Franklin mayor, former mayor clash at meeting

FRANKLIN — Rising tensions between Franklin Mayor Paul Crowley and former mayor Richard Durina came to a head on Tuesday, Dec. 9, as the mayor called out Durina and Councilman-Elect Robert Dabinett.

Durina, one of Crowley’s biggest critics, made sure to defend himself while the meeting was open to the public.

“Mr. Durina has been coming to the microphone and I have not engaged (him)," Crowley said. "I have found him mean-spirited. He practices arm-twisting politics that is negative, and a negative view-point is bad for Franklin."

Crowley referred to a newspaper article written Oct. 31, 1999. In it, Durina, a former county freeholder, was criticized for his “power politics that may send a message, but it does not pull people together.”

Durina’s eventual downfall led to him losing his seat to a Democrat, one that was voted-in by a majority of Republican voters.

“(Durina) is free to comment … I don’t put much stock in what he says and barely listen to him, but he’s welcome to his 3 minutes,” Crowley said.

Durina was quick to take to the microphone to refute.

“That was about the lowest political scheme that I’ve seen in my 40 years," he said. "I’ve been in this town long before you got there, and I’m telling you, I’m going to be here long after you leave because, buddy, you just committed political suicide with statements like you just made."

After Durina persisted past the 3-minute limit numerous times, Crowley brought forth Police Chief Eugene McInerney to walk him back to his seat. Although there were no more incidents, a Franklin police officer was called in later on in the meeting.

During his report, Crowley acknowledged that he will bar Dabinett, a newly-elected former councilman, with any involvement with the Department of Public Works through the council. Crowley had referenced a former incident during Dabinett’s time on the council in which he had chaired the DPW committee and said he had often repaired his commercial truck at the municipal garage.

Dabinett took to the microphone with his rebuttal.

“You or nobody else will ever tell me who I can speak to… and as far as Durina’s time being up, your time is up, Mr. Mayor,” Dabinett said.

The Tuesday night incident appeared to stem from heavy criticisms from Dabinett and Durina over the careless driving citation Borough Administrator Jim Kilduff received just weeks ago. As an avid supporter of Kilduff, Crowley has taken heat from both Dabinett and Durina over their intense pursuit to replace Kilduff.

During an October meeting, during public comment, Durina gave Crowley a D- grade for his time spent as mayor.

Dabinett's term will begin on Jan. 1, 2015 and the mayor's seat is up for election in 2015.