New Britain herald., 1927-02-01
CUR7|RS SUPPORT IN MANY QUARTERS.
Building Board Tables Resigna- tion of Electrical Inspector
LEAYITT ALONE OPPOSED
Chairman of Commission Lauds Off, cial But Wants Him to Quit, Ask ing Grise if He Proposes to "Let Outsiders Run Department

sion of the resignation of Electrical Inspector Cyril J. Curtin for one week. declaration by Chairman A. P. Leayitt that MT. Curtin is an eff cient inspector and fine man for the job and statement by Chair man w. s. Warner of the electrical investigating committee which, in ef- feet, absolves Curtin from connection with the alleged inefficient handling of the first examinations, made up last nights developments in the building departments latest problem.
 Supplementing Warmers statement was a suggestion of Councilman David L. Nair that the Investigating committee go on record as opposed to the projected dismissal of Curtin. Councilman Nair was reminded that such a vote of confidence in the in- spector would have no official signifi- canoe, whereupon members of the investigating group declared they would personally urge the building commissioners to reverse their deci- sion in demanding that Curtin re- sign.
 Curtin Resignation Tabled
 The resignation was tabled at the request Of electrical contractors who desire to be heard on Curtin's quali- tications and on his work as inspec- tor. The names Of 10 licensed cleo tricians were affixed to the request and an eleventh contractor notified the chairman by telephone that he subscribed to the sentiments contain ed in the note and wished to have his firm put on record as heartily in accord. Two licensed electricians are employed as instructors in the state trade school and because of their position, the remonstrants did not approach them. Commissioner T. ". Hinchliffe and Inspector Curtin are also licensed electricians and for ob- vious reasons they were not ap- Is licensed men in the city whose names were not on the list or who were not otherwise accounted for.
 Call Dismissal Unwarranted
 In their statement to the board, the electricians declared the pro- jected dismissal is unwarranted in view of Curtin's efficiency, and that it would be a serious blow to the efficiency of the electrical and build ing departments to drop the in- spector.
 After the petition was read to the h,,i1Sirry rJ To ;,1t William R. Fenn, the resignation of Curtin was read. It was a short statement that he is complying with the boards request by offering his resignation. Several minutes of si- lence followed reading of the note, during which members nervously picked up or laid down slips of pa per, toyed with watch chains or gazed at the ceiling, obviously un- willing to lead off in a move to drop Curtin. Finally Commissioner Romeo Grise moved that the resignation be tabled for one week out Of courtesy to the contractors.
 Iieayitt Flares Up
 Chairman Leavitt objected. He put himself on record as allowing the contractors petition to ''cut no ice'' with him. and asked Commissioner Grise if he proposed to let outsid- CTS run the department"
 Grise quickly responded with a statement that his suggestion was one of courtesy to the contractors who represent a part of the city's population and not at all in the na- ture of surrendering the control over building department activities.
 Commissioner Matthew L. Ken nedy declared in favor of a continu- ance for one week. The commission CT felt, he said that some people think the building board is anxious to work another into Curtins office. we have nothing against Curtin" Commissioner Kennedy said, "only that he wasn't getting down to work on time"
 Commissioner Hinchlifre, whose name has been mentioned as an as- pirant for the job, denied having any interest in the position.
 When the Grise motion went to a vote Chairman Leavitt was the only one to vote against it.
 Curtin Satisfies Investigators
 While the building commissioner were discussing the Curtin case, the investigating committee was in ses- sion downstairs with the inspector in attendance. The questions con- tained in examinations and their proper answers were sought out and the reasons for markings were given. After the investigators had quizzed Curtin for more than an hour, they frankly admitted to him that they were favorably impressed with his knowledge of the electrical craft and of the ordinances and codes.
 Councilman Warner, upon whose motion the investigation was started, assured Curtin that at no time has he linked the inspector with alleged improper markings. He added that another member of the examining committee had been a fine example of inetficiency, however. Councilman Nair and others complimented Cur tin on his knowledge of the work of his office as indicated in his ex- planation of electrical installations practical and theoretical electricity and the code.
 Tormay Submits Resignation
 Plumbing Inspector P. J. Tormay appeared before the building com- mission to ask why his resignation 1 was sought. Commissioner Fenn told him frequent complaints had been l made against his work, and that Tormay was not in fit condition dur ing working hours, and was under