Kennedy reveals cause of Lynn payout clash

LYNN – Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, in a statement released to the Item Sunday, commented for the first time publicly as to why she withheld the payout of benefits to members of former Mayor Edward J. “Chip” Clancy?s staff.The Item reported Saturday that Kennedy ordered City Solicitor Michael Barry last Thursday to pay $13,109 in accrued benefits to Clancy?s former chief of staff, Michael Conlon, and that benefits payouts were also expected to be made this week to two other Clancy staffers.Kennedy said the reason she withheld the payments is because of poor record-keeping and initial insufficient records to support the benefits payout claims.?Mr. Conlon?s claim for unused sick time and vacation days has been paid,” Kennedy said. “I came to this decision after examining attendance and payroll records to the extent they were available.”Kennedy continued, “Unfortunately, these records were not properly kept by Personnel Department, nor were consistent policies in place. That made it very difficult to verify the claim of benefits owed.”The city has traditionally paid the staff of immediate former mayors for the buyback of unused sick time, longevity and vacation time.Kennedy deflects any contention that the delay in payment had anything to do with politics or of personal nature. Rather, she maintains she had to set a high standard for accountability.Moving forward, Kennedy said the benefits structure for these workers will change.?The city has honored Mr. Conlon?s claim and we are taking steps to ensure that future record-keeping is significantly improved,” she said.?We are also developing policies to be followed in every department to ensure that uniform standards are followed throughout City Hall. All administrative employees in the mayor?s office will receive sick time and vacation days on a pro-rated basis, rather than the accruing a year?s worth of benefits upon working only one day in a calendar year.”