By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The State Thruway Authority has fired a toll collector at the Grand Island Bridges for threatening an activist seeking removal of the tolls.
An authority hearing officer found David Zelonis guilty of misconduct for harassing activist Rus Thompson of Grand Island. Thompson has been campaigning for removal of the tolls for several years. Zelonis was accused of sending threatening emails to Thompson because he feared he would lose his job if the tolls were removed. Zelonis was fired from his job Wednesday.
In a statement sent to WBFO News, the hearing officer concluded that Zelonis lacks "the ability to perform the basic task of a Toll Collector to provide courteous and professional service to customers at all times."
Thompson says he has an order of protection that requires Zelonis to stay away from him. He says he's concerned for his safety now that Zelonis has been fired. But Thompson says he will continue his activism on the toll issue.
Thompson says he thought the criminal case against Zelonis would end Wednesday with Zelonis pleading guilty to an harassment violation. But a continuance was granted with the next hearing now scheduled for December 2nd.
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