Apr 30, 2010 | Cape Gazette
Dewey commissoner’s motives questioned
It appears that censuring Commissioner Pryzgocki has not put an end to the public airing of his egregious town hall behavior. A recent letter from Dale Cooke has, once again, brought this matter to our attention.
As the person who mentioned Mr. Cooke in a letter to the editor, I feel the need to comment on a number of his statements. First, I did not “ obviously and deliberately” alter the intent of his comments at the March town meeting. I did provide an accurate quote of Mr. Cooke’s final words at this meeting. In regard to the person who exposed Commissioner Przygocki’s revolting behavior, Mr. Cooke clearly stated: “ To the anonymous source, I hope he rots in hell.”
I also take issue with the statement that Mr. Przygocki “ had no intentions of actually hurting anyone.” Commissioner Przygocki planned his attack on Commissioner Hanson and performed it in the most inappropriate and public venue possible, Dewey Beach’s town hall. He presented his box of condoms with his note about “ not procreating the species,” not once, but twice – to expose as many Dewey Beach employees as possible to his intended ridicule of Commissioner Hanson. This was not an off the cuff remark: it was a well orchestrated attack.
As for the assertion that Commissioner Przygocki has “ repeatedly and publicly apologized,” I witnessed his so called public apology at the March meeting. It was filled with excuses, misplaced blame and counter attacks: it was no apology.
To address the claim that the reporting of this incident was politically motivated: in an age where cell phone cameras are ever present, it is to be expected that public actions will become public knowledge. In the case of an elected official, the citizens he serves have a right to be made aware of behavior that reflects poorly on their town and that brings into doubt the ability of the official to make intelligent decisions on their behalf. Informing the residents of Dewey Beach of this incident was not a questionable action: it was the appropriate thing to do.
Blaming the person who revealed Commissioner Przygocki’s reprehensible behavior is as misguided now as it was 2,400 years ago – when Sophocles first warned against “ killing the messenger.” No one is responsible for Commissioner Przygocki’s actions and the problems they have caused but Mr. Przygocki himself.
As a woman who worked in the 1970s and who experienced firsthand the effects of sexual harassment in the workplace, I am appalled that – 40 years later – anyone would treat a female colleague with the blatant disrespect exhibited by Commissioner Przygocki. Any commissioner who behaved in this manner, whether they had received my vote or not, would now be the recipient of my outrage and verbal condemnation.
No correct thinking man or woman could possibly support a man who would behave like the “ male chauvinist pigs” of the past.
If anyone’s motives should be questioned, it is Commissioner Przygocki’s and those of the people who would support him. What were Commissioner Przygocki’s reasons for attacking and intimidating Commissioner Hanson in the first place? What possible reason, other than political maneuvering, would anyone have for coming to his defense?
Linda Winton
Dewey Beach
Apr 6, 2010 | Cape Gazette
Dewey commissioner should resign
When I first read about the actions of Commissioner Zeke Przygocki involving a fake wedding invitation and a box of condoms, I was appalled. I was sure that he would be mortified that his “ prank” became public knowledge and would have the sense to resign to save Dewey Beach further embarrassment. The fact that he did not and that the commission did not vote to remove him is unbelievable.
With 20 plus years’ experience working in human resources in private and publicly held companies, I can tell you that this behavior would never be tolerated in the workplace, especially from someone in a leadership role. A commissioner should be held to higher standards than this. For a community that is trying to develop its “ family friendly” side, Dewey Beach should expect better behavior. Mr. Przygocki does not represent the values of Dewey Beach and he should be removed from office.
Lanie Odlum
Dewey Beach
Mar 23, 2010 | Cape Gazette
Dewey commissioner should resign now
The following is an open letter to Dewey Beach Commissioner Zeke Przygocki that was submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.
I respectfully request you submit your resignation as Dewey Beach commissioner at once. It should already be on the mayor’s desk. Your recent insensitive and obnoxious remarks concerning Commissioner Diane Hanson are reprehensible. Your behavior places you in the gutter with the infamous crowd that converges on Dewey Beach streets every Friday and Saturday night in the summer time.
You have undoubtedly created an atmosphere within the council that will be irreparable with your presence on the council.
I also expect you to make public apologies to Commissioner Hanson, your fellow Dewey Beach commissioners and its residents and the thousands of vacationers who come to Dewey Beach.
