Deputy Warden Position Questioned at County Council
This coming after a Deputy Warden was appointed who didn't have what one veteran council member says was a "primary requirement" for the job.
Major Kevin Sutter was named Deputy Warden, working under current Warden James Veshecco until he retires.
Erie County Council member Fiore Leone is speaking out, arguing at Tuesday evening's council meeting that new Deputy Warden Kevin Sutter didn't meet the requirements for the job.
"I think you're not playing on a level playing field when person who doesn't have the required qualifications for a position," says Fiore Leone.
Leone says he has nothing against Sutter, but he says Sutter got the $70 thousand dollar position without having a four year college degree-and that four year degree was a requirement in the application process.
He says other applicants were discriminated against.
"I think you're discriminating against others who are more qualified," says Leone.
But some say the Deputy Warden's experience outweighs any four year degree.
"Has experience and got great reviews from supervisors and a lot to be excited about," says Warden James Veshecco.
After serving in the Air Force, Deputy Warden Sutter worked for more than 19 years in corrections, becoming a captain then a major guard.
"County government has long recognized that experience can compensate for lack of educational background," says Erie County Solicitor Ronald DiNicola.
Sutter says his experience speaks volumes and it will improve the system.
Another important point Council members made Tuesday evening was that this shouldn't have even been on the agenda.
The Erie County Prison's
New Deputy Warden didn't need approval from County Council to start his job....
He was given approval and hired by County Executive Barry Grossman.
He says 1/3rd of the
180 applicants didn't have a four year college degree.
He says experience outweighed the education, and that is why Sutter was named the new Deputy Warden.
