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December 10, 2011 in City
Condon transition team lists subcommittee members
The following is the full list of Mayor-elect David Condon’s transition team, which was announced late Thursday night.
Theresa Sanders, who served as the city’s economic development director from 2007 until 2009, is his transition director. Ezra Eckhardt, president and chief operating officer of Sterling Savings Bank, and Katy Bruya, senior vice president of human resources at Washington Trust Bank, are the transition co-leaders.
The first name in each subcommittee is designated as a captain.
Public Safety
Nancy Isserlis, attorney, former chairwoman of Spokane’s Ethics Commission
Acting Assistant Police Chief Scott Stephens
Fire Chief Bobby Williams
Human Resources Director Heather Lowe
Spokane City Councilman-elect Mike Fagan
Former Spokane Police Chief Roger Bragdon
Former U.S. Attorney Jim McDevitt
Tony Hazel, Spokane County deputy prosecutor
Tobby Hatley, consultant, former KHQ reporter
Cliff Walter, former Spokane Police Guild president
Mick McDowell, developer, former firefighter
Alexandra Stoddard, Nevada-Lidgerwood Neighborhood Council chairwoman
Pat DeVries, owner of DeVries Information Management and past president of Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest
Lisa Rosier, chairwoman of the city’s Human Rights Commission
Tim Connor, Center for Justice communications director
Budget Reform
Brian Benzel, former Spokane Public Schools superintendent, Whitworth University’s vice president for finance and administration
Spokane Chief Financial Officer Gavin Cooley
City Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin
City Councilwoman Amber Waldref
Chris Cargill, Eastern Washington director of the Washington Policy Center, a conservative think tank
Jason Thackston, vice president of finance for Avista Corp.
Kate McCaslin, former Spokane County commissioner, president of the Inland Pacific Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors
Kim Zentz, director of Innovate Washington
Bob Cole, corporate controller of the KXLY Broadcasting Group
Stanley Schwartz, attorney, former assistant city attorney
Heidi Stanley, chairwoman, Empire Bolt and Screw, and former Sterling Savings Bank chairwoman
Mary Ann McCurdy, former executive director of Interplayers
Infrastructure
Latisha Hill, Avista’s regional business manager and former state transportation commissioner
City Engineer Mike Taylor
Park Director Leroy Eadie
City Councilman-elect Steve Salvatori
Likely City Councilman-elect Mike Allen (ballots will be recounted next week)
Joel White, executive officer of Spokane Home Builders
Susan Ashe, Spokane’s former director of legislative and public affairs, acting director of the Health Sciences & Services Authority
Dave Clack, former chairman of Old National Bank, former Avista board member, Spokane Airport Board chairman
Susan Meyer, chief executive officer of Spokane Transit Authority
Mike George, president of the Spokane branch of Food Services of America
Dallas Hawkins, chairman of the Citizens Streets Advisory Commission
Mark Aden, Downtown Spokane Partnership’s board chairman, managing principal of DCI Engineers’ Spokane office
Mike Petersen, executive director, Lands Council
Frank Tombari, Spokane Youth Sports Association past president, Banner Bank senior vice president
Marty Dickinson, former director of the Downtown Spokane Partnership
Kris Mikkelsen, chief executive officer of Inland Power & Light Co.
Roger Flint, former public works director who leads C2HM Hill’s Spokane office
Jobs and Economic Opportunity
Mike Senske, chief executive officer of Pearson Packaging
Mike Edwards, economic development consultant at City Hall, former president of Downtown Spokane Partnership
Spokane Internal Auditor Rick Romero
City Council President-elect Ben Stuckart
Joel Crosby, former Spokane city councilman, real estate agent
Mike Tedesco, president of Downtown Spokane Partnership
Bill Savitz, Garco Construction’s director of business development
Jim Hanley, owner of ACME TV, Home and Office
Cheryl Kilday, president and CEO of the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau
Ty Barbery, Edward Jones financial adviser in Airway Heights
Tom Simpson, founder of Northwest Venture Associates and co-founder of GreenCupboards
Ellie Aaro, co-owner of Beacon Hill Catering and Events
Jim DeWalt, CEO and president of Associated Industries
Jim Quigley, real estate agent at Kiemle and Hagood
Kim Pearman-Gilman, business development director of McKinstry’s Spokane office
Jerry Dicker, owner of Hotel Ruby and president and chairman GVD Commercial
Quality of Life and Social Services
Arlene Patton, former director of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department’s Eastern Washington office
Neighborhood Services Director Jonathan Mallahan
Youth Director Joanne Benham
City Councilman Jon Snyder
Jean Farmer, director of the Northeast Community Center
Victor Frazier, president of the West Central Community Center board
Julie Honekamp, chief executive officer of SNAP
Andy Dunau, Spokane River Forum executive director
Sheila Geraghty, business administrator for the Salvation Army
Judith Gilmore, chairwoman of Spokane’s Community Development Board
Antony Chiang, president of Empire Health Foundation
Lee Taylor, director of Project Access
Arne Weinman, retired Air Force colonel
Rob Crow, former Spokane city councilman, vice president of Lloyd Industries
Michael Cannon, vice chairman of Spokane’s Community Development Board
MAC faces angry crowd 
horse_feathers on December 10 at 10:05 a.m.
