An important message from WNY Police Captain Donald Gribben
I’m often asked why I joined Dr. Roque and the “Together We Can” campaign. Simply put, my answer to them is things must change. Change is never easy, but through our hard work and dedication we can have a positive impact on West New York and successfully bring it into the 21st century.
There is one hurdle to cross before this can be accomplished. The biggest problem thus far has been the current mayor, Silverio Vega and his commissioners. Fortunate, (or unfortunate), enough I, as a Captain in the West New York police department, can see how he runs the department from behind the scenes, as well as his views on staffing. He’s putting unqualified friends into positions they don’t deserve, which makes one question his ability to lead and delegate. Oftentimes “special jobs” are created simply for said people because they are close with the mayor. Day by day things are getting worse. People are starting to lose their faith in both the position of mayor and the city of West New York.
‘In the actual police department daily abuse is taking place. The structure of the Department is crumbling. Frustration is rampant’
In the actual police department daily abuse is taking place. The structure of the Department is crumbling. Frustration is rampant. The need for change was obvious, but who to turn to for help? What do you do when the man in charge, the man whose supposed to lead by example, is running the department into the ground? The man whose supposed to be serving the people, but in fact puts himself above all else. Who then? The answer is Dr. Roque, and his “Together We Can” campaign.
When Dr. Roque first arrived on the scene, naturally I was skeptical, but curious. I knew change was necessary, but was this the right man? I attended one meeting than another. The more meetings I attended and the more progress Dr. Roque made, I slowly became a believer! Although he has excellent organizational and leadership skills, his best characteristics are that he cares deeply about people and their problems. Like all great leaders, he’s truly a servant of the people. He wants to change West New York for the better. As such, people are starting to see this and come to him daily to help or be helped. He is now trying to run for the mayoral office of West New York, to help the people towards a brighter future. “Together We Can” is not just a slogan. It’s a way of life for Dr. Roque. I pledge my support to Dr. Roque, and hope you do, too.
I worked with Capt Gribben for over 30 Years and I took the easy way out I retired this past April and it seems like it was just in time. What I am hearing from the officers of all ranks there is no Morale left in the department you may see the 22 officers laid off and those who can retire leave that will hurt WNY I have spent my whole life there either living or working or both for the past 54 years I hope there is a way to save the Town it is a great town made up of great pepole and I had the privalege of protecting them for over 30 years Hang in there WNYPD and all the citizens of WNY
No one takes “the easy way out” who worked for the required time to earn their retirement…If personal issues, family or other influences dictate, we retire. Many of us have been influenced by a lack of structure, decency and opportunity to do a better job.
I applaud all those who served as officers or other Town employees and handled the stress and the corruption both political and departmental. Keep fighting!
And you personally know about putting yourself ahead of everyone else, Donald