Sexual Harassment Charge Against Head Of PPA Draws Public Anger
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Parking Authority board cancelled its monthly meeting today when not enough members were in town, but the chairman took public comments and, boy, did he get an earful.
The comments blasted the board for letting the executive director keep his job after determining he'd sexually harassed an employee.
"Mr. Fenerty is an embarrassment to the city and should step down immediately."
Karen Bojar read a statement from the National Organization for Women denouncing executive director Vince Fenerty, but it was not just women's groups weighing in.
Rebecca Hamel from the Disabilities Rights Community spoke: "I'm grossed out that you thought this was an adequate punishment."
As did Khalid Alvi of Philadelphia Cab Association, "All the drivers are asking a question, are they able to maintain their jobs if they admit to sexual harassment?"
Fenerty listened stoically and refused to comment as he hurried back to his office.
But board chairman Joe Ashdale defended Fenerty's continued employment.
"His 32 years of employment with no other disciplinary incidents led us to determine that termination was not appropriate."
Fenerty was required to pay $30,000 for the harassment investigation and get counseling, but keeps his $230,000 a year job.