Roger Bragdon! Roger Bragdon!!???
Talk about a step backwards.
Holy crap!!! How stupid!!!
and I was for Condon.
Open your eyes man, this guy was the pathway to police corruption.
Double holy crap!!!!!
brianrbreen on December 10 at 4:02 p.m.
@horse_feathers
Have to disagree with you on that one, remember he fired, or at least tried to, some of the ones you don’t care for.
horse_feathers on December 10 at 4:59 p.m.
Bragdon covered up for Jeff Harvey when Harvey was a rookie and broke a mans arm with his nightstick.
Little known, but after Harvey broke the mans arm he drug another guy who was passed out in the same car out of the car and dropped him face down on the concrete, busting up his face. Judge Maggs threw the misdemeanor cases the city had against both men out in part because then Lt. Bragdon attempted to cover-up for Harvey.
We all know what a wonderful police officer Harvey turned out to be,
NOT
Bragdon was covering up for SPD brutality long before he became a cheif himself. So I stand behind my previous statements.
brianrbreen on December 10 at 6:41 p.m.
@horse_feathers
Since Chief Kirkpatrick made his termination letter public, here are the facts. Bragdon had nothing, nada, to do with the case of Harvey breaking the mans arm with the baton. He did nothing what so ever to cover it up. How you might ask do I know, it was my case. I submitted an affidavit requesting criminal charges of felony assault against Harvey. Then prosecutor Clarke Colwell chose not to file the charges because the victim was uncooperative and refused to participate in the prosecution. I didn’t agree with Clarke because I had good witnesses and I wanted a material witness warrant for the victim because it involved an officer, Clarke chose not to give me one and decided not to bring charges against Harvey.
After it was confirmed that no criminal charges would be filed against Harvey, the acting Chief at the time Richard Jorgenson made the decision to give Harvey 20 days off without pay. I didn’t agree with that decision, nor did IA supervisors, but it was Jorgenson’s decision.
If you review Harvey’s termination letter you will find that Bragdon was never the Chief in any of the disciplines listed.
That investigation came about because an honest officer came forward immediately. I interviewed several officers in that case. I felt I only got BS from one and that wasn’t Bragdon, the rest were all forthcoming and honest.
To be absolutely clear, Bragdon never interfered with my investigation nor did he try and cover up anything nor would he.
As I recall the probable cause Harvey had surrounding the arrest before Judge Maggs for “Drinking in Public” was not present and that is why it was dismissed.
If anyone wants to accuse someone of covering that case up, I would be the target, not Bragdon.
I don’t disagree with you about Harvey, Chief Terry Mangan had ample opportunity to fire him but didn’t, and Kirkpatrick didn’t do it right.
GaryP on December 10 at 7:12 p.m.
Breen-are you talking about the convicted felon who had his arm broke by Harvey. The convicted felon trying to take Harvey’s gun while Arnzen stood and watched? Ya ok
brianrbreen on December 10 at 7:25 p.m.
@GaryP
You might want to take the time and read the criminal file and the IA file, there is a lot more then Harvey’s admission “He got to me”, and no evidence what so ever the guy was going for his weapon. But always believe your buddy right…when they tell you they got screwed.
As a matter of fact since you mentioned Arnzen, I suppose you don’t have any respect for him coming forward along with the other officers.
Of course maybe you do your cases differently out there.
Shelala on December 10 at 11:31 p.m.
