Trenton clerk MIA again, filed workers comp claim
TRENTON » “Where in the world is Mr. Conlon?” is quickly becoming a saying around these parts.
City clerk Matthew Conlon hasn’t been at work the last week, and no one quite knows why.
“As far as I’m concerned, the business of the clerk’s office is still running,” Mayor Reed Gusciora said, mentioning the five staffers holding it down in Conlon’s unexplained absence. “It’s probably running with more harmony.”
It’s unclear when Conlon will return to work, but The Trentonian has learned the clerk has filed a workers compensation claim against the city.
It’s unclear if Conlon is represented by an attorney in the claim, which was confirmed by two sources and is reportedly stress-related.
Mayor Reed Gusciora declined to confirm the claim, saying they’re confidential unless council approves a settlement.
Conlon’s sudden sabbatical forced the cancellation of Tuesday’s Alcohol and Beverage Control meeting, which has been rescheduled for early next year, officials confirmed.
Trenton council president Kathy McBride tried having another clerk employee come in on a pre-approved day off to fill in for Conlon so the ABC meeting could go forward, officials said.
McBride, who helped recruit Conlon to Trenton, did not respond to phone calls or text messages seeking comment on the clerk’s absence.
Conlon did not respond to an emailed request for comment.
The clerk’s short tenure has been rocky. This is the second time he’s gone MIA since starting the job Aug. 28.
He suffered an apparent medical episode — and was taken to the hospital — during a council meeting this month as legislators decided whether to Rice the clerk and discuss his job performance.
At-large councilman Jerell Blakeley tried walking on the resolution and wondered aloud at the time, “Where in the world is Mr. Conlon?” when the clerk disappeared from the virtual meeting.
Conlon has referred to himself as a whistleblower and claimed to have spoken to the authorities about alleged corruption at City Hall.
The clerk has copied the FBI on emails sent to other city officials and accused a Trentonian reporter of being involved in a “RICO Conspiracy” against him.
He was set off when this newspaper requested some of his emails under the Open Public Records Act.
That request, and another one made by this paper, has been sent to outside law firm Parker McCay for review.