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www.lesbianstudies.com
LESBIAN STUDIES INSTITUTE
slashuk@lesbianstudies.com MAYOR MURPHY'S INSIDERS BELTWAY Herein I wish to share the insults and trauma experienced since the onset of inquiry After being informed of the $5,000 grant, on or about July 26/99, I phoned Mr. Richard Bellisaro, Assistant Director of City Planning and in charge of executing and supervising City grants. I expressed an interest for information on a grant issued to the Gay[sic] and Lesbian Community Center. Specifically, such as guidelines and criteria for qualifying, rules and regulations and the Center's submitted documents. His immediate response: A succinct denial of any knowledge and even reassured me that no money was given to the Gay[sic] and Lesbian Community Center. Then, when I stated that it was clearly reported in the newspapers, he stood fast with the statement " the newspapers misquoted and I shouldn't believe everything that I read," and went on to say: " even if such money was given, he couldn't think of a more deserving cause," and with a closing remark, accused me of "jealousy and hatemongering." At this juncture I wanted to believe Mr. Bellisario, but decided to make a few phone calls for double check. Same day I called Mary Jane at budget dept. and she directed me to Willa Holt in planning for grants and donations; as it turned out I discussed this grant with Sue Schering, whereas, she assured me grant was issued and was assigned to Chuck Reidbord who is working to expedite it, whereby we parted phone conversation. Low and behold, soon thereafter within the hour I received a phone call from Mr. Bellisario who immediately went into a verbal tirade such as I haven't heard for ages. He wouldn't allow me even one word edgewise. He continued with raging scurrilous remarks, warnings and threats against me. Warnings for me to never make phone conversation with anyone in his department, and a bold threat to have me placed under the jail if I ever step foot in his department. Through his seemingly 5 minute tirade I kept trying to calm him, but to no avail. It was only when at one point I overshadowed his voice to remind him of his threats against me for investigating and requesting information on a grant to the Gay[sic] and Lesbian Community Center. Our conversation ended on a note of me advising him that I have a right to investigate and would continue regardless of his threats. July 27/99:-Knowing that I was at a dead end with Mr. Bellisario, the next day I called Mr. Chuck Reibord after I was informed that he was working on the contract. His very first words were: "he is not supposed to deal with me and was told that I should contact Mr. Bellisario for information. After explaining that Mr. Bellisario seems to have a problem with my inquiry, He then agreed to send me all information on the grant. However, to my chagrin I never again heard from Mr. Reibord, even after placing three phone messages with him and a follow up letter (on file). It's obvious that Mr. Reibord was ordered to remain silent. It's worthy of mention that with our phone conversation Mr. Reibord was friendly, cooperative, attentive, understanding and promising. In the interim of waiting for a response from Mr. Reibord, I called Pres. of City Council, Mr. O'Connor's office and spoke with his assistant Mr. Douglas Shields. Upon introduction, I was immediately greeted with verbal abuse of dramatic proportions; scurrilous, insulting remarks such as: "Why do I question the grant, he couldn't think of a better need for the grant. I just hate homosexuals and I am just a homophobe." Then he continued with a concession, followed with challenging rancor, such as: "Alright you can have the records, do what you want, sue me, sue City Council, sue the Mayor, see if I care, hire lawyers, the money was approved by council and the Mayor and was given to a worthy cause." Our conversation ended with his directive to pick up records at the City Planning Department. August 17/99: Following Mr. Shields directive, I approached receptionist at Planning Dept. and explained my purpose. Shortly after Mr. Bellisario came out stomping hotter than a firecracker and more agitated than a hornet. He steered us to the conference room, he persistently dominated the entire conversation; it was unbelievable, every time I raised a question he threatened to call 911 and have me arrested, four times in all. I did not get records but he promised to check into the situation. August 27/99: I received a letter (on file) from Mr. Bellisario advising me to submit a request with the City Law Dept., with an initial deposit of $50.00. On a previous occasion, having been dealt a blow with a costly legal fee due to stonewalling by the City Law Dept. and treated with meditated vulgarity, I determined it best to make a last ditch direct appeal with Councilman O'Connor's Office. With a one on one conversation , Mr. Shields agreed and within a short waiting period I was given what was considered all records; a dismal, wanting documentation of need, subsequently illegal. In brief; What started as an innocent request for public information, escalated into hostility and insults of dramatic proportions from Mayor Murphy's "Insider's Beltway." Thus, casting a shroud of suspicion over its legitimacy, rhyme and reason. A shameful public scandal. This second part report presents evidence of attempted cover-up by City Officials. Therefore, I believe a fill investigation is in order. SUBMISSION FORM CAN BE DOWNLOADED AND PRINTED FROM WEB SITE.
Sincerely, |
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