Yonkers inspector general nominee asked about mishandled case
The Yonkers City Council’s Intergovernmental Relations Committee interviewed Michael J. White on Tuesday night about his credentials, and part of the meeting focused on his time with the Westchester District Attorney’s office and that office’s handling of a domestic violence case.
White is Mayor Phil Amicone’s nominee to replace Yonkers Inspector General Philip Zisman and in 2000 White managed the DA’s branch office in Mount Vernon. White’s office handled the case of Joy Thomas, a woman who was shot on Feb. 7, 2000 by her stalker ex-boyfriend in a classroom at Westchester Community College. Thomas survived the shooting.
White’s office never opened an envelope that contained information and a photograph about the stalker, Olonzo Davis, before the shooting. Davis killed himself after shooting Thomas.
Former District Attorney Jeanine Pirro subsequently transferred White to her Peekskill office. At the time of the transfer Pirro said that White’s transfer was part of a routine staffing shift, though she did accept fault for her office’s handling of the case.
Yonkers Councilman John Murtagh, R-5th District, said he was “troubled” by White’s handling of the case, which is why he asked him about it.
Murtagh said today he expected that the council may vote on White’s nomination by Oct. 6.
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White’s performance was very weak and whiney. He was totally blindsided by Murtagh’s attack. A smart lawyer would have been prepared to deal with the skeletons in the closet. His responses were evasive and he did not give me much confidence that he has the mental toughness and clearness of thought to do what is a critically important job.
He also seemed to know relatively little about the job and even less about Yonkers. Perhaps that is becuase he lives upcounty. Perhaps that could make him more objective, but the learning curve will be that much longer, and a lack of knowledge of the ‘players” could expose him to being manipulated.
He also wants a city car.
The Council as a whole was pretty hostle to him, and I give props to Lesnick as his interrogation (not questioning, interrogation) was actually quite tough and professional – for once.
Several people in the audience were shaking their heads at White’s answers, and I was surprised and disappointed that the Mayor would put up such a weak candidate who obviously was unprepared. That is not indicative of someone who will bring professionalism and mental toughness to the position.
Mayor Amicone won’t like hearing this, but Murtagh did the right thing. The Mayor’s staff blew this by not vetting White carefully. Had White been confirmed, this would have come out eventually and the Mayor would be in a far worse predicament.
olonzo davis is my brother he was never a stalker as you put it it was a lot more to the story you and the police department should have did your jobs then maybe my brother would still be alive and ms Thomas wouldnt have got hurt but their was more that could have been done for both side both familys lifes will never be the same