Whoever is in office has the Spokane citizens watching closely. There is not a lot of wriggle room to advance personal agendas, special interests or press forward with an unpopular decisions. Unless Condon has been living under a rock, he knows that the community will demand accountability and transparency. It is no longer business as usual and nor should it be. Spokane citizens were slow to anger, but have finally had enough and have found their voice. We are ready and able to hold the politician’s feet to the fire. The issues that have came to the forefront aren’t going to “blow over” with time. Verner and Kirpatrick tried to appease the public by holding town meetings and press conferences that were nothing but fluff. Big mistake. It;s a different climate and a different game. If Condon is looking forward to a cushy public job with some power and prestige, he better feign a heart condition and leave office now, because he will be forced to make good on every single one of his campaign promises. I suggest he take down the standard photos of family that seem to grace every politician’s desk and replace them with photos of Zehm, RPS and more to serve as a constant reminder why he sits at the mayor’s desk. This transition teams’ work will have to be more than a group hug.
Davida on December 11 at 12:45 p.m.
Actually Roger Bragdon was a strong leader…with him, what you saw, is what you got. He was fair, and when he needed to be he was tough. Did he have flaws? Don’t we all. Did some of the troops not care for him? Of course, you can’t make everyone happy all the time…..I think Bragdon is a good man to have on the transition team…..
Ron_the_Cop on December 11 at 12:50 p.m.
As a suggestion to Condon’s transition teams I would encourage a contact email address be provided for each sector committee so that citizens can directly share their ideas. Since has Brian says these discussion thread are well read by city power brokers:-)
@Shelala
Very well said Shelala. Condon will not have an easy sail in office. The voters have shown they are not satisfied with the status quo re many things in local government and abject corruption.
There are some members of Condon’s transition teams that should be in jail for malfeasance, misfeasance and or violation of their oaths of office. There are others of the old guard that are indicative of maintaining the status quo re raping and pillaging the peons in this town for much touted economic development projects that bring little positive or in fact bring negative returns to the taxpayers.
I would encourage all who are interested in seeing real economic development and an increase in the prevailing wages for sectors other than gov’t, medical and education to read the work of Mr. X at:
Spokane Economic And Demographic Data
Raw and Uncensored – Economy, Jobs, Education, Government and Rumors
http://inlandnw.wordpress.com/
I would have expected to see the new Spokane Int’l Airport’s Exec Director, Larry Krauter, on one of these committees.
On the public safety committee I’m definitely not a big fan of SFD Chief Williamson (AMR billing frauds and et al), former US Attorney Jim McDevitt (Major issues with RPS bond frauds) and esp. Deputy Prosecutor Tony Hazel (Word is he’s being groomed by Tucker for his eventually replacement).
I’ve heard good things about Asst. Chief Stephens and would probably support his being appointed as the Interim Police Chief for now. While some coordination between the SO/SPD in order, I’m not a supporter of a move by Sheriff Knezovich to lead SPD right now.
Tim Connor of the Center for Justice I believe will represent citizen concerns regarding changes necessary in local law enforcement re leadership culture and training for dealing with mentally challenged people. There have been too many problematic cases of noncombatants being shot and or killed. I would strongly suggest that those with suggestions for meaningful change email him at the Center for Justice.
Others names I recognize on these committees that others I know have issues with:
Brian Benzal, CFO Gavin Cooley (Major issues with RPS and others), Stanley Schwartz (Major issues with RPS), Dave Clack, Susan Mayer (STA and pushing Downtown Electric Bus Trolley,) Rob Crow ( Nortshide Landfill - little league project controversy),
Ron_the_Cop on December 11 at 12:51 p.m.
oops - Northside Landfill. Sorry they’re probably others too - Ms. Justy:-)
brianrbreen on December 11 at 3:08 p.m.
@Davida
I agree! Doubt he would want the job but he would be a good choice in my view for the interim position if someone could talk him into it because he knows the players and he has some investment in the department. I’m sure Stevens would like the interim position but it might be a better idea to have someone that is a hard arse come in for awhile and make the necessary changes before a final decision is made for the long term spot. I know WASPC has some people available for interim positions but you don’t know what you are getting, and someone not vested in the department would have to be pretty desperate to take the head ache of an interim job here. It isn’t going to be easy nor should it be quick finding the right person for the long term position.
Davida on December 11 at 3:18 p.m.
