During his joint appearance with Jim Archer last week on the Dan Yorke broadcast, Tocco launched an unprovoked attack upon Smithfield’s former Building Official. Mr. Tocco, without any foundation whatsoever, accused this man of taking extended lunch breaks at an out of town restaurant, using a town vehicle to do so and drinking while on duty.

When Jim Archer demanded that he support this inflammatory allegation, Mr. Tocco replied “I’m not naming names!” In fact, Mr. Tocco admitted that he had never heard this information until after the employee in question left his position.

Apparently, this section of the interview has been removed from the podcast audio posted on Mr. Yorke’s web site. We are not accusing Mr. Yorke of bias or anything like that. We don’t know for certain why it was redacted and assume that it was for the protection of the individual who was the target of this nasty and unprovoked attack. It could also be to prevent WPRO for being the target of a defamation lawsuit (legally, anyone who carries the defamation incurs liability).

However, this is the exact type of attack we discuss under bullying. Other town employees who have endured similar attacks at public meetings include our Director of Public Works, our Finance Director, our Recreation Director and of course our Town Manager.

UPDATE

During the interview, Mr. Tocco promised to provide Dan Yorke with proof of this allegation. As of September 5, Mr. Yorke has received no proof.