The Sept. 8 sudden resignation of Department of Public Works Supervisor Joe Bruz remains, “The X-Files of Ortonville.”
The truth is still out there.
To begin, the answers to any and all allegations of abuse remain in Bruz’s personnel file, information kept confidential by law. Unless Bruz agrees to release his employment records to the public, discussion is limited to closed council session. So far the Ortonville Village Council, Village Manager Paul Zelenak and Village President Sue Bess have respected that right and are hopefully appealing to the proper channels to resolve this employment dispute. It may take months or even years to put together every aspect of his employment-until then they remain confidential. Until then, we’ve heard only Bruz’ claim of abuse-and until we hear from the Village in their defense, the employee’s abuse is unfounded.
If Bruz was abused in anyway and these allegations are true then a mediator should decide the case with doors closed. A report to the public respecting the rights of Bruz should then be forthcoming.
Therefore it seems to us that if justice is to be served it should be at the hands of the Village Council, and attorneys rather than played out in drama of newsprint. By broadcasting such information, it seems to be an appeal for citizens to take sides, the Village or Bruz, when it’s neither the public nor the media’s duty to act as judge and jury in a case that involves confidential material.
Regardless, until we see all the facts of the case, it just stands that Bruz quit his job and informed the council and the media of abuse. Other facts of the case are still unknown.
Right or wrong the position either didn’t fit Bruz or Bruz didn’t fit the position-guessing or spewing forth hearsay into his performance or management wrongdoings should be left for the tabloids, not community papers.