Donald Day
Dewey Beach
Another call for Przygocki’s resignation
The following is an open letter to Dewey Beach Commissioner Zeke Przygocki submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.
My name is Tony Murray and I am a longtime property owner in Dewey Beach. My political affiliation is to support the best interests of the town.
We’ve never met, therefore, I have not developed any personal opinions of you until I saw your statement regarding the Diane Hanson incident on the Town of Dewey Beach webcam from my home in Sarasota, Fla. I would describe your apology as an equal mix of ego and anger. I would never confuse it with a sincere apology. It is very apparent that you are not media savvy and through that act, you have committed political suicide.
It’s my understanding three out of four of the Dewey Beach town commissioners have called for your resignation and Mayor Rick Solloway has condemned your actions. That is pretty much a clean sweep and you should bite the bullet and move on. If you think the voters do not support the commissioners’ opinions then run for election again this September and see firsthand how the voters feel about you after this incident.
I’m sure that you see the storm of controversy surrounding this incident as being driven by your political opponents. It is not.
Through your webcam statement which stipulates to the facts of the case, you have opened the town up to a federal lawsuit from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. I am not a lawyer and I am not giving you legal advice; however, when I see a “ hostile work environment” I know one when I see one. You and the individual who placed the original sign in the workplace have created that environment.
You and the mystery employee have succeeded in imposing your prejudices on all town employees at the expense of a dedicated town servant. Combine that with the fact that we have a new female town manager who has been forced to address this incident and who has been put in an unbelievably uncomfortable position by your actions.
At this point, put an end to this and have enough class to resign.
Tony Murray
Sarasota, Fla.
Dewey commissioner should be censured
The following letter was sent to the town commissioners of Dewey Beach and the Cape Gazette for publication.
I have read the recent account in the Cape Gazette regarding the ‘ joke’ played by Commissioner Zeke Przygocki and have also reviewed the video recording of the town meeting. As many others have commented, I find Commissioner Przygocki’s behavior appalling and inexcusable. What is equally appalling and inexcusable is his continued service as a town commissioner. Insult and ridicule are never acceptable forms of debate or criticsm, but sometimes in the course of heated or emotional discussion, inappropriate and insulting comments are made and may sometimes be excusable with an appropriate apology. That is not the case with Commissioner Przygocki’s action. It required forethought and planning, and the result of that thought process was an action condoned by no one and condemned by nearly all. Whatever his intention, the commissioner’s action as a public official in a public place reflects poor judgment and raises serious questions about his ability to make judgments on important town issues and appropriately serve the interests of the town and its citizens.
Mr. Przygocki should resign. It is the appropriate action to take and, while it may represent a personal sacrifice for him, his resignation may help to assure people that the town can conduct its business in a dignified and respectful manner. If he chooses not to resign, the other commissioners should publicly and unanimously censure Mr. Przygocki and call for his resignation. That is also the right thing to do, and the commissioners should step up and reinforce confidence in the town’s government.
Gary Persinger
Dewey Beach
Mar 19, 2010 | Cape Gazette
Dewey commissioner taken to task
I think there is some information that your readers would like to have about the incident that was not included in Rob Kunzig’s article.
When Commissioner Zeke Przygocki acknowledged the joke which involved him presenting a box of condoms to a town employee, undoubtedly to the delight of a group that was present during the presentation, he contended “ it was meant to be a simple joke but he now realizes it was inappropriate.” What an insightful comment on his personal behavior. What the commissioner failed to mention is that his standup comedy routine was undoubtedly well received with rave reviews because he reenacted the presentation in the new town manager’s office.
Again I’m sure to more rave reviews. Former Dewey Beach Mayor Pat Wright acknowledged the commissioner’s rapier wit with the following comment in your article of March 16; “ I know they love Zeke. Stuff happens. Go forward.” I would not call his behavior a one time mistake, but at least a two time mistake, if not more.
The comedy routine was a blatant attempt to degrade and humiliate a fellow town commissioner and by doing so he created a hostile work environment in the town hall, while imposing his prejudice on all that was present.
The reenactment in the new town manager’s office, even though she was not present, shows a level of disrespect for her private work space. Ms. Smith, who has been universally acclaimed as a button down professional, must be appalled. By using her office as comedy central, he conveys a lack of respect for the management hierarchy in Dewey Beach. He should be barred from the town hall.