I think most people need to realize that the SPD troops want someone to lead them that is fair, and says what he/she means. SPD has been getting alot of bad press, but the mass majority of them are good hardworking people with the best of intentions….I won’t get into the Thompson case…On that we just have to agree to disagree…..
brianrbreen on December 11 at 3:26 p.m.
@Davida
I can’t imagine anyone disagreeing with me, it’s never happened before.
That’s what they need is leadership. Strong and fair leadership, especially with a P&P hanging over their heads.
brianrbreen on December 11 at 3:28 p.m.
@Davida
They also need someone who might actually give a Sh*t about the department.
Davida on December 11 at 3:29 p.m.
Well see…we agree….strong and fair leadership….that is what it is going to take to get the department and citizens to begin to trust one another again….
Davida on December 11 at 3:35 p.m.
Yes….certainly someone who is going to invest themselves in the department, as well as the city….
brianrbreen on December 11 at 3:49 p.m.
@Davida
Although our perspectives and approach may differ in some areas, we both want what is best for the department and what is best for the department is to regain the community trust with whatever it takes.
Shelala on December 11 at 6:15 p.m.
@Davida
There is a certain irony that you have elected to discuss SPD leadership in this “rag tag” newspaper’s thread (your words, not mine). You are one of the most frequent visitors and poster on KT’s support page. Your comments and “likes” leave no question of your contempt of Spokane’s citizens who don’t share your support of this felon. Your above posts in SR suggest you are comfortable discussing leadership possibilities within SPD and bringing the community together. Seems to be you have done more than your fair share of creating this gap. I don’t know if you are one of Spokane’s finest, but if you are, I’d be more concerned about keeping my job in light of all your recent antics, than to proffer my opinions as to whom you think should lead…or are your posts just another effort to manufacture good press for KT after the fact?
Ron_the_Cop on December 11 at 6:54 p.m.
@Brian
Hey did the blog g-ds scrub your earlier comments on Bragdon and Harvey? I thought your insights were very informative on the inner workings of SPD. I don’t know what offended them. It’s not libelous as you have first hand knowledge and were responding to another comment. I hadn’t formed an opinion on Det. Harvey yet other than Kirkpatrick screwed up again and Bob Dunn’s going to get another fat paycheck on our nickle again. I know Det. Harvey did have some cojones taking out an active shooter without regard to his own safety.
As you suggest, Bragdon, as interim could do a little housecleaning and tidying up. Like in Africa when they relocate a bull elephant into a heard with a lot of teenage male elephants running amok and destroying villagers’ crops. The crap stops.
Ron_the_Cop on December 11 at 6:55 p.m.
Here’s a breath of fresh air. I mentioned earlier I was surprised that the new SIA Airport Director, Larry Krauter, was not made part of one of these groups. I just received an email back from him.
As I replied to Mr. Krauter:
I’ll post a clarification comment based on ur reply. Refreshing and novel that someone would actually follow a code of ethics in this town:-).
From Mr. Krauter:
Ron_the_Cop on December 11 at 7:49 p.m.
@Brian,
Sorry I must have been viewing an earlier post in Spin Control. I see your comments re Bragdon et al are still here in this thread:-)
Davida on December 11 at 7:57 p.m.
@ Shelala…I have contempt for no one….everyone is entitled to their opinion…it does not mean I have to support their opinion, that is why I say at some point we need to agree to disagree….You are correct, I do not think much of the SR reporting, as they edit many things out, to slant their stories. It is my opinion that SR is responsible for trying to report only in a negative light…I don’t subscribe to their paper because I do believe it is a rag tag paper, with it’s only intent on painting the SPD in the worst light possible. I am not here to fight with anyone…and am willing to listen to others opinions. With that being said….I doubt anything I could possibly say would change anyone’s mind….However, I will not put anyone down for their educated opinion….and in turn would hope that I would be able to voice my opinion in a constructive manner….
Davida on December 11 at 8:04 p.m.
@Shelala and I wouldn’t quite call my support on Karls page as “antics”…..It is my support for Karl and his family in what is a very difficult time. Just because I support Karl….does not mean i have content for the ones who don’t….and it also doesn’t mean that people that don’t support Karl shouldn’t be heard….it just needs to be heard in the appropriate forum….not on his support page….
misjustice on December 11 at 8:18 p.m.
