Veterans agent fired in Chicopee

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By HOLLY ANGELO [email protected]

CHICOPEE – Kenneth E. Golash has been fired from his job as the city’s veterans agent by Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette. Golash was appointed to the post in October 2002 by then Mayor Richard J. Kos. Bissonnette on Monday said Golash’s appointment would be vacated today for several reasons. "There’s a number of issues," Bissonnette said. "He’s had a running conflict with the veterans’ organizations in the city."

     

Bissonnette said there have also been conflicts of interest in the past with Golash’s family-owned company, Bay State Monument Co. He also claims Golash has violated the collective bargaining agreement and questions Golash’s hiring practices.

Bissonnette is having an outside auditor review the Veterans Services Department’s books, claiming there’s more than $300,000 in outstanding claims and liabilities to the city regarding advances in loans to veterans that haven’t been paid.

"This has been brewing for awhile," Bissonnette said.

Golash referred questions to his lawyer, Maurice M. Cahillane, who issued the following statement: "The accusations made by the mayor against Mr. Golash are untrue and there is no just cause for his termination. Mr. Golash will pursue his legal remedies under the collective bargaining agreement."

Bissonnette has called a special meeting of local veterans representatives for today at 11 a.m. He said he wants the input of veterans in drafting an ordinance regarding the Veterans Services Department, including establishing a veterans’ advisory board.

"We’re going to work with the veterans to see what their views are on how to structure these services," Bissonnette said. "I think it (the department) can be more efficient and can do more for veterans."

Veterans Memorial and Patriotic Committee Chairman Kenneth F. Usher said he will attend the meeting. As for Golash’s dismissal, he said he wasn’t surprised.

"I got along with Ken. I thought he was all right. I’m not surprised because I heard it was coming," Usher said. "Any agent, they’re not going to make everybody happy."

Steven M. Jimmo, committee secretary, and Delfo Barabani Sr., past secretary, would not comment about Golash’s firing.

Golash earned $55,940 as the veterans agent. Bissonnette said he will establish a search committee to find a replacement for Golash. In the meantime, he will have the auditor review all purchase orders and payroll for the department.

Bissonnette said there have also been conflicts of interest in the past with Golash’s family-owned company, Bay State Monument Co. He also claims Golash has violated the collective bargaining agreement and questions Golash’s hiring practices.

Bissonnette is having an outside auditor review the Veterans Services Department’s books, claiming there’s more than $300,000 in outstanding claims and liabilities to the city regarding advances in loans to veterans that haven’t been paid.

"This has been brewing for awhile," Bissonnette said.

Golash referred questions to his lawyer, Maurice M. Cahillane, who issued the following statement: "The accusations made by the mayor against Mr. Golash are untrue and there is no just cause for his termination. Mr. Golash will pursue his legal remedies under the collective bargaining agreement."

Bissonnette has called a special meeting of local veterans representatives for today at 11 a.m. He said he wants the input of veterans in drafting an ordinance regarding the Veterans Services Department, including establishing a veterans’ advisory board.

"We’re going to work with the veterans to see what their views are on how to structure these services," Bissonnette said. "I think it (the department) can be more efficient and can do more for veterans."

Veterans Memorial and Patriotic Committee Chairman Kenneth F. Usher said he will attend the meeting. As for Golash’s dismissal, he said he wasn’t surprised.

"I got along with Ken. I thought he was all right. I’m not surprised because I heard it was coming," Usher said. "Any agent, they’re not going to make everybody happy."

Steven M. Jimmo, committee secretary, and Delfo Barabani Sr., past secretary, would not comment about Golash’s firing.

Golash earned $55,940 as the veterans agent. Bissonnette said he will establish a search committee to find a replacement for Golash. In the meantime, he will have the auditor review all purchase orders and payroll for the department.

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