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Opinion Editorials An opportunity for new leadership
An opportunity for new leadership
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City Manager Robert Strope has a tough decision facing him — deciding
who will be the next person to lead the La Grande Police Department. Strope will decide from among three finalists recommended by a commission established by the city. Four finalists made presentations at a public forum last week. The commission has since reduced the number to three. But the final decision rests with Strope, as the city’s top administrator, which is as it should be. Among the decisions Strope must make is whether to go with someone from within the department or to bring in someone from outside. Lt. Derick Reddington, who has worked his entire police career in the La Grande department, is among the finalists. The other finalists are from Washington County and Baker City. Reddington was named interim chief after longtime Chief John Courtney retired last year. Reddington has, already, improved the department’s communication with the outside world. He’s a good man and a good cop. That said, however, it’s incumbent upon the city manager to seriously consider all finalists, to look at management issues that have persisted in the department for years and to weigh whether this is the right time to advance someone from within or whether it’s an opportunity to bring in someone with a new perspective. The editorial board believes that now is a good time for a fresh perspective in choosing the next La Grande police chief. For too long the department has been clouded in secrecy. For too long there have been issues that have simmered just below the surface that the public wonders about but that no one in an official capacity has been willing to address. A year ago issues developed between the sheriff’s office and the city over personnel on the drug task force. Both the sheriff’s office and the Oregon State Police refused to participate with La Grande. What was that really about? No one will comment publicly. At about the same time, two La Grande officers were suspended. One of the two resigned and another stayed on paid leave, only to be rehired last week. What does all of that bode for other departments’ willingness to work with the La Grande force in the future? It’s clear that there are issues that need to be resolved. No offense to Interim Chief Reddington. The same thought would apply to anyone from within the department. The fact is, this is not the right time to promote from within. La Grande has some good officers. They deserve new leadership. |
