Kim demonstrating a clear pattern of abuse against city employees
Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim has a concerning history of using inappropriate and bullying language in his professional communications with others, including City employees, as has been previously reported on multiple occasions. Most recently, surveillance and police body camera footage emerged of Kim in a heated public argument with Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Jason Tetu and Commissioner of Public Safety Jim Montagnino, during which he used obscenities and insults.
A new FOIL response has revealed yet another instance in which Kim appears to be unjustifiably attacking and threatening the employment of a City DPW Employee. The disturbing email thread begins with Kim’s executive assistant, Jen Dunn, seeking information from DPW about rental terms for the High Rock Park Pavilion and the Canfield Casino.
The DPW employee provides the information to Dunn in an email and attachment, which details the rental fees for various city properties. Dunn then forwards this information to Kim. Kim becomes unexpectedly angry in his response to Dunn.
While some parts of the email are redacted, it is clear that the DPW employee has drawn Kim’s ire. In a flurry of expletives, Kim writes:
“Fuck [redacted] she gives me a fucking book [redacted]. I am definitely going after her fucking position (sic). [redacted] f [redacted].”
It appears that Kim was triggered by the DPW employee simply providing an attachment (the “book”) that detailed the fees in response to his request.
According to the United States Department of Labor, such bullying behavior is akin to workplace violence and creates a hostile work environment. Kim’s actions also potentially open the City up to civil liability.
Saratoga Springs Republican Chairman Mike Brandi stated, “This disturbing pattern has to stop. Mayor Kim has shown no ability to control his temper, and it is completely inappropriate to direct this kind of vitriol and threats towards an employee in any context. If this were corporate America, Kim would lose his job."
This is at least the second time that Kim has used this type of language towards an employee that we know about. Kim’s actions are an embarrassment to the City and to the office of the Mayor. He should be ashamed of himself.” Brandi added, “The Saratoga Springs City Council owes a duty to the City and City Employees to reign in Kim’s abusive conduct. Their silence in the face of Kim’s abuse is complicity. They must stand up for City employees and set a precedent that this kind of behavior has consequences and will not be tolerated.”
It is unclear for what purpose Kim was seeking to potentially rent the pavilion or the Casino on May 20/21. However, if this was for personal or political reasons, using official resources and employees for this purpose is illegal and violates the Saratoga Springs Code of Ethics.
In another email revealed in the FOIL investigation, Kim starts off discussing the Homeless Task Force but quickly regresses back to his liberal use of obscenity towards others. He inexplicably changes gears and states, “F* [redacted] f* ‘em.”
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