Embattled Rensselaer employee takes legal action in wake of salary cut to $100

The former GOP elections commissioner is taking legal action after the Rensselaer Common Council cut his pay to $100 for his building clerk position.  

Mayor Michael Stammel confirmed in an email to NewsChannel 13 that Jason Schofield has filed the notice of claim.

Stammel’s salary had been $40,000, but the Common Council on Sept. 4 had reduced it.

Stammel said in an email that he believes Schofield is being singled out.

Schofield is awaiting sentencing on election fraud counts. He testified this week in the trial of three Rensselaer County officials – Richard Crist, James Gordon and Leslie Wallace, who are accused of obtaining absentee ballots and using them to vote on behalf of other people in order to ensure that their favored candidates won races.

Stammel said council members made statements after the meeting when they voted to reduce the salary, confirming that it was a politically motivated action.

“The city Democrats might have thought that this was a funny way to score political points, but they won’t be laughing if the city loses thousands of dollars in court. They should be liable for their decisions,” Stammel said.

Stammel said that he does not see how someone’s salary can be reduced to below the minimum wage. It is a union position.

“The union has already expressed opposition to the council’s malicious action and attorneys have already expressed their willingness to bring charges against the city. Why should our citizens have to pay for lawyers and any monetary damages if we lose in court?” Stammel said in a statement.