ONE BRAVE WOMEN FIGHTS BACK

My name is Karen Craft. I am a Public Works Dispatcher hired from test #64-628. At the time of my hiring I was told that I would be working part time hours temporarily until a position opened up from the retiring of Charlie Peal . Upon his leaving I would be appointed to the full time position, working his shift, as a Public Works Dispatcher.
Charlie Peal gradually reduced his work hours while mine increased. June, 2008 I worked two days a week, 8 hours a day. July-October, 2008 I worked 3 days a week/8 hours a day. November-December, 2008 I worked 4 days a week/ 8hours a day.
In January of 2009 Charlie left. I then worked 5 days a week/8 hours a day. I was working 40 hours a week. I continued working these hours during the month of February.
In March of 2009 an order came down from City Hall that I was to work one week 5 days and the next week 4 days. I believe this was an attempt to circumvent Civil Service hiring rules.
June-July, 2009 I worked 4 days a week steady. August-September, 2009 I worked 4 ½ days a week steady.
I was doing full time work and hours for the position that I was hired for. I was not given the rights that I believe I was entitled to. I was not appointed to the position full time. I believe this is in violation of the Civil Service Rules.
In September of 2009 DPW Commissioner Skip Scirocco informed me that a Jan Powers was transferring from a laborer position at the Canfield Casino to a fulltime Public Works Dispatcher. I was told that because Jan is a City employee Commissioner Scirocco could do this. He told me that this appointment would cause no harm to my hours or to the time that I worked. I was working 4 days a week/8 hours a day. On Wedsnday and Thursday I would work the 3pm-11pm shift. Saturday and Sundays I worked the 7am-3pm shift.
When Jan was appointed to the full time position of Public Works Dispatcher she took the 3pm-11pm shift, Monday through Friday. I lost my mid week days and the 3pm-11pm shift. I now only work 2 days a week. I should have been senior to her and gotten that appointment before her. There are other non-competitive employees whose hours and shifts she could have taken in the dispatch office, but didn’t.
Jan Powers took the same test as I did. She scored lower than I did. I was the number one candidate on the list who responded to be being hired. Jan Powers refused appointment to this position. She refused on April 29, 2008, June 24, 2008, and May 18, 2009. I am wondering how many times a person can say no in being canvassed about interest in the job before they are removed. 3 times seems excessive. I don’t believe Jan Powers is entitled to this position and appointment.
Under Rule XII, #4, 5, 6 and 7, I should have been appointed to the position first. Jan Powers should not have been appointed .
She declined the position previously. She was lower on the list than I. She had her salary increased. She was in a noncompetitive class and was transferred to a competitive class. She is not entitled to the position. Her being placed in this position gives the semblance of having a promotion with no promotional exam.
I would like this Commission to review the appointment of Jan Powers to Public Works Dispatcher, (full time). I believe her appointment was illegal by the Municipal Civil Service Rules for the City of Saratoga Springs, NY.
I have been harmed by the appointment of Jan Powers to a position that should have gone to me first. I have worked full time hours and days as Public Works Dispatcher. I was number one on the list for this position. I should have gotten the first full time position when it became available.
I appeal to the Commission to right this wrong and make me whole.

Sincerely,

Karen V. Craft