Colver: Duffy wasn't lying

August 30, 2005

DARRELL L. BREESE\Frontiersman reporter

PALMER - Mat-Su Borough Assembly member Jim Colver plans to offer Borough Manager John Duffy a formal apology, for calling Duffy a liar during the Aug. 16 assembly meeting.

During that meeting, Colver raised an objection because the increased waste disposal fees being discussed were necessary to meet changes implemented by the approval of the 2006 operating budget. That's when he called Duffy a liar, based on his recollection of testimony he gave during the May 25 special meeting budget debate.

"Before we passed the budget I asked if we would need to pass any fees later to make this budget and he said no," Colver said during the Aug. 16 meeting. "Mr. Duffy lied, we can look back in the record and see his response."

At the time Duffy did not respond to the accusation but called on Borough Finance Director Tammy Clayton to respond. She said the assembly was informed then of the need to increase fees.

After reviewing a transcript of the May 25 budget meeting, when Duffy reportedly lied, Colver realized his error and apologized to Duffy.

The transcript of the May 25 meeting reads:

"Is there anything that is going to require another resolution to increase fees?" Colver asked.

Clayton responded, "Through the Mayor to Mr. Colver. The one area is solid waste. In order to break even, they would have to subsequently introduce a resolution to raise fees."

Colver expressed remorse for his actions during the August meeting and did not want to comment publicly until the Sept. 6 meeting.

Duffy indicated Colver had already apologized to him personally and he was appreciative of him taking the time to make amends for his comments.

"Once he saw the transcript from the meeting he was quick to apologize," Duffy said. "I appreciated him coming in and clearing things up."

Contact Darrell L. Breese at 352-2267.