For The charter process is practical and practiced. The mayor sets up and conducts the process of selecting the chief. Only the charter can specify a process for selecting the chief of police. An ordinance cannot add qualifications for the office, control the mayor's selection process or limit the mayor's discretion. Filing the records of competitive examinations of candidates for police chief lets the public know and comment upon the applicants before the city council considers confirmation.
Public input is important.
Citizens must be assured that we have a highly qualified, experienced police chief. Our liberties are at stake. Citizens need protection against poor and ineffective policing. An objective, competitive process protects the public. This charter amendment represents a major shift in authority and policy.