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Date Posted: Thursday, October23, 12:32:pm
Author: prism
Subject: Our local "king" and his rule by intimidation

https://midhudsonnews.com/2025/10/23/spinelli-charges-newburgh-city-manager-rules-by-intimidation/


NEWBURGH – City of Newburgh Fire Chief F.J. Spinelli leaves the payroll at the end of the day today after a yearslong battle with City Manager Todd Venning over staffing and operations of the all-paid career fire department.

The battle came to a head during preparation of the city’s 2026 budget in which Spinelli sought 10 additional firefighters and the administration rejected his requests. The retiring chief believes the department is understaffed for the city and its growing needs.

Venning also wants the department to create a fire commissioner in addition to the fire chief. He also wants a police commissioner in addition to the police chief.

Spinelli said neither post is needed.

“The truth of the matter is the appointment of commissioners is nothing more than a case of appointing a political pawn to bow to the pressure exerted by the city manager upon that appointed member,” he said.

Spinelli charged Venning rules the city by intimidation.

Neither Venning nor his chief of staff have responded to any of Spinelli’s allegations. During Venning’s entire tenure in the city, he has refused to communicate with the media, leaving that to his Chief of Staff, Michael Neppl, who selectively responds – and if he does, only by email. He will not verbally discuss concerns with the media.

Spinelli said he hopes the manager replaces him as fire chief by Assistant Chief Paul Pullar.

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