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Fault Lies With Scoppetta

To The Editor:

Thank you District Attorney Robert Morgenthau and his staff for the thorough investigation of the Deutsche Bank building fire.

Mayor Bloomberg now states, "The buck stops with me." With due re- spect, Mayor, I do not believe you can now cover yourself with this mantle of self-righteousness.

The Mayor stated, "The Fire Commissioner has been a public servant for many, many years." Is this the only criteria the Mayor used in his choice of Fire Commissioner? In contrast, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly rose from the ranks. He walked the beat and has the education and experience in police law-enforcement. We may not always agree with our Police Commissioner, but that's okay, because he can enter into meaningful dialogue.

It's been noted by Mr. Morgenthau's investigation that on May 17, 2007, when a 15-foot pipe fell from the Deutsche tower onto the roof of Engine Co. 10/Ladder 10 just across the street, the Fire Commissioner inspected the roof. What happened? Three months later, on Aug. 18, 2007, the Deutsche Bank building fire.

Just one inspection would have revealed what a hellhole the Deutsche Bank was. Shakespeare could not have summed it up better than Mr. Morgenthau's statement that everyone who could have screwed up here screwed up.

BESS KACHULIS