DISMAYED THAT CITY CLERK PAUL KAIN WAS FIRED!

No position could be more local; yet, announcement of it is front-page news, and its resolution is taking place at the highest levels of state government – through the Office of Local Government Services, in the cabinet-level Department of Community Affairs.

We are informed by the City that Mr. Kain has been unable to work for nearly six months, but from Mr. Kain we have heard nothing. At the same time, there is no shortage of comments from those who feel the Clerk should be removed from office due to his association with previous administrations. Surely, the potential vacating and filling of such an important city position deserves very thorough deliberation.

I can recall more than one highly charged public meeting where dozens of citizens, angered by what I was saying, would have drowned out my entire testimony if Secretary Kain had not maintained eye contact, letting me know I was still being taped for the permanent record. If nothing else, the loss of Mr. Kain will represent a loss of continuity, of contact with someone who still remembers some of the things we did, and why we did them. That should encourage us to take considered, measured steps to be sure the disposition of his case is just and compassionate, and benefits the whole city.

Steve Roche, Gloucester City (source Gloucester City News)