A formal complaint submitted this past February by a Town of Newburgh employee has brought forward serious allegations of harassment, intimidation, retaliation, and abuse of authority within one of the Town’s departments — raising significant concerns about workplace culture, oversight, and leadership accountability.
The allegations outlined in this complaint, and the circumstances surrounding the ongoing investigation, raise serious concerns about leadership within Town Hall. As a candidate for Town Supervisor, I believe the public deserves transparency, employees deserve protection, and any process intended to uncover the truth must be free from influence or interference.
The complaint, addressed to Town leadership including Supervisor Gilbert Piaquadio and Deputy Supervisor Scott Manley, details what is described as a sustained pattern of hostile and unprofessional conduct over several months. Allegations include verbal abuse, public humiliation, interference with job responsibilities, intimidation, and retaliatory behavior following perceived complaints.
Since the filing of the complaint, an independent investigation has been conducted, during which multiple witnesses were deposed. A report outlining the findings of that investigation is expected to be released in the near future.
Separately, reports have emerged that certain individuals who were deposed may have been approached prior to their testimony and potentially instructed or influenced regarding what to say and how to respond. While these reports have not yet been formally substantiated, they raise additional concerns about the integrity of the investigative process.
The original complaint also alleges that some individuals acted with the belief that they were insulated from consequences due to their roles or relationships within Town government. If substantiated, such claims point to a broader cultural issue — one that extends beyond any single department or incident.
The matter has also reportedly been escalated to a New York State agency, further underscoring the seriousness of the allegations and the potential for legal and financial exposure for taxpayers.
As the Town awaits the findings of the independent investigation, several fundamental questions remain:
· What safeguards are in place to prevent workplace misconduct?
· Were prior concerns raised, and how were they addressed?
· What accountability mechanisms exist for department heads and senior officials?
· How is the integrity of internal and external investigations being protected?
Public confidence in local government depends on transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards. The Town has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are able to work in a safe, professional, and respectful environment — and that any allegations to the contrary are addressed thoroughly and without interference.
The forthcoming investigative report will be an important step in establishing the facts. Its release — and the actions that follow — will ultimately determine whether meaningful accountability and reform are pursued.
“This moment is about more than one complaint — it’s about whether Town Hall operates with integrity, transparency, and respect for those it serves. The public deserves answers, and they deserve leadership that will act on them.”