Washington Twp. Facing Suit from Former Admin, Report Says
The township's former acting administrator alleges she was the victim of discrimination because of her age and race.
Lilly Chin, Washington Township's former acting administrator, has sued the township and Councilman Fred Goetz for discrimination, according to a report on NorthJersey.com.
Chin, who is of Chinese ancestry, alleged that council members referred to her by different last names, and that they slandered her qualifications and professionalism, according to the report.
Goetz was quoted as saying the suit "has no merit" in the report.
Goetz was the president of the township's council last year, when he voted against appointing Chin to keep the acting administrator position. She was originally appointed in 2010 and worked for the township until the end of last year.
In March last year, Mayor Janet Sobkowicz predicted the township would "probably get sued" after the council voted to slash Chin's salary from $89,000 to $59,000.
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B@B
9:28 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
I think the judge will decide whether the suit has merit.
Dana Egbert
9:56 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
After going to a few of these council meetings, it's no surprise that Goez finally finds himself on the receiving end of a lawsuit. The way they act is far from professional. So Chin's allegations are entirely believable.
B@B
10:57 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Unfortunately, taxpayers will pay the settlement, not Mr. Goetz. He's free to be a bully with impunity.
Jeffrey Tammen
8:59 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Im very happy we have a new administrator lilly chin nice person but not administrator material, during my years as a township fire chief she had asked for my pass word for the fire log in to purchase stuff which I had lots of funds and had put a rec in for uniforms for 11 guts and was signed by my director weeks later the rec gone funds not there .it was my last three months of chief after 3 yrs and I had no more fight.after I was done I found out what she had done was illegal so it's not always what's it seems .
Jeffrey Tammen
9:07 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
I could have sued her but when it comes down to it the taxpayers will pay for it.She is just pissed because she was passed over for the admin job.I'm sure there was mud slinging from both sides
Steve Sass
8:32 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
This is part of the Durso and Goetz savings plan. I think they saved the town negative $100,000 with this one. We know who two of the three stooges are, which one of the other three councilmen can we nominate to be the third stooge. The legacy that these two jokers will leave will be everlasting.
township resident
9:09 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012
I have no doubt that Councilman Goetz is both liable and that the charge has merit. I personally say Councilman Goetz at a football game start screaming at the top of his lungs at a mother at Memorial field. It was embarrising and descrimintory against women and all parents. It was abusive and i believe as a Councilman is against the law. I believe it is excessive use of power. I was right there when it happened and I am apauled. I was fortunate enough to have had my video camera filming my sons game and I have the whole thing on tape. I have reviewed it with several parents . Goetz should not be in office.
Kelly Van Rijn
6:34 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
90 grand to be an 'administrator'? Considering the work involved, this should be an unpaid, volunteer position at best. No wonder the Twp can't afford any services to its citizens when it pisses away money like this. Good for the council for at least trying to cut Chin's pay.
Steve Sass
6:07 pm on Friday, June 29, 2012
What time on Monday can they expect you to show up for work. As a resident, I am proud to live in a town where ordinary people like you are willing volunteer their time.
Jeffrey Tammen
4:24 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Hey town resident you should use your name . Maybe you should put video on YouTube. I'm sure there has been derogatory action going back and forth from both sides . There are 3 sides his hers and the truth . This town needs change and new faces who can brings things around.
george phillips
6:00 pm on Friday, June 29, 2012
So Goetz gets to abuse town employees and the TAXPAYERS have to pay for his defense and any judgement awarded?
twp resident
8:46 pm on Friday, October 19, 2012
Ms Chin was unqualified for this job and was placed in the position by her friend Ms Sobkowitz. Regardless of your political views, this position was finally filled by a qualified applicant.