City of Glen Cove worker alleges workplace violence by supervisor

Ralph Comitino, a civil servant for the Department of Public Works, addressed the Glen Cove City Council on Tuesday about an alleged assault he experienced on Oct 6. Comitino claims that Lou Saulino, director of the city’s DPW, jumped across a conference table in City Hall and tried to hit him.

Comitino alleges that the incident took place in front of Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck and other elected city officials while he was discussing promotions within the DPW. The mayor said she didn’t see the altercation. Comitino also said that Saulino interrupted him many times while he attempted to address the officials.

Although a complaint was filed with John Charon, from the city’s Human Resources Department, on Oct. 11, Comitino said he hasn’t heard back and feels anxious when he sees Saulino.

Tom McDonald, vice president of the 882 Civil Service Employees Association, addressed the council with Comitino. McDonald said the alleged assault hasn’t been addressed by the city at all.

Panzenbeck said she couldn’t address the situation publicly. “That's a discussion with people that were in the room,” she said.