Nov. 18, 2009: Mayor picks new city caseworker

[dchampagne]

MERIDEN - Mayor Michael S. Rohde has selected one of his top campaign volunteers, Eddie Siebert , to become his constituent caseworker, which will leave the current caseworker, Jacqueline Fordiani, out of a job.

The caseworker is the mayor's only paid political appointment, though it must be confirmed by the City Council. Rohde said he's planning to have Siebert begin work Dec. 8, at the start of his first full term as mayor.

Rohde said Siebert 's background in business and marketing fits with his plan to make the constituent caseworker more of an outreach position. "He's ideal for what I want to have happen," Rohde said.

During the campaign, Rohde said, Siebert "demonstrated the kind of skills and personality that I was looking for." Besides handling calls from constituents and internal tasks, the new caseworker will maintain contacts with businesses and perform community relations functions, Rohde said. Siebert , for instance, will talk to businesses about development plans and work with commercial owners to address blight, Rohde said.

Fordiani, who wanted to keep the job, said she will miss the work and will be looking for a new position. Former Mayor Mark D. Benigni hired Fordiani, one of his campaign backers, six months after he took office in 2001. Fordiani plans to take Dec. 4 as her last day.

"I had an opportunity to work with the public and I thoroughly enjoyed helping people," she said. Fordiani said she spent a lot of her time helping residents who were having problems accessing city services. She also helped coordinate the annual Mayor's Cleanup Day and other city events.

Siebert , 46, said working and living in downtown Meriden for more than 20 years has given him a good perspective on the city. "I know the people, I know the players, I know the politics, so it makes for a nice fit," he said.

Siebert said he will be able to bring a creative approach to the job. Siebert is used to flexing his creative powers as a children's author and motivational speaker. Siebert , known by his readers and friends as Eddie Spaghetti, wrote a 2003 children's book called "Heroes of Tomorrow" to help children understand the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Siebert was a key campaign planner for Rohde, playing a role in placing signs and scheduling fundraisers. Fordiani also participated in the Rohde campaign this year, though to a lesser degree. Siebert , who has known Rohde for 15 years, got into political strategy for the first time this year after being angered by the Democratic Town Committee's decision to back Stephen T. Zerio rather than Rohde, the incumbent.

Siebert graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in business and marketing and has an insurance agent's and a real estate broker's license. The constituent position comes at a good time, Siebert said, since he lost his salaried sales position at his parents' insurance agency, Meriden Insurance Agency, as a result of a September merger with Stone Insurance. Siebert still helps out at his parents' business, he said, but he's now considered an independent contractor.

Siebert said he plans to continue in his part-time job as director of community relations for the Meriden YMCA and will be able to juggle it and the city position. Siebert said he was troubled about the prospect of displacing Fordiani but said he's "taking a professional opportunity to better my family and my life."

The constituent caseworker is paid $38,900 a year with full benefits for a 40-hour workweek.

Rohde said he plans to drop the salary by $5,000 and the work schedule to 30 hours a week. He added, however, that Siebert will be on a flexible schedule and will be able to work up to 40 hours a week when necessary.

Rohde is expected to introduce a resolution to appoint Siebert at the Dec. 7 City Council meeting, the same one at which he and other recently elected officials will be sworn in. Council Majority Leader Keith Gordon said councilors may have some questions about Rohde's plans for the position, but it is within Rohde's power to appoint someone new to the role. Councilor Anthony D. Tomassetti said the caseworker appointment is up to the mayor. Tomassetti said he's fond of both Fordiani and Siebert .

Siebert is "a good guy," he said. "He's a go-getter. That being said, I like Jackie, too. It's the mayor's call."

Rohde said he committed to keeping Fordiani as constituent caseworker until beginning his first full term. He was appointed mayor in July of last year after Benigni resigned to become principal of Cromwell High School. Rohde was elected Nov. 4 to his first full term.

[cristinacec]

"The constituent caseworker is paid $38,900 a year with full benefits for a 40-hour workweek.

Rohde said he plans to drop the salary by $5,000 and the work schedule to 30 hours a week. He added, however, that Siebert will be on a flexible schedule and will be able to work up to 40 hours a week when necessary."

So at $38,900 a year that was about $18.70 an hour but now it will be $21.73an hour. I wonder if I tell my boss to drop my pay like that and cut my hours I can get a deal like this. How about cut 5k and have to work 40hrs?

[joe912]

Originally Posted by dchampagne

Besides handling calls from constituents and internal tasks, the new caseworker will maintain contacts with businesses and perform community relations functions, Rohde said. Siebert , for instance, will talk to businesses about development plans and work with commercial owners to address blight, Rohde said.

This is one of those government jobs that has nothing to do with governing. At any pay rate, this is a grievous waste of taxpayer money.

[rightwinger]

Shouldn't everyone who works within the confines of city hall be considered a
constituent caseworker, there to serve the citizens of Meriden? Why do we need a political appointee to be placed on the city payroll, with full benefits, to do the work of people who are already working for the city?
Employees in every dept. at city hall should be prepared to handle calls from constituents and perform internal tasks as their job requires. They are employees of the constituency.

[rightwinger]

I guess no one has a legitimate answer.