By By JAN GRIFFEY / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Tom Dawson, assistant utilities manager for the City of Niles Utilities Department, has been suspended from his job with the city.
Niles City Administrator Terry Eull said Friday that Dawson was suspended with pay on Thursday, pending the outcome of an investigation. However, Eull said because the issue is a personnel matter, he would not provide details about the events leading to the investigation or Dawson's suspension.
Dawson, contacted at his home Friday, said he could not comment on the issue.
Dawson has been a city employee for more than 36 years. His son, Greg, is a journeyman lineman for the city's utilities department.
The younger Dawson was outspoken in his displeasure with Niles Councilmember Scott Clark during the recent city council election and wrote a letter to city officials, council members and newspapers claiming wrongdoing on Clark's part.
Councilmember Dan Vanden Heede referred to Greg Dawson's claims in a memorandum he wrote to city councilmembers, further criticizing the actions of Clark as a council member.
That memo led to heated debate at Monday night's council meeting.
Eull said Dawson's suspension had nothing to do with the younger Dawson's letter criticizing Clark.
He said the city's investigation that led to Dawson's suspension has been under way for several weeks.