Niles safety director resigns

NILES — Only one day after Mayor Thomas Scarnecchia emphatically denied rumors that Paul Hogan, his safety director of five months, had resigned, Hogan announced his resignation effective next Thursday.

The resignation is the second to hit city hall this week. On Monday, longtime Treasurer Robert Swauger resigned, citing the demands of his banking career and his inability to provide the time necessary to fulfill the part-time position during Niles’ fiscal emergency.

Like Swauger, Hogan’s job also is par -time. He was earning an annual salary of $17,000, according to the mayor.

Scarnecchia said Hogan revealed his plans during today’s board of control meeting. The mayor said he was aware Hogan was considering leaving, but did not expect the announcement to occur when it did.

Hogan, 76, said health issues led to his decision.

“My wife and I did some serious soul searching in the last 24 hours,” Hogan said, “and that’s when I decided it was time.”

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com