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The Woodstock Town Board is set to meet today (July 31) to discuss the controversial hiring of Michael Innello, a convicted sex offender, as a maintenance worker. Supervisor Bill McKenna is under scrutiny for not disclosing Innello's criminal record to the board before his hiring. Innello, a Level 3 sex offender, was convicted in 2020 for sexually abusing an unconscious woman and possessing child pornography. He was released on parole in December 2024 and is on the state’s sex offender registry for life.
McKenna defends his decision, emphasizing the importance of second chances. He stated that Innello's criminal history was known during the interview process and that the job does not involve contact with children. However, some town employees, like counselor Dahlia Boiardi, have expressed concerns about Innello's presence near minors during work orientations.
Councilmember Anula Courtis has introduced a resolution to terminate Innello, citing a lack of transparency from McKenna. Despite the board voting in favor of termination, Innello remains employed. McKenna argues there are no legal grounds for firing him, as Innello has been a satisfactory employee.
The board's decision has sparked public outrage, with over 280 residents signing a petition for Innello's removal. Courtis and other council members argue that the town's hiring practices need reevaluation, especially regarding transparency and criminal history considerations. The board is exploring options, including meetings with an arbiter scheduled for later in August, to resolve the issue.