At the Saturday, March 13 town meeting, Commissioner Przygoki, wearing a bright orange shirt, made an opening statement. He called that statement an apology. I saw it on the webcam from my home. If you are interested, please watch Commissioner Przygocki in action and draw your own conclusions. However, I would characterize his statement as an equal mix of ego and anger, never to be confused as a sincere apology.
It is interesting that the repentant standup comic commissioner’s wife, daughter and female friend, also wearing bright orange shirts, were sitting directly in front of Commissioner Diane Hanson, glaring at her during the entire meeting. Commissioner Przygocki, according to LinkedIn, is a 1984 sociology and criminology graduate at the University Of Tennessee Knoxville. That would explain the orange color. It doesn’t explain why a grown man, his wife, daughter and female friend
would be enamored with his school colors 26 years after his college graduation.
Does anyone really think that this type of individual should be a commissioner in our beloved town?
Anthony E. Murray
Sarasota, Fla.
Is Dewey commissioner fit for office?
I feel compelled to write to you in reference to my comments at the last Dewey Beach town meeting noted in your paper ( Hanson asks Przygocki to resign; Przygocki remains, March 16). My point was missed. I was misunderstood by your reporter.
I was said to have “ condemned Przygocki’s gag,” and quoted as saying that worse things have been said publicly. To begin with, I in no way think that Przygocki’s disgraceful behavior was a “ gag.”
It was the attempt of a commissioner to belittle a fellow commissioner with whom he does not agree on some political issues.
This was done in town hall before other town employees. This type of thing is done to diminish a colleague in the eyes of those with whom they work, and to reduce their effectiveness in their job as a public servant. This behavior is not a “ gag.” Gags are funny; this was malicious and juvenile behavior.
Secondly, my comment that “ worse things have been said publicly” was a response to efforts by some speakers to criticize the person who spoke to the newspaper.
These speakers’ comments appeared to be an attempt to deflect blame and responsibility from Mr.
Przygocki, who should shoulder all the blame. The person who came forward with the information is to be praised, not criticized. The town’s property owners should be made aware of this unprofessional behavior on the part of a commissioner who represents them. The original newspaper article did this.
If nothing else, this occurrence should serve as a warning in the future. Voters should carefully and thoroughly consider the past service and involvement of those candidates running for elected public office. When a candidate has not been active, or made an effort to attend meetings and to get involved prior to running for office, a red flag should go up. Is there any way in this situation to know what one will get by voting for this candidate? Are they truly fit to serve in a public office?
Betsy Damos
Dewey Beach
Dewey has been made a laughingstock
I attended Saturday’s town meeting in Dewey Beach. Early in the proceedings, Commissioner Zeke Przygocki read a statement regarding his recent behavior in town hall. Throughout his socalled apology, Zeke referred to his actions as a joke. He blamed the newspaper and the person who revealed his bad behavior for embarrassing the town, and he ended by asking Commissioner Hanson to apologize to his wife for causing her embarrassment.
To address these statements:
• This was not a joke. There was nothing humorous about Commissioner Przygocki’s actions – they were clearly intended to demean a fellow commissioner. If Mr. Przygocki honestly believes this was funny, his character and judgment are hopelessly flawed.
• The person who revealed the incident did not embarrass the town. Mr. Przygocki, alone, is responsible for that. As a Dewey Beach commissioner, he serves the citizens of this town; those citizens have a right to be made aware of any behavior that reflects poorly on the town or that brings into question the ability of a commissioner to serve on their behalf.
The person who exposed this appalling incident deserves our thanks.
• Mrs. Hanson does not owe anyone an apology. She has remained aboveboard and dignified throughout this ordeal. She is not responsible for Mr. Przygocki’s wife’s name appearing in the newspaper: that decision was made by the Cape Gazette. If anyone is embarrassed by association to this incident, again, Zeke alone is to blame.
Unfortunately, Mr. Przygocki’s “ apology” was not the only low point in Saturday’s meeting. Several former Dewey Beach officials made arguments intended to mitigate the seriousness of Commissioner Przygocki’s actions or to shift blame for the problems caused by them. For example: Former Mayor Pat Wright made light of Zeke’s box of condoms presentation, categorizing it as a joke and, absurdly, comparing it to a rubber roach that had circulated through town hall.
