The city manager wisely promised he would remove himself from the appeal process should Wojdylak pursue one. That made sense, since he signed off on the plan that would have demoted Wojdylak. A petition can be an effective tool in communicating the level of interest in a controversial issue. Politicians are wise to pay attention when their constituents speak in unison. To be effective, that task must include thoughtful ongoing evaluation of each city department, including the police force.
Citizens expect their governments operate effectively and, more important, efficiently.
That occasionally means reorganizing departments. The chief, in offering a reorganization plan, was doing what's expected of him. So, too, was the city manager when he reviewed the plan. Neither man committed a transgression worthy of removal from office. For that matter, neither man committed a transgression.