The North Tonawanda Common Council has penned a letter to the city’s attorney Edward Zebulske, concerning allegations raised against Mayor Austin J. Tylec.
According to the letter, which was also provided to the press, during the city’s January 21st council meeting, it was learned — and then confirmed by both the Mayor and the Chief of Police — that two N.T. police officers visited the workplace of a private citizen on Tuesday morning to question them about their potential connection to an obscure satirical Facebook page parodying the mayor.
Following this incident, the individual reported to the Common Council, alleging that Mayor Tylec may have “weaponized the North Tonawanda Police Department” as an act of political retaliation.
The Common Council is “greatly disturbed” by the possibility that taxpayer-funded resources were used to suppress political speech at the direction of an elected official, according to the letter, adding, “We strongly condemn any actions that infringe upon citizens’ constitutionally protected right to free speech. Such behavior represents a serious violation of public trust.”
The letter concluded with a request that the “City Attorney’s Office conduct a thorough review of the Mayor’s conduct in this matter. We are particularly concerned about any civil liability and ask for an assessment of any potential litigation costs to taxpayers. The Council remains committed to monitoring this situation closely to ensure it is handled appropriately.”
