something to do with it. Bujanow was first appointed Commissioner of Public Works by Mayor Tiffany Martin in 2016, and he has served in that position since then. His work for the city and dedication to his role as commissioner have been far and above anything that could be considered commensurate with the modest annual stipend granted to commissioners. COPYRIGHT 2023 CAROLE OSTERINK
Generally, I think Bujanow was a help, though there were a few hiccups (remember his bungled effort with Tom D. to solarize the 2nd street landfill when it was essentially off limits?). Filling his shoes, and the position generally, is not going to be easy. I wouldn't be surprised if Peter just got frustrated with all the nonsense at City Hall (along with maybe a lack of gratitude for his work). The next DPW commissioner should live in Hudson, period -- there should be a requirement that all 3 of the city commissioners live in the city!
ReplyDeleteIs it Kamal's job to find a replacement for someone he might have chased away?
The mayor seems to be spending all of his political capital on weird fights that would probably have been sorted out without the public spats. This being a great example, as well as the school board thing. One has to wonder why he's being so impatient and applying so much pressure on other elected that he should be working in partnership with. To get these wins before election day. He running unopposed... unless there is a last minute write in campaign about to drop? If he should be applying pressure to anyone, it should be the department heads he's actually the boss of like the department heads.
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