Wednesday, June 3, 1998
NORWOOD -- Mayor Joe Hochbein has been admitted to University Hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack at his home late Monday.
Mr. Hochbein, who is in his late 40s, was in stable condition in the cardiac care unit late Tuesday and is scheduled to undergo heart bypass surgery this morning, Safety Director Gary Hubbard said.
The situation means a Civil Service Commission hearing set for June 17 on the mayor's termination of former Fire Chief David Walters will be postponed until sometime next month at the earliest. The mayor fired Mr. Walters April 23 amid allegations of misconduct, unauthorized computer use and a cover-up. Mr. Walters has appealed the dismissal to the Civil Service Commission. The mayor was expected to testify at the June 17 hearing.
City operations will be overseen by Mr. Hubbard and Safety Director Paul Bazzano until the mayor recovers.
