17 Feb Help the City find a new Police Chief

Sounds like a big job, I know, but someone’s gotta do it.

The City of Seattle is reaching out to anyone who wants to add input on what qualities the next Police Chief should have. It’s tempting to let other people do the job, but if you have an opinion, speak out. Otherwise, it’s the way everything else goes: the complainers are the loudest and the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Or if you’re at the airport, sometimes the squeaky wheel gets escorted out of the airport (as I witnessed yesterday). I think that’s the way it should be every where else people spend time complaining (like Pioneer Square public safety meetings).

But I digress.

Here are the questions the Mayor’s Police Chief search committee is asking of interested citizens:

1. What qualities are you looking for in a new Police Chief?
2. What is the most important public safety issue in Seattle?
3. What does the Seattle Police Department do well?
4. What changes would you like to see?

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m. ‐ 7:30 p.m., Franklin High School
3013 Mount Baker S, Seattle WA 98144

Friday, Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m. ‐ 8:30 p.m. New Holly Gathering Center,
7054 32nd Ave S , Seattle, WA 98108

On a serious note — it’s great that the city has set up meetings to get input from the community and people should really take advantage of the opportunity to answer these questions as it pertains to your neighborhood. If you think you know what the most important public safety issue is and how you’d like to see the police change what they’re doing, don’t just complain online (like in the comment section) — go and give constructive ideas at these meetings.

Your input is also welcomed at the Police Chief Search forum at www.IdeasforSeattle.org or by calling the City at 206-684-CITY (206-684-2489).

On a less serious note (and since we’re sending people to my favorite site): If you’re interested in reading some outrageous comments by ignorant people who “know” why Pioneer Square has problems, you’ll definitely enjoy this link. And how could you not be interested in that? People are even using words like “yuppie” and “flocking” and “gastronomic.”