Accountability begins with mayor

Assistant Police Chief Nicks, when confronted with testifying under oath, did the right thing to tell the truth regarding the Otto Zehm cover-up. He was acting chief under Mayor Dennis Hession, now running for City Council president.

Nicks has placed the city and Police Department in an embarrassing light, whether through incompetency or intent. City management’s tendency is to risk-manage problems by burying its head in sand and ignoring or obstructing the truth. The case against the officer involved in Zehm’s death is still before the court; however, the city’s management is a matter for the public as it should be. Nicks most likely thought he was protecting the city and Police Department.

Mayor Verner has been quoted as saying: “Our employees must tell the truth as they see it.” That being the case the mayor needs to be held accountable to deal with the truth when it runs against the city’s interests or political interests of elected or appointed officials.

To this end, a viable media needs to act as a check and balance against governmental abuse.

Bob Allen

Chattaroy