(Editor’s note: Mayor Robert Restaino called out city councilmember Vincent Cauley last week for going outside proper channels to obtain a quote for a fence at Gluck Park. Here’s Cauley's side of the story and emails he shared to back it up.)
There was quite a bit of nonsense and made up stuff Tuesday night before the Sabres game(tough loss). I have to clear up and get the real information out there in regards to putting up a fence in Gluck Park to protect our kids and babies. I've told the story on Citizens United with John Restaino and Noelle DelZoppo. Here we go.
In government especially, how things get done absolutely matters. I protect taxpayers' dollars. Process matters. I believe in doing things properly. Following proper procedures. Following proper channels. Doing proper planning and due diligence.
No pastors were involved. I never said anything about ministers, pastors. No pastors came up to me about putting up a fence. Nothing. That's just made up.
I have not nor I am trying to embarrass the Mayor. That's just made up.
It has nothing to do with running for Mayor. That's just made up. It's solving a problem that was brought to me by members of the community. Even at the Council meeting to the full board.
I was being proactive, not reactive. Finding out what the people want and don't want. They wanted a fence and it made sense. They don't want to see kids getting injured when it can be prevented. Let's stop the accident before it happens.
I just wanted a number for the fence. I didn't submit a RFP. I met the vendor as an individual looking to build a fence for a city park. We were on public land. I gave him my card for contact info. I had already asked around to privately fund the fence. I planned on NOT using city funds. I wanted to fundraise for it.
I knew there was the issue of working on city property.
AND NOW...... Look at the emails below. They are only edited to highlight the names and exchanges.
I did ask the Administration and Council in a spirit of cooperation and teamwork. There are many people in city. I asked the top two Executives and entire City Council. I wanted to work with the Administration. Being a renegade? That's just made up. Behind the scenes? Here is your look behind the scenes.
Look at the dates. 2 wks ago. I didn't hear anything until a fake "union grievance" charge. Keep in mind, I didn't send the quote to anybody. This is the only email I sent in regards to the fence. I didn't send the quote to anyone else, no one, nada. I still haven't sent it to anyone.
To summarize:
1. I heard a complaint
2. I got a number to see how a fence would even cost with the goal to privately fund it.
3. I ask the City Council and The Administration how to go about getting it done.
4. ummm, what? A union grievance.
