Inquirer Editorial: Parking Authority shouldn't wait any longer to fire Fenerty for sexual harassment

It's been nearly a week since it was revealed that Philadelphia Parking Authority boss Vincent J. Fenerty Jr. was guilty of sexual harassment and he still hasn't been fired.

The Republican-controlled PPA must think sexual harassment is an excusable offense. In fact, Councilman Alfred Taubenberger, a board member, compared Fenerty's reprehensible behavior to "puppy love." Nothing is cute about getting groped by your boss, telling him to stop, and having it happen again and again.

The employee's complaint led to an independent investigation that confirmed her allegations, Inquirer columnist Mike Newell reported last week. But instead of firing Fenerty, who paid for the $30,000 investigation, the board let him keep his $223,000-a-year job while trimming his responsibilities and requiring him to get counseling.

What about counseling for his victim? What about a safe workplace?

The actions of Republican ward leader Fenerty and the PPA board, which is stacked with Republicans, shows that the GOP is just as capable of violating the public trust as city Democrats, who have seen a host of elected officials convicted of corruption.

The board canceled today's regular meeting, but members will hear public comments. Everyone fed up with the board's casual attitude toward sexual harassment should show up at 9:30 a.m. at Suite 5400, 701 Market Street, and again Thursday for the rescheduled meeting.

The meter on Fenerty should have expired the minute the board found out he harassed an employee.