Jewish Family Service is defending itself from Mayor Domenic Sarno’s accusation that his office was kept in the dark about the expected arrival of refugees in Springfield or nearby communities.
In a statement this week, Sarno accused the resettlement agency of failing to coordinate with City Hall.
JFS President and CEO Maxine Stein said there must be a misunderstanding. She said her agency has been trying to get the mayor’s office more involved with its work — and met with his staff last summer.
“And we did ask them at the same time that if they had ever received information or had any concerns, to please contact us,” Stein said. “And we have not heard about any concerns.”
Until this week, that is, when Sarno issued his press release.
The mayor’s office declined to make him available for an interview.
In 2013, Sarno called for a moratorium on new refugees in Springfield.