Police Chief Selection Process Moves Forward

At a work session Monday night, the Council, Mayor and City Human Resource Officer discussed the nature of the final selection process-- from the list of six remaining qualified candidates for Police Chief. Because of the cost to the City of bringing everyone here--Rhonda White (Human Resource Officer) first suggested having the remaining candidates answer a set of questions on video; and the surviving two come here in person for the final selection. Councilman Mixon and Quinn seemed to favor this approach; but Ford and Kingrea thought it important to "look each in the eye"-- despite the cost (The Mayor agreed with Ford/Kingrea). Councilman Stankoski saw 4 possible choices to reduce the field: 1) Questions by video; 2) "Scoring" their applications; 3) Telephone interviews 4) Fly them all in ("make a day of it") After a lengthy discussion about modes of transportation/travel distances (one from Michigan, another Miami, others much closer) it was decided to bring all the candidates here for interviews-- and reimburse them via some sort of appropriate per diem. The set of identical questions to be asked of each candidate was to be formulated by Ms. White via e-mail consultations with Council members. At the end of the meeting, Councilman Ford demanded Steve Griffis name be added to the finalists, despite his already being deemed unqualified by the Citizen Police Selection Committee appointed last Fall. Ford was informed no such action could be taken at only a Council Worksesion. There were numerous friends and family members present (including children) in the audience supporting Griffis--although Griffis was not present himself. The interviews were tentatively scheduled for June 20th as a courtesy to the Mayor (who has no vote in the final selection) since he said he will be out of town on the preferred earlier date (June 13).

Comments

Pirate Mom said…
Thank goodness we're not just hiring somebody's friend or relative for these important jobs anymore. Its all worth it in the long run to get the best qualified people available.
Anonymous said…
Its especially important to have an independent Police Chief who plays by the book. Not beholden to any particular politician.
nocahoma said…
i think Sanders is doing a good job. we ought to keep him.
The Berrys said…
We definitely need someone who can say "no" to Fairhope's legendary "political machine" (Ford, Kant. et al). Restore trust and confidence in City Hall (not to mention law and order).

Sanders seems to be doing well so far.
number 43 said…
Sander's ought to get extra credit for putting up with the silliness of some of our politicians. Its embarrasing.
Anonymous said…
I grew up in Fairhope and know firsthand, the corruption that goes on within city depratments, especially the Poice Deparment and it has remained that way for years. We need someone in office that does not have ties to the city or owe anyone anything (ie. paybacks or kickbacks whichever the case maybe. Apparently the employees who are choosing to leave the department ( if they trule are) do not like the way things are being run today and maybe that is a good thing. I would suggest that an outsider with no ties to the city be brought in as Chief.
War Eagle said…
Griffis needs to man up and stop sending the wife and kids out to speak for him
Good Fairhope said…
Most of us appreciate the hard work and long hours the volunteers of the Chief Selection Committee put in trying to come up with the best candidates. Its shameful the way some parents force their kids to get involved in low ball politics. Don't they believe in democracy and the rule of law?
Anonymous said…
As a parent of 2 young children, I believe we need a Chief in office whom the children especially and the citizens as a whole can can respect and Steve Griffis in NOT that person! I hope the city counsel considers this decision very wisely