Silly Season Surfaces At Stafford Council Meeting

by Patricia A. Miller

Does a public official deserve to receive healthcare benefits at taxpayer expense?

The answer depended on who answered the question at the May 5 Stafford Township Council meeting.

For Mayor John Spodofora, the answer is yes. For Township Councilman Henry Mancini, the answer is no.

The spat began when resident Joseph Mazzola went to the microphone during the public portion of the meeting and asked why Spodofora and Township Councilmen Steve Fessler and Robert Kuznikow take health benefits when other council members did not.

“I don’t think it’s fair,” Mazzola said.

Spodofora told Mazzola he had been in public service for nearly 30 years and was in Town Hall almost every day.

“I have earned this privilege and I am maintaining,” he said. ”I disagree with you if you don’t think I put in $30,000 worth of work each year.”

“I’m not saying that,” Mazzola replied.

“That’s kind of what you are saying,” Spodofora said. ”I cannot afford to drop out of the healthcare program right now.”

Stafford Township ended the practice back in 2009 for new elected officials. Officials who already opted to receive the benefits before the change was made were grandfathered in.

Township Council members make roughly $7,000 a year. But the cost of healthcare benefits is much higher.

“We are doing the same job and some would argue a more significant job than others on the council, for a lot less money,” Mancini said.

”Oh geez,“ Fessler said. “It’s very easy to say you wouldn’t take it when it’s not offered to you.”

“I don’t take these benefits, Steve,” Mancini said, his voice rising.

At that point, several council members began talking at once and Spodofora rapped the gavel several times.

“Hold it, hold it, hold it!” the mayor said, holding his arms up. ”Stop. Everyone calm down. One person talks at a time.”

Spodofora and Mancini running against each other for the Republican mayoral nomination in the June primary.

Spodora is running with council members Sharon McKenna, Fessler and Kusznikow and local business owners Dave Taylor and Paul Marchal. The slate has received the endorsement of the Stafford Township Regular Republican Club.

Mancini is running with council members Lori Wyrsch and Paul Krier seeking the nomination for council.

The third Republican group seeking a primary win is the ticket entitled “Common Sense Conservatives.” Their mayoral candidate is Mike Mazzucca, who is running with council candidates Tom Stedman, Peter McCarthy, Eric Libenschek, Scott Jefferies, Greg Myhre and Bruce Haggis.