F.W. Russell owner faces more criticism

On December 30, 2009, in Latest News, by The News Staff

F.W.
Russell owner Charles Carneglia dons a sombrero as a Teamster Local 25
protest in Dec. 2007. Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz cited Carneglia's
behavior during his company's struggle against the union as grounds for
not allowing him to continue to serve as a city constable.

By Tom Nash

Somerville's
trash disposal contractor was reappointed as a constable last week over
the objections of Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz, who renewed her
criticism of the company's labor practices.

City Constable
Charles Carneglia owns F.W. Russell, a waste disposal company that in
November received a five-year contract extension for the city's trash
and recycling services. Gewirtz said at the Dec. 22 Board meeting she
opposes Carneglia's reappointment because of his behavior during a
labor dispute two years ago.

A 2007 struggle between Russell
and Teamsters Local 25 turned violent when the union chained the gates
to Russell's facility, forcing riot police to break up the picketers.
Carneglia was a central and visible figure in the dispute, facing off
against picketers and at one point donning a sombrero — a move Gewirtz
has said was racially motivated.

Carneglia could not be reached for comment.

"My
concern is that people we're going to count as constables in the city
should be people who are upstanding citizens," Gewirtz said after the
meeting. "From my observations of Russell and (Carneglia's) actions in
the street … I'm just not so sure this is a person we want issuing
subpoenas."

The Board of Aldermen learned in 2008 that Russell's
pay practices had come under scrutiny by the Massachusetts Attorney
General's office. An official said Tuesday the investigation is ongoing
and that the office does not comment on open investigations.

The investigation did not come up when the Board discussed renewing the company's contract in November.

At
the Dec. 22 meeting, after being warned by Board President Walter Pero
to "be careful" about criticizing Carneglia, Gewirtz said she would not
support Carneglia wielding power from the city.

"We have a real
concern on our hands," Gewirtz responded. "This is someone who has the
ability to issue warrants and subpoenas and approach people at their
doors."

Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche, who chairs the Confirmation
of Appointments Committee, said Carneglia received a background check
from the Somerville Police Department and that there are no complaints
against him on file.

"There's no blemish on his record whatsoever," Roche said.

Gewirtz was the only vote in opposition to the reappointment.