If I read my tea leaves correctly, there is a battle brewing over R.T.’s pick of William McManus to be the next police chief. Challenging R.T.’s choice for police chief is, I think, the wrong fight at the wrong time. ... If we’re going to hold R.T. accountable, R.T. should have a police chief that reflects his values and who will act in accord with his policy goals.
WM: I have to say I agree. This fight isn't worth the effort; however, a few things about this choice disappoint me. I was cheering for Lubinski. cause she is real good and because she is a member of a minority, which minority was not as important as that the choice be a minority (different perspective). Second, RT disappoints me--again. It's he who has trouble stepping out of the box. Third, because I do not see the problem as being either inside/outside or majority/minority. The trouble is in the influence of diehard problem officers on the effectiveness of the force as a whole and on the other cops. People determined to act the fool hide behind the aegis of the federation which is required to defend it's membership. I cannot say that any of the candidates shows any particular gift in that direction, Lubinski included.
At the same time, there has to be a mechanism to protect the wages and benefits of officers.
The idea that McManus will be R.T.’s “lapdog” is, IMHO, insulting to McManus, ....
WM: It's insulting to RT, too.
In short, rejecting McManus hurts the city far more than it might gain by finding a “better” candidate. Doing so scares away other qualified applicants and highlights the lack of accountability inherent in management by committee. ... It’s the also the wrong fight to have when police-community relations are so strained.
WM: Agreed.
Yes, it may have been a political mistake for R.T. to pick a well qualifiedwhite man over a well-qualified GLBT woman. No doubt it is tempting for supporters of Lubinski to exploit this mistake in an effort to block McManus. But given the stakes, I hope supporters of Lubinski do not give into temptation. In my judgment, in this matter especially, discretion truly is the better part of valor.
WM: I also hope both Lubinski and Gerold won't jump to another police department right away. Unless, of course, they deem it a good step in terms of career aspirations. I'd certainly hate to lose them.
WizardMarks, Central
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