Ummmm, that would be his “non-profit” page, Davida…funny, you come on this forum to post and you expect to be respected and for your posts to stand; if any of us regular contributors to these threads were to post on the “non-profit” WE HEART THOMPSON page our posts would be jerked…
Here’s the deal Davida, don’t post to our forum and we won’t post to yours…if you hold the SR in contempt then what the hell are you doing posting here?
Trying to help Erin Blessing in her pathetic attempt to rewrite history?????
Davida on December 11 at 8:34 p.m.
Like I said Misjustice…..I am not here to fight with anyone, nor will I respond to people that just want to HATE the police, for the sake of hating police….and the last i checked…this wasn’t ‘Your” forum….it belongs to the SR…My hope by coming on here, was to listen to what people are saying, and see where the cop supporters and the cop haters could come to a happy medium…Not just throw jabs at each other…
Davida on December 11 at 8:44 p.m.
@misjustice and yes I don’t hold the SR in the highest regards…but I am not blogging to the SR…I am blogging to the people that read it….trying to get the real feel of what people need or want to mend relations with their police department….when hate is spewed it doesn’t help anyone…and only puts us farther from that goal….
misjustice on December 11 at 8:54 p.m.
If you want to mend fences, and improve the reputation of the SPD, stop defending a two time CONVICTED FELON!
Just sayin’…
misjustice on December 11 at 9:00 p.m.
Mending fences…like this?
From the WE HEART THOMPSON non-profit FaceBook page…
Erin Blessing
I received a nasty, hateful message on my page from an obviously disturbed person. Messages like that only strengthen my prayers, thoughts, and support to a wrongfully convicted officer. Keep up the support on this page everyone,,,the haters will be our motivators:) 100% 505
2 hours ago · Teresa Fuller likes this..
Lydia Prichard Was it from marshall smith?
2 hours ago.
Erin Blessing for others that get the hateful private messages, you can block them for contacting you at all and report it to fb as harassing, was easy to do! you just mark message as wanting it to be blocked, reported as harassment. they will walk you through it,,,just an fyi
2 hours ago.
Erin Blessing you know it Lyd, he sent me the same thing you were lucky enough to get,,,:)
2 hours ago.
Lydia Prichard nice :)
2 hours ago
Davida Zinkgraf He is a nut….u know he was banned for awhile by a judge from being on the Internet…about an hour ago.Erin Blessing i can see why! job security for all of us i guess:)
about an hour ago · 1.
Zinkgraf Can the administrators block him from this page?
about an hour ago.
Erin Blessing he has already been blocked but he can send you a private message even if he doesnt have access to your page so i had him blocked so he cant contact me at all.
about an hour ago.
Davida Zinkgraf has he been blocked from the karl website….I cant find him in to block him??
about an hour ago.
Erin Blessing he’s been blocked for awhile, his name doesnt have a pic either so hard to find him. i did not hit on his page for further info so dont have more desription for you:(
47 minutes ago.
Davida Zinkgraf I think I found it….its the one with just no picture, and everything set to private….i blocked him….
42 minutes ago..
misjustice on December 11 at 9:04 p.m.
“Mending fences?”
From the non-profit WE HEART THOMPSON FaceBook page:
Davida Zinkgraf
This fight is far from over……100% 505!!!
Friday at 1:31pm ·
Who are you fighting with????? The justice system????? Or just us regular citizens????
misjustice on December 11 at 9:06 p.m.
In case ya missed it….
“Davida Zinkgraf He is a nut….u know he was banned for awhile by a judge from being on the Internet…about an hour ago.
Erin Blessing i can see why! job security for all of us i guess:)
about an hour ago · ”
Mending fences, indeed!
brianrbreen on December 11 at 9:08 p.m.
@Davida & Misjustice & Shelala
Dialog is important, but any dialog here means very little. The real dialog has to be honest, not self-serving, introspective, and at a level far above anyone posting here.
Davida…The SPD is in trouble and it is going to take some time to get out of it, members have to understand that, and practice some LULU. You also have to understand in the end WE are your bosses no matter who ends up being Chief or Mayor. I know that’s a tough pill to swallow, it was for me when someone told me that…but it’s true.
Misjustice…..The same is true for us citizens. Even though we can’t accept the positions some of the officers have taken we have to put that aside and try and find a way to help our employees reach the level of expectations we have for them.
Shelala…You wanted someone to speak up so she did. It might not be what you want to hear and she might not be exactly the one you wanted or expected but she did. Which given her position regarding KT took some guts. At least give her credit for that. Some of the snipers hiding behind screen names could take a lesson.
misjustice on December 11 at 9:09 p.m.
