SNOHOMISH – The city is likely to name a new police chief next week, six months after ousting the previous chief for leadership problems, including low morale and complaints among officers.
“It’s important for us to move forward and prevent the turnover, if the turnover was a problem,” said Merle Kirkley, 64.
| Police chief candidates
The Herald asked the Snohomish police chief candidates what kind of chief would be in. Here are their responses. “I want to be known for being ethical and communicative, aligned with the vision of the council and city manager,” said Mike Card, 51, a police captain in Capitola, Calif. “I’d want to be involved both personally and professionally,” said Alan Baker, 50, assistant chief of police in Racine, Wis., adding that he would make regular contact with city officials, business people and residents. “I want to really institute community-oriented policing. I think it’s a key to involve and empower the whole community,” said Chuck Macklin, 44, interim chief of the Snohomish Police Department. “I want to be the kind of police chief who works with and listens to both the community and the cops. Too often, we tell people what to do,” said Gordon Wiborg, 49, deputy police chief in North Palm Beach, Fla. |
Kirkley was among about 20 residents at a community reception Wednesday to meet the four finalists for chief: Mike Card, 51, a police captain in Capitola, Calif.; Alan Baker, 50, assistant chief of police in Racine, Wis.; Chuck Macklin, 44, interim chief of the Snohomish Police Department; and Gordon Wiborg, 49, deputy police chief in North Palm Beach, Fla.
City manager Larry Bauman is expected to interview the finalists today and announce his selection next week. Bauman said he will choose someone who can listen to the community, be flexible in different circumstances, and build a strong sense of team in the 20-officer department.
“If we have a good team, we will be supported” in the community, he said.
In June, ex-chief Rob Sofie resigned after Bauman gave him the choice of leaving or being fired, citing complaints about unfair employee evaluations, overuse of internal investigations and low morale.
At the community reception, residents mingled with the finalists, asking questions about their backgrounds and styles as police officers.
Town resident Ann Averill said she expects the chief to be a strong leader and good manager who can make the department a good place to work.
“To my knowledge, they aren’t fully staffed, and they haven’t been for a long time,” Averill said, adding that she wants all the positions filled.
Because the city of about 8,500 is not a “hotbed of crime and corruption,” Averill said, she also wants the chief to be friendly and work well with business people.
Averill said she was happy with the finalists. “It sounds like they all have the experience to come and do the job.”
Kirkley said the city needs a leader who can make hard decisions and deal with people inside and outside the police department. “You have to be a good communicator,” he said.
Mayor Liz Loomis said she hopes that with new leadership the department can attract and keep good officers. “We want to make sure they feel appreciated for what they do,” she said.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@ heraldnet.com.
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