Formal Complaints Filed Against Levinson Over COVID-19 Concerns

BREAKING NEWS - HARRY HURLEY EXCLUSIVE

I HAVE OBTAINED A COPY OF A STUNNING TWO PAGE LETTER THAT WAS SENT TO ATLANTIC COUNTY EXECUTIVE DENNIS LEVINSON FROM THE STATE OF NÉW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ON NOVEMBER 17, 2020 ...

THE LETTER OUTLINES SERIOUS ALLEGED COUNTY OF ATLANTIC DEFICIENCIES REGARDING A LACK OF COVID-19 PREVENTION MEASURES.

This has not been made available to the public until now.

Before sharing the blistering two page letter from the state of New Jersey, I want to provide some background information and some context as to what has happened since mid-March, 2020.

As I have been pointing out often, the pandemic has brought out the best and worst in people.

Some have risen to the many unforeseen challenges with great focus and skill ... while others have failed miserably.

The Atlantic City Casinos have done an exemplary job throughout. They have successfully implemented bio blasting, testing, temperature screenings, plexiglass partitions and many other safety protocols to protect both customers and employees.

The casinos have demonstrated that they are a best practices example of what we all should aspire to be.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has been highly complimentary of the casinos, publicly stating that he cannot see any examples where the casinos have contributed to community spread.

That’s an amazing statement based upon their volume of traffic and people visiting from outside of the area, etc.

Full disclosure, I have enjoyed a nearly 30-year positive and effective professional relationship with Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson.

My willingness to speak and write the truth has certainly strained our relationship.

I rarely endorse candidates anymore. I’ve made an exception in Levinson’s case and have personally endorsed him in every election that he’s been a candidate during the past 3 decades.

I have always given him the benefit of the doubt whenever possible.

However, when the global Coronavirus - COVID-19 pandemic hit America hard, I was both surprised and struck hard by how poorly Levinson has managed it.

To say I was shocked, is no understatement. Levenson was slow to react in so many ways. In my view, he has done a terrible and indefensible job protecting the health and safety of his employees.

This laissez-faire attitude has continued for a disturbing and extended period, as he initially made no discernible efforts to provide PPE and properly disinfect, along with other shortfalls.

During the pandemic, I have also been highly critical of Levinson for how slow he was to properly employ testing.

Levinson responded late, but, ultimately when he finally did, the County did a good job with its testing facilities. They need to ramp up the testing, again now.

I have spoken with numerous national and local medical professionals. The 2nd wave spike that we are currently experiencing is worse than the first wave.

I want to take this opportunity to rise in support and defense of the Atlantic County Board of Health Department. They are highly professional. They have risen to the many challenges presented to the public.

On the other hand, communication from Levinson has been woefully inadequate.

Here is the two page letter, sent to Levinson from the state of New Jersey, Department of Health. It’s the kind of “nightmare” letter that you would never want to receive. The charges outlined are serious and voluminous.

It is the direct result of formal complaints filed by three courageous employees. I have been told that many County employees feel exactly this same way, but, are deeply concerned by potential retaliation.

There is something that I will never be able to wrap my head around. The County of Atlantic is flush with cash, not to mention possesses a high 90 percentile borrowing capacity and yet Levinson has failed so miserably regarding COVID-19.

Levinson could have paved the County Office Building in “gold.”

Instead, no plexiglass dividers, no focused bio blasting or disinfectant program. It’s been reported to me for years that rodents crawl regularly on the desks and cabinets of employees.

I just don’t understand it. There are many talented people within Atlantic County government.

There is simply no excuse for any of this to have occurred in the first place. I’m mystified by it. Because it’s all so unnecessary.

This validates all of my earlier reporting. I’m hopeful that now that the state of New Jersey is directly involved, these many alleged deficiencies will be properly and promptly addressed.

The most important thing is that the work environment for Atlantic County employees be made as safe as possible ... as soon as possible.

We’ll keep you posted right here and on WPG Talk Radio 95.5 - “Hurley in the Morning.”

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