And then there’s this, from mismendingfences…
Karen Franks-Harding
What great news! Karl gets a new trial!!!! Thank you Cark Oreskovich for fightng for 505!
November 10 at 3:59pm ·
Davida Zinkgraf We can only hope so!! It hasn’t been ruled on yet has it? It’s still in the works as I understand? THAT would be awesome!!!!November 10 at 5:55pm.
misjustice on December 11 at 9:14 p.m.
Well, Bri, I am just answering the call of Officer Blessing; to think outside the box and bring information to light…
How bout this, Officer Blessing? It’s definately outside the box…
Jeanie Hilton
“I have been totally amazed to talk to people that have only heard that a rogue officer stormed in & attacked an innocent man buying a candy bar. It is amazing to me they haven’t heard anything about the girls accusations, the actions of Zehm before being confronted, nor the fact that Zehm had a water gun that looked like a real gun. (The gun part I heard for the first time through the media after Thompson was convicted & I’ve only heard it just that once in a small blurb.) Why can’t we get REAL reporting & not just what they want the public to believe happened?
November 9 at 2:38pm · 6 people like this..
Davida Zinkgraf Because the MEDIA does not want you to hear the TRUTH….unfortunate we have a bunch of rogue media here….November 9 at 3:08pm.”
Oops, there’s Davida…AGAIN, mending fences….
brianrbreen on December 11 at 9:15 p.m.
@Davida & Misjustice
You do have something in common you know. Neither one of you has a subscription to the SR, you both think it’s a rag, and you both use this site.
misjustice on December 11 at 9:18 p.m.
More mending of fences…
Addy Hatch Hanley
This is Addy Hatch, city editor at The Spokesman-Review. We take very seriously any allegations of unprofessionalism among our staff. I talked to Tom Clouse about Officer Blessing’s post this morning. He said Officer Blessing misheard his comment, which concerned a mannerism of the judge, not anything to do with Officer Thompson. As Tom told me, “I have never and nor I would ever make a comment about a decorated police officer in attempt to bait other officers.” Anyone who would like to talk to either Tom or I about this is welcome to contact us - our direct lines and e-mail addresses are on our website, or feel free to message me on Facebook.November 8 at 11:54am ·
Davida Zinkgraf Addy…REALLY?? SEVERAL officer’s heard CLOUSE….and KNEW exactly what he was doing…..November 8 at 5:22pm ·
misjustice on December 11 at 9:20 p.m.
I know, Bri, maybe in another life we could have been great friends?
brianrbreen on December 11 at 9:26 p.m.
@Misjustice
Heck, lewis and me are buddies now. But maybe that’s because I can handle a floor buffer better he can.
brianrbreen on December 11 at 9:29 p.m.
@Misjustice
Sorry I did again, make that ….. then/than he can
brianrbreen on December 11 at 9:32 p.m.
make that….. Sorry I did IT again. :)
misjustice on December 11 at 9:37 p.m.
Bri, don’t cha hate it when that happens? Honey, just quit while you’re ahead!
; )
I have it on the QT, that while you may be a better buffer, Lewis is a superior swiffer!
; )
misjustice on December 11 at 9:40 p.m.
Sorry, Bri, I’m just “building the record”; tryin’ to think outside the box and help Officer Blessing in her quest…
Wink, wink…
; )
Shelala on December 11 at 10:01 p.m.
@Brian
That ain’t exactly mending fences, now is it? It’s about accountability. You own your actions and accept the consequences because of them. If she elected to put her job on the line to defend KT, it was a bad choice and a not so well thought out one at that. Her loyalty to KT far surpassed any loyalty to her position or the citizens .Yes, I was waiting for someone to speak up. Maybe one of those elusive big foot good cops I’ve heard so much about Something like “I respect the judicial system system and will continue to serve the community”. You know my thoughts on the subject, but please tell me why she should keep her job because any other employer would have canned her at first blush. As far as the real name thing, gimma a break, I could care less.and why does it matter? This a blog and not a court deposition. I know she is SPD and I know I am John Q. Public. Big gap and she widened it deliberately.
brianrbreen on December 11 at 10:26 p.m.
