License Commission chairman resigns
Date: 10/10/2012
By Carley Dangona
carley@thereminder.comWESTFIELD — No replacement will be sought at this time for the vacancy created by resignation of the former chairman of the License Commission, Thomas Mihalek.
"I have no comment, my client is no longer a public official — we will resolve this within the court," Terrence Dunphy, attorney for Mihalek, said.
"We're sending in the resignation for the council meeting tonight [Oct. 4]," Mayor Daniel Knapik said. He further stated that he is not going to rush the decision for a subsequent replacement for Mihalek.
"There's always two sides to every story. People shouldn't rush to judge [others]," he continued, in reference to the ongoing investigation.
The commission conducted a special meeting Oct. 3; however, it was strictly to review liquor licenses for events scheduled prior to the next regular meeting Oct. 8.
After his arrest Sept. 27, Mihalek appeared in Westfield District Court Sept. 28 and was charged with multiple counts of uttering counterfeit checks and three counts of larceny.
The investigation began after Mihalek's siblings brought forth allegations that a jointly owned investment fund was liquidated without their knowledge.
"I can tell you officially, he has resigned," Denise Carey, secretary for the License Commission stated. She remained mum about her opinion and offered no further details regarding the situation.
Mihalek was released after posting a $500 bail. His pre-trial hearing is slated for Jan. 3.
