This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
Dump Mayor Condon
This letter is not about the person Mayor Condon selected to be the new chief. It is about the process he used and what it says to us as residents of Spokane. The mayor completely ignored the city charter (section 24), which states that any administrative head or assistant chosen by the mayor “shall be subject to the approval of the City Council.”
He was extremely autocratic and appeared to be totally ignorant of the democratic process in his selection. It appears that the Police Search Commission was ignored and that the City Council was not consulted. Rather, it seemed to be taken by surprise. Citizens trusted the search committee to research, interview and “vet” the nominees for a new chief. Forums were held.
However, the mayor chose someone who did not go through a public evaluation, thus dismissing any citizen input. Because of these actions, we strongly feel that Mayor Condon should be removed as mayor of the city of Spokane.
Joe and Maureen Schneider
Spokane