@Shelala
The only response I have to that is that if I had the ability to enamor young women like KT seems to have, I’d be dead now. :)
In all seriousness, I’ve seen it before, some cops enamored by bad cops. It takes a while for them to get over it but as they mature they do.
I enjoy watching this thing with Tom Clouse, he has been successful in filling Bill Morlin’s spot as the reporter most hated by the cops. They should come up with a trophy down there at the SR “The Morlin Trophy” awarded to the reporter doing the best job of POAPO. These things are cyclical, but this is the worst I’ve seen it.
brianrbreen on December 11 at 10:33 p.m.
@Shelala
BTW, The name thing, it doesn’t matter, and I understand why some people don’t want to use their name. As far as discipline is concerned, you want them fired I want a file letter so maybe the right thing is somewhere in the middle.
Ron_the_Cop on December 11 at 11:00 p.m.
Gee I’m take the evening off to watch some mind numbing TV and I come back to a lively debate now over 40 comments.
Might I suggest we direct our suggestions to Mayor-Elect Condon to hold his feet to the fire now that he’s gotten himself elected:-)
Davida on December 12 at 5:46 a.m.
@misjustice, I make no apologies for supporting Karl, and I will continue to support him. Just because my view may differ from yours, and many others, does not mean I am not able to put feelings aside and rally for a positive relationship between SPD and the community. I will NOT get into a hateful debate with you. It is apparent that you just want to continue to attempt to bait people into an arguement just for the sake of arguing. That is not condusive to really wanting to solve a problem, it is non-productive and serves no one well.
@Brian I agree the public is who the SPD serves. Not a hard pill to swallow at all. What is a little hard to swallow is generalized hateful statements about the SPD as a whole. I feel for the officer’s who go out and try to make a positive difference, but no matter what they do, they are constantly put down, called names, and degraded, based on someones hate for police.
brianrbreen on December 12 at 7:50 a.m.
@Davida
Well…you better get used to it young lady because it’s part of the job and it will always be there, from a few. The trick is….to make that few the smallest number you possibly can, and the only way that happens is when you treat all of them no matter how much they hate you with the same respect you feel you deserve. You would be surprised how satisfying it is later in life to be told by folks who hated cops that they never considered you one, because of the way you treated them. That might sound strange to you but it’s true.
Don’t kid yourself the hatred in your community is the same as it is in mine, it goes both ways, fortunately it’s only a few. That is why it is so important for there to be leadership in both communities to put it in check.
At some point I hope that you, Erin, and others realize that what you are doing isn’t helping. The only thing it is doing is making it more difficult for my community to be supportive. If KT was as good of a man as you feel he is, long ago he would have told all of you to knock it off, it’s only about me, and I don’t want it to become about you.
Not long ago I had a conversation with someone “In the know” and we both agree that many of the problems the Department is facing stem from a lack of leadership, maturity, and judgment….someone has to find a way out of that rut.
It looks like another shoe will drop soon with McIntyre. I hope you gals/guys handle that a lot better than you have with Thompson. The blame game has to cease, when all is said and done people will have to move on and learn from what happened in a positive way. If that doesn’t happen, both of our communities are screwed.
Ron_the_Cop on December 12 at 9:37 a.m.
Well said Brian. You’re a man of considerable wisdom that the young guns should sit at your feet and learn a thing or too about this business.
I’m in total agreement re your assessment this is a failure of the police leadership. In order to fix the political issues that led to and condoned this poor leadership the rank and file need the support and help of the citizens. The attitude of “them vs. us” will not serve them well.
Fortunately you and others who are no longer on the payroll can call a shovel a shovel when you see them and to educate both the young guns and the community to bring positive change.
brianrbreen on December 12 at 10:47 a.m.
@Ron_the_Cop
Thanks for that….but any wisdom I might have came from making one hell of a lot of mistakes, and hopefully I learned from them. Maybe these youngsters will too.
liveinfearoftheSPD on December 12 at 11:05 a.m.
Believe me, I fully understand the publics mistrust in the SPD. But why does the SPD have such mis-trust to the public they are hired to protect and serve?
How many questionable shootings, beatings, murders have there been committed on the officers since Otto was beat down that were swept under a rug, hiding facts, lying for one another, or ignored by Steve Tucker?
I will give you a clue: ZERO
How many questionable shootings, beatings, murders have there been committed on citizens since Otto was beat down that were swept under a rug, hiding facts, lying for one another, or ignored by Steve Tucker?
