Former councilman tapped for city post

Former Democratic city councilman and local restaurateur Lenny Remo, who did not seek another term in 2009, was appointed the city’s secretary for labor relations earlier this month as city officials gear up for renewed labor talks, including contract negotiations with the police and fire unions.

Remo was tapped for the position on Jan. 6, and will serve as an advisor to the administration during collective bargaining and contract negotiations.

City Manager Charles Theofan said that as a councilman who served for eight years and a former member of the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals, Remo would bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to contract talks. “He had a tremendous grasp on issues when we were doing collective bargaining,” Theofan said. “I learned how to work very well with him. He’s very knowledgeable about government and he knows the town very well.”

Theofan said that Remo will be paid a salary of $52,000 and, in addition to his involvement in collective bargaining discussions, will help resolve Civil Service Commission issues and serve as an adviser during disciplinary hearings, among other responsibilities.

Remo has a degree from Cornell University’s School of Labor Relations, and is also a chef who has owned and operated several eateries in the city, including TKOPS 180, The Kitchen on Pine Street and The Kitchen Off Pine Street.

Some criticized Remo’s appointment, calling the move political patronage to fill a position that was vacant for years, and claiming that it was a reward for Remo’s voting with City Council Republicans for a $6 million bond proposal. The bond, approved by the council in December 2009 in a 4-1 vote, was the final part of a three-phase bond initiative that funded the replacement of bulkheads, renovations at the Indiana firehouse — which recently reopened but drew criticism for its escalating costs — work at the sewer lift station on New York Avenue and street repairs. Theofan said that the bulkhead and street repairs were desperately needed, and that the bond allowed the repair work to move forward.