Drivers demand due process from Westfield Mayor

WESTFIELD, MAss. (WWLP) - The discussion got heated at Monday nights Westfield school committee meeting.  Mayor Daniel Knapik asked Donal Lecrenski to "Please sit down!"

Close to two dozen school bus drivers were in the gallery to support Donald Lecrenski, who complained that bus drivers are dismissed for frivolous reasons, and have no recourse to get their jobs back.

Agawam resident, Donald Lecrenski of Lecrenski Brothers Transportation said "They (the school committee)  have full power over everything.  You have no say.  You get a little letter: "Terminated!"  Done!  Doesn't even tell you why.  Done!  There's no due process.  This is America."

Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik said to Lecrenski, "We have been transporting children in this city for Eons!  You knew these conditions going into the contract. I am not sure why all of a sudden this is an issue now."

It was unclear what the specific issue was, but mayor Knapik said that this was not the appropriate forum and that the issue was not on the agenda.

He also said he would not discuss the matter because he had received a letter from the School Bus Transportation Company threatening a lawsuit.