Beacon Dispatch

An Open Letter to Mayor Gould, City Administrator Joseph Braun, and Members of the Beacon City Council

I have been following the ongoing saga of the City of Beacon Police Department since my retirement in August of 2003.  The accusations, the lawsuits, the investigations and so on. While it is my opinion that the department and its officers have been cast aside for the sake of politics and personal agendas I find it most disturbing that it has been over a month and there has not been one statement by the City Council in regard to the shooting of Police Officer Anthony Hopper. I worked with Officer Hopper and know him to be a fine man and an excellent police officer.  Although I do not know Officer Jose Martinez (Hopper's partner) I have met him and he appears to be a fine young man.  In any event it is obvious that these two heroes put their lives on the line for the people of the City of Beacon.  Answering a call as simple as a suspicious person in a parking lot in the middle of the day almost cost them  their lives.  And because of the selfish act of an 18 year old thug these two men and their families will have to live with the effects of his reckless actions for the rest of their lives. And the only statement I have seen from the city is a quote in the local newspaper about how the Council approved money for vests just prior to this incident, never miss an opportunity to blow your own horn. As usual all talk, no action.  While I appreciate the problems between the City and the Chief of Police I feel it unfortunate that the administration would treat their police officers, who they say they support, in such a way.  I have also talked to both Officers Hopper and Martinez and can not believe that not one of you has reached out to them to see how they and their families are doing since the shooting.  It is unfortunate that the relationship between the city and the police department has been allowed to continue in such a way as common decency is not even recognized.

"Regretfully" Submitted,
Paul J. Schettino (Retired Lieutenant)
City of Beacon Police Department 1981 - 2003

Open Space Initiative Passes

By an unofficial vote of 1,128 to 1,079, the Open Space initiative has passed in Beacon.

Old Theater In A Bidding War?

The Poughkeepsie Journal reported Saturday that the old theater on Main Street now appears to have two suitors. The two parties interested in the building have two distinctly different views of how the space should be used. One sees it as a six screen movie complex while the other sees the old theater as a venue for performing arts, including movies, live theater, and music.

Beacon Police Officer Shot

Beacon police officer Anthony Hopper was shot today responding to a report of trespassing in the parking lot of the Forrestal Heights apartment buildings. PoJo reports that Officer Hopper was shot at "point blank range and the bullet penetrated his bullet-resistant vest, but did not pierce his skin." It was reportedly the first time in 87 years that a police officer had been shot in the line of duty in Beacon.

Tallix leaving Beacon

PoJo reports this morning that Tallix is merging with Polich Art Works in Rock Tavern, Orange County. The new company, called Polich Tallix LLC "will result in the closing of the Beacon facility, which opened in 1986." According to the article, most of the employees in Beacon will continue to work for the new company.

Sassi Files Yet Another Suit

The Poughkeepsie Journal is reporting today that Chief Sassi has filed yet another lawsuit against the City of Beacon for "First Amendment Rights violations." The article releases the text of a letter sent by Sassi to City Administrator Joe Braun regarding Braun's use of City vehicles for personal purposes. While the letter raises legitimate questions, the letter—which should have been directed to the City Council rather than Braun—clearly has an insubordinate tone.

Sassi's attorney Jonathan Lovett—highlighting the true purpose behind Sassi's several lawsuits—stated that, "...the problem is Braun — he ought to be removed. [Removing Braun] would save the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal costs."

PJ Editorial Calls for New Beacon Police Chief

Today's editorial in the Poughkeepsie Journal is calling for an end to the imbroglio between Beacon's Chief of Police and City Hall stating that the residents of Beacon need better than what they're getting and, "Regardless of how all the legal matters run their course, the community and police department will need a fresh start."

The PJ's editorial echos a Beacon Dispatch editorial from March of this year.

Ribbon Cutting at Rombout Middle School

Rombout Middle School opened the door today on its new addition with a ribbon cutting. Present for the event were Former Superintendent, Vito DiCesare, Current Superintendent, Dr. Jean Parr, Former Board President Deborah Sheers, Board President William Zopf, and Assistant Superintendent of Media and Operational Services, Charles Symon.

Tonight's Board Meeting will take place at the Middle School and the building will be open for tours this evening. Incoming 6th grade students are welcomed to an open house Wednesday, August 30th, from 1-3 pm.

Beacon Cultural Foundation Files for Bankruptcy

Arts group finding it difficult to meet financial obligations on former high school

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports today that the Beacon Cultural Foundation—the group that purchased and now manages the former Beacon High School—has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Sam Yanes, director of the foundation, stated in the article that the foundation paid too much for the property when they purchased the building for $4.25 million in 2003. He also stated that increasing energy costs have made it difficult for the group to meet their financial obligations.

Sassi Jr. Files New Lawsuit

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports today that Richard Sassi, Jr. has filed a new lawsuit against the City of Beacon for promoting another officer over Sassi for a detective position that opened up last year. The lawsuit brings into question the legality of the City's nepotism law, which a judge earlier this year stated was likely to be illegal. But the judge in this case also stated that, as the detective position did not require a civil service exam, it was questionable whether it could be considered a promotion or simply a lateral move.