WAY TOO MANY!
And 1 is too many.
So go mend somebody else’s fence!
Shelala on December 12 at 11:11 a.m.
@Brian and Davida
You just don’t get it. The community at large does not hate cops. They hate the manner in which the cops are doing their jobs which has included unnecessary violence, untruthfulness and unprofessionalism. They are disgusted with what they perceive to be an elitist attitude and the lack of respect for those they serve.The public wants to root out of the problem(s) and develop a department that operates as fellow members of our community whose job it is to protect and serve. Fill those ranks with good responsible employees and you will discover a regular lovefest. You fail to recognize that it will be difficult or impossible to move on and be nice without some significant changes. The issues involved are far too important to the general public to simply expect business as usual. Unfortunately, the citizens are prepared to extract the pound of flesh to those they believe who let them down and Davida, you have willingly offered yourself up on the platter.. On a personal note, your unbridled vocal support of KT is difficult to figure. The incident belongs to the participants. You are risking your career and credibility. Your continued support of a felon will follow you. throughout your professional career. Any of your good ideas and future positive deeds may be diluted by .your blind support. I don’t know KT, but I am very knowledgeable about his actions that night. If he is the man you think him to be, I would question why he allows you to self destruct.
Davida on December 12 at 11:33 a.m.
@my point is proven exactly….there are people such as Shelala and liveinfearofthe SPD who will never be happy with what they hear….so I will not even try to convince them….but thank you for being so concerned with my career…
@Brian….I can appreciate your wisdom,and can definitely think about what you said as far as my comments on KT page not helping “mend fences”….Perhaps I could word my support in a different manner….The truth of the matter is I do support Karl and his family in their difficult times….That does not to mean I don’t also acknowledge the Zehm family is also going thru difficult times….I am sorry for BOTH families…..If that makes me a bad person in some eyes, well I will accept that….
As far as “getting use” to the hateful attitudes of SOME, not ALL, I have had 15 years to get “use” to it, but it is still disheartening…..
So Shelala, misjustice, and liveinfearoftheSPD you can take all the jabs you want at me….I recognized the jabs are not at me personally…..but at the SPD
brianrbreen on December 12 at 11:44 a.m.
@Davida
Just one piece of advice. When it gets “disheartening” try and make it better each and every contact, no matter what the contact is, if you can’t do that, then get the hell out because it will ruin you.
liveinfearoftheSPD on December 12 at 12:28 p.m.
@Davida
Since you have appointed yourself as spokesperson for the SPD here, you will have to take the heat. So being such spokesperson, Answer the questions.
Convince me and the public, or even 1 person, how Karl is innocent. What great truth will come out at re-trial that will amazingly set him free? What truth didn’t KT have a chance to present at trial the first go-round?
What lies weren’t told at trial that KT was convicted of telling?
Did someone edit out the part in the video where KT claims Otto “Lunged” at him and “beat him in the chest”?
Family support is one thing, as they too are victims. But to so openly support a convicted felon, given your position in the community, is wrong on every level.
I have never in my life been a “Cop” hater. I do not hate police officers period. I DO hate the killings by the SPD and cover-ups and lies that follow. I DO hate that there is never TRUE JUSTICE!
And that justice should have far reaching arms.
Shelala on December 12 at 12:41 p.m.
“Things do not change; we change.” ~ Henry David Thorea
Davida on December 12 at 1:05 p.m.
I don’t believe I made myself the appointed SPD spokes person….I do not speak for the SPD. I speak only for myself. Never once did i claim to talk for SPD….they have appointed Spokes people, known as PIO’s to do that, therefore I would be speaking out of turn to get into specifics….AND probably a good spanking should I do so….ALL i am trying to do is to listen to what people are saying …….
Ron_the_Cop on December 12 at 4:23 p.m.
Davida,
Look I try to ride the fence and actually can understand the arguments on both sides. Speaking from experience though I believe Brian as a former member of SPD is providing the best advice to all the rank and file. Overtime with a little more time under your collective belts and a few white hairs you will come to realize this is true.
Davida on December 12 at 5:56 p.m.
@Ron…as I said, I take his advice to heart….i have 15 years under my belt….and probably another 10-15 to go….and as my hair dresser can attest many white hairs….
Ron_the_Cop on December 12 at 7:43 p.m.
LOL I did 35 years and two terms as union president. I was probably a royal pain in the butt:-)