Aside from the Virginia/Clemson football game which
reminded me of my college days when Virginia played such powerhouses as
Washington & Lee, VMI, Hampton & Sydney-and lost; the most disturbing
news on this political weekend was the report that our Mayor and the Director
of Safety promoted 7 police Sergeants to Lieutenant.
Not only has there been no report to the Council or the
public (be damned) but there are no funds budgeted for such a move.
Of course the lack of funds would not bother our
Mayor; she will just appropriate the funds from some other line which was
approved when the budget was accepted. That may be illegal, but that has never
concerned our Mayor.
Two things are important; the Council in its unique
Nov. 12 Agenda Session Combined Business meeting should not entertain any
resolution approving funding these positions, and the Council should
unanimously request a State forensic audit of this administration's finances.
One thing is certain;there are members of this Council who will
never act to spend one cent that may be detrimental to the Mayor and party.
That would include action even at this late lame duck date to impeach the Mayor.
Another probability is that there will be costly legal action if the “promotions” are voided.
The old pump and dump. Pump up the upper echelons of the police so the division is again top heavy. Dump it on a new administration to contend with, and city residents too, who mostly all recognize the need for better community policing and more officers on the street, not more fat. It's bread for the few and a circus for the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteIf Chief Santiago was demoted to Captain by the City, I am sure a new administration could reverse any unwarranted promotions for reasons of economy. Many towns reduce budgets and positions, even in police departments.
ReplyDeleteThe mayor has shown the utmost contempt for the residents of this city, as the other commenters have noted. It's not about promotions, per se--it's about LEGALITY--our mayor has demonstrated time and again that she cares not a bit about the law.
ReplyDeleteRebecca
the irony... she did something illegal with the police department ..
ReplyDeleteIF there is a forensic audit that was truly intended to solve problems it should go back 12yrs... That'll solve the naysayers with the politically motivated cries and THEN MAKE IT PUBLIC.... but, we shall see, we shall see.