“Dana, according to the Morning Call, you had a disagreement with a female City employee and started a fight in City Hall that led to a firing. Can you discuss this incident and what transpired thereof?”
- First of all, I didn’t have a disagreement with a female employee.
- In 2003 I received a report that a co-worker was accepting bribes.
- I reported it immediately to Human Resources and the City Solicitor.
- A criminal investigation was begun, and on the advice of the outgoing City Solicitor, I followed through with incoming Mayor’s administration.
- Nothing happened.
- However, I felt it was important to protect Bethlehem residents from this kind of conduct.
- Later in 2004 this employee and I we did get into a confrontation one morning, and he came across the room and got in my face.
- Concerned about escalation, I attempted to move him out of my space, and he punched me in the face, fracturing my nose.
- I did not retaliate, and it was over with probably in 15-20 seconds.
- We were both charged with disorderly conduct.
- The magistrate dismissed the charges.
- However, we were both held accountable for our actions.
- We both retired.
- And, quite frankly, after I retired, The FBI actually came to me to act as an informant about ongoing conduct in City Hall.
- So, I stood up for what I believed in.
- Unfortunately, it didn’t end well for me or the other employee.
- But I never hit him.