BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FORT WRIGHT -- When Mark Brown took over as police chief here three years ago, City Administrator Marc Bergman described the retired Cincinnati police sergeant as "a go-getter, someone with a lot of ideas and plans and a solid police background."
Today, however, the 28-year Cincinnati police veteran finds himself the focus of controversy.
On June 9, the same city administrator who once spoke so highly of Chief Brown recommended his dismissal, based on an investigation that resulted in several administrative charges.
It didn't start that way.
The chief's appointment over about 40 other applicants followed the two-year tenure of Chief John Johnson, who successfully sued the city after he wrote a letter that was taken as a resignation by a former Fort Wright employee.
The new chief vowed to make the 10-member department in this city of 6,667 "the best police department in the world."
Today, suspended without his $40,000 annual pay since June 11, Chief Brown stands accused of inefficiency, abusive or obscene language, immoral or improper conduct, and discourtesy to the public or fellow employees.
On Monday, Mayor Cindy Pinto, who acknowledged having "a very good working relationship with both Mr. Bergman and Mark Brown," resigned as mayor of the tight-knit community that includes many second- and third-generation families.
With Mrs. Pinto's resignation, a June 20 disciplinary hearing for Chief Brown was canceled. Whether the hearing called at Mrs. Pinto's request is rescheduled depends on who replaces her as mayor. Chief Brown, 51, has refused to discuss the charges against him.
"I have a great deal of respect for Chief Brown, as well as for Marc Bergman," Mrs. Pinto said. "I just felt it was time for me to step down."
The charges against Chief Brown resulted from an internal investigation into accusations made by former Police Officer Julie Walker.
Chief Brown was charged with inefficiency for allegedly failing to closely monitor Officer Walker's progress, after a previous controversy led to a switch in training officers.
Mr. Bergman also claimed the chief used abusive or obscene language with some of his female officers, and routinely screamed at his staff in meetings to make a point.
And the chief was accused of threatening Mr. Bergman, his superior. Based on the seriousness of the charges, Mr. Bergman asked the mayor in his June 9 memo to immediately fire Chief Brown.
Mrs. Pinto had scheduled Saturday's disciplinary hearing to get input on the charges against Chief Brown, even though it is not required by law.
While Councilman Paul Hiltz has been named mayor pro tem, a decision has not yet been made on Mrs. Pinto's permanent replacement.
"We need somebody who's able to calm the waters a bit," Mr. Hiltz said.
