Monday, March 01, 1999
Police chief job won't be filled soon
Florence wants time to plan
BY KRISTINA GOETZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FLORENCE — After city council members forced the police chief's resignation last week, they are not about to fill the position quickly.
“I think we've probably solved 99 percent of the problems,” Mayor Diane Ewing Whalen said. “It's important to know that we're right so we're not in this position again.”
City officials are taking a breather before they begin a search for a new police chief. Paul Buelterman resigned last week after allegations of years of morale problems in the department.
The mayor asked Mr. Buelterman to resign in early January after she received numerous complaints that he didn't listen to his subordinates or trust them to do their jobs.
City Attorney Hugh Skees had begun interviewing officers in an attempt to bring charges against the chief, but Mr. Buelterman decided to take a settlement offer that will allow him to work for 18 months as the city's liaison to the county's dispatch center, and then resign. At that time, he will be vested in the stateretirement plan.
Although council members have not met formally to discuss how to proceed, there has been talk that the city needs to assess the problems, if any, in the department before looking for someone to run it.
“It's my gut feeling that it's (removing morale problems) what we've done,” Ms. Whalen said. “But I want to make sure.”
Council members have talked about bringing in a consultant, creating a temporary position of public safety director to look at problems, and surveying police officers, but nothing has been decided.
“These are all just ideas,” council member Larry Brown said.
The mayor will meet in a week or two with council members to discuss the plans.
Ms. Whalen said she thinks the ultimate answer is to hire someone from within who knows the department and has the trust of officers. She said the person has to be willing to recognize the education and experience of Florence police officers.
“The right kind of person would be able to take new recruits and instill in them that same kind of pride,” she said.
Assistant Chief Tom Kathman said he's considering applying for the position although he's waiting to find out what city officials want for the department. “At least half of the department has come forward and said I should be considered,” he said.
Assistant Chief Kathman, who has held that post since 1982, also vied for the department's top position when Mr. Buelterman applied.
Whether Assistant Chief Kathman applies for the job or not, he said his responsibilities will stay the same. “My job is to train future leaders,” he said.
Bad guy puts cops on the spot
A bicentennial honor for 'Little Gib'
State scouts bicentennial barns
Slain girl's gifts continue 5 years after death
E-check to be a bit kinder on cars today
March brings a weather roller coaster
Westons' gift makes new CAC a reality
Cincinnati's Century of Change
Victim: If anything happens, don't cry
Bureaucracy delays WWII medal
In yoga's embrace
Warren Co. church lost to fire, but congregation didn't lose God
Remember to watch 'Any Day Now'
'A Mighty Spirit' fills theater with joy
Argument leaves 1 man shot
Curriculum review under way
Defendant calls off mail fraud plea deal
Lottery hopes daytime drawings will spark interest
Police chief job won't be filled soon
Ross going to 4-period school days
Students help break ground
TRISTATE DIGEST
Warren has annexation forum
Woodlawn recruits residents for crime watch
