For over one year, I have not responded about the New York State Comptroller's report that I was named in.
That report and their investigation findings in reference to my hiring was so far from the truth, now is time for the public to hear the facts.
In that report, it was stated that I was publicly named as the football coach that was hired because I coached Brian Cassini's son. Well, for more than 10 years, I have coached football to hundreds of kids in two countries.
What was never reported was the job-description qualifications were for someone to have earned a two-year associate's degree and have management and community-service experience. I held all of them.
For the public's information, a copy of this original job description was given to the Comptroller's Office to prove those facts, and they ignored it.
Other factors that led to my hiring were my commitment to helping the community and organizational skills for starting programs from the ground up that I acquired over many years of dedication and work ethic.
When I was hired, the agency sent me to Housing Tax Credit School in Syracuse. This training was very challenging to say the least, and I did earn my C3P Housing Tax Credit Certification. Of course, this was never reported to the public because of the witch hunt one investigator was on due to misinformation that was provided by a disgruntled employee.
For one year, my housing team worked hard to make sure we followed all state and federal regulations. Unfortunately, my job was cut due to cost-saving measures, along with my housing associate director's position; this woman gave her heart and soul to Comlinks and the housing team, and for that I am so honored to have worked with such a person.
That year I spent as the housing director, I enjoyed the many challenges and loved going to work and helping qualified families move into affordable housing and making sure they were safe and warm.
The most satisfaction was working with my team in the Housing Department and sharing in the good times as well as the hardships. They mean a lot to me, and I still consider some of them as family, and we speak from time to time.
When you finally find that position of employment that you are passionate about and love going to work every day, value those days, because in a minute it can be gone. This whole experience has been hard on my family, but most of all my mom and dad, who take pride in our last name.
I hope this helps the public realize I worked hard to be hired at Comlinks and was qualified for the position. Some good has come from this. I wake up every morning to help raise my 2-year-old son and spend quality time with him.
Being unemployed for the last year has been hard financially on my family, but you can either become stronger or just be bitter. Well, I have been bitter, hurt and angry, but time continues to move forward, and at least I have my family and true friends.
Thank you for all your support, and now is the time to put this chapter behind and move forward.
Fred Gagnier is the former Comlinks housing director.
