The Common Council will consider waiving the residency requirements for Chief of Police William McKenna, at its meeting tonight (7PM, Council Chambers).
Our City Charter requires that the Police Chief be a resident of Middletown. McKenna now wishes to move out of our city and retain his position as Chief. A two-thirds majority of the Council is required to make this ordinance change possible.
The residency requirement was particularly important to the late Councilman Tom Serra, who championed McKenna for the position of Chief. When McKenna was appointed Acting Chief in 2011, he referenced the importance of where he lives, "I am a lifelong resident of Middletown and a stakeholder in this community."
Prior to the appointment of McKenna, Acting Chief Patrick McMahon was accused of living outside the city, something that was held against him by multiple members of the Common Council when they voted against confirming him as Chief, clearing the way for McKenna.
7 comments:
I hope the common council members deny this waiver; there is a reason for this residency requirement. If you are not able to meet it, please resign.
Why have a charter if it gets changed willy-nilly?
How can a person be truly "part of a community" if he/she does not live in the community. The council members should absolutly deny a residency waiver. I agree, if he doesn't want to live in Middletown, resign.
Why not just change the charter instead of granting waivers? Doesn't seem like it's all that important based on the number of waivers granted.
Everybody hiding behind their anonymity. None of you know why hes moving but are quick to cast your opinions. Chiefs are administrative assignments and not front line supervisors. He has a phone and a radio and an emergency vehicle. If there is a hot call or something that needs an immediate response he can be in town quickly. I am a tax payer here in town and I for one say grant the waiver
Anon @ 5:25 - My understanding is that the other waivers were for new hires, and they were limited extensions to give them time to relocate. Which makes sense - If you have a good candidate, but they don't live in town, give them a set # of months to find a new home, sell their old one, etc.
This is a very different decision.
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