Former Commissioner Dale Cooke insisted that the real villain was the person who leaked the story to the press, going so far as to say, “ To the anonymous source, I hope he rots in hell.”
However offensive the above comments may have been, the lowest point in Saturday’s meeting occurred when Commissioner Hanson’s motion to recommend resignation failed to be seconded.
This occurred despite apparent support for such an action. Commissioner Appelbaum ( who was unable to attend due to ill health) had earlier texted his opinion that Commissioner Przygocki should step down. Commissioner Seitz read a statement expressing similar sentiments. At the close of the meeting, Mayor Solloway referred to the town hall incident as “ reprehensible.” Yet, when it came time to officially ask for Commissioner Przygocki’s resignation, no one spoke up.
Our town had an opportunity to save face in the community and to do the right thing. Instead, through the silence of its commissioners, it has failed to officially sanction Commissioner Przygocki and has sent the message that Dewey Beach tolerates and accepts his childish and malicious behavior.
Dewey Beach has been made a laughingstock by this incident. As long as Mr. Przygocki remains a part of our town council, we will continue to be vulnerable to derision.
Linda Winton
property owner Dewey Beach
Dewey commissioner calls for resignation
The following letter was sent to fellow members of the Dewey Beach Board of Commissioners with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.
I wanted to share with you additional thoughts regarding the Commissioner Zeke Przygocki incident that occurred recently at town hall. First of all, I have been happily married to an independent woman for over 20 years and together we raised our 19-year old independent daughter. While in business and helping to raise our children, my wife and I stood up for what is right, especially equal rights for everyone. Most of us have heard inappropriate jokes that denigrate one’s race, sex, religion or physical disability. For me, my family, when I was in business, and in my home I find these comments, jokes and gestures wholly inappropriate.
I attended last week’s town hall meeting by website; as you know, I am in the 27th week of a 30 week treatment for head and neck cancer. I offer this as no excuse as I try to do my job. At Saturday’s meeting, I made comments through our town solicitor; however, because of my illness and the limitation of not being present at the meeting, I was not able to fully convey the depths of my feeling on this issue. I stand by my statement read on my behalf by Town Solicitor Glenn Mandalas and quoted in the Cape Gazette; “ Przygocki’s joke cannot be misinterpreted; it was uncalled for, and he should resign.” Then and now I fully support Commissioner Diane Hanson’s position that Commissioner Przygocki step down.
Since Commissioner Przygocki has become a commissioner, he and I have forged out what I consider a very respectful relationship. We do not always agree with each other on matters; however, we normally find kernels of respect for the other’s position.
With regard to this matter, there is no common ground other than his immediate resignation. His behavior, the involvement of a town employee and a commissioner at their place of employment is totally and completely inexcusable.
I am also troubled by how this matter may have been handled by our mayor. It seemed as though in the beginning there were steps to brush this matter under the carpet, to simply make this matter go away. Perhaps this was done since we were in the transition with a new town manager or perhaps there were other reasons. I would like to know.
I do not believe the charter nor the code provide me as a commissioner the road map to remove Commissioner Przygocki from of fice. However, I take my responsibilities as commissioner and in representing the people of Dewey Beach very seriously. With the depths and magnitude of his transgressions while at the same time perpetuating what appears to be insidious positions of a personal nature against Commissioner Hanson, I will now wonder how and if the Town of Dewey Beach can live with Commissioner Przygocki in office.
Here is what I would like.
Does the charter or code offer us a remedy for this matter? How can we as commissioners vote to ask that Commissioner Przygocki resign? Can we get a full report as to how this matter was investigated? If Commissioner Przygocki remains as commissioner, what will be the protection for the town, its employees and fellow commissioners that similar reprehensible behavior does not happen again?
Commissioner Marc Appelbaum
Dewey Beach
Przygocki should step down, says resident
The following letter was sent to Dewey Beach Commissioner Zeke Przygocki, with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.
I read about your outrageous behavior and actions recently and I am angered by your lack of judgment, your gross disregard for your elected office and most of all, by your sophomoric “ sense of humor” which is not one bit funny. You need to come clean and make a sincere apology and then step down from your seat as commissioner. We have enough issues to deal with without getting sidetracked by your ludicrous behavior.
George Pappas
Dewey Beach