Voices of reason: PD changes course, will now provide info
Just minutes ago, I posted that Lt. Scott Paterson called me last night to say that we could not know when a taxpayer paid employee began work.
I said that such secrecy was dangerous.
Now, I got a call promising that we can have the information.
City Attorney James F. Penman returned my call. He said one of his attorneys had a discussion with police. He said there was a misunderstanding whereby his attorney was focused on another of my information requests and may have not really understood what I was asking for in this case.
But now, Penman said, he had intervened and that in his legal opinion Sgt. Bradley Lawrence's employment start date is public information.
Obviously the day that a public servant began drawing a taxpayer paycheck is public info. Glad to see a modicum of sanity return to city government.
In any event, the wall of silence will be cracked just a bit. As for the information, Penman said I should have it by the end of the day.
Don't forget that I asked Paterson for this little piece of info weeks ago and was rebuffed. My gut is that the vast majority of departments would have told me the start date for an employee within the hour.
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Andrew Edwards. E-mail Andrew here.
you know its funny too me how all you do is put down the police department. But i bet you that if your as was in a sling or getting victimize in any way you will be on that phone so fast calling for the police to come save you and your family. And you know what that police officer will show up and will fight for your safety and the safety of your family without even knowing you. Yes, you can come back and say "oh well thats the job they wanted to do" but thats what a coward will say. I support all law enforcement out there, because of them i know that my mother,father, brothers and sisters could sleep good at night because there are brave men and women protecting and serving our community.
But then again Mr Rogers you wouldnt be able to do the job these men and women do. So just sit there and critize them from the safety of your desk.
"Joe Citizen,"
A true patriot is someone who demands the truth and has the courage to hold his/her government accountable.
A coward is someone who uncritically accepts what his/her government says and does while hoping it keeps him/her "safe."
The greatest favor anyone can do for his/her government is question its actions and hold it accountable.
Without constant criticism and input, governments grow rigid. Then they crumble.
You may call yourself "Joe Citizen," but you clearly have no idea what being a "citizen" in a democratic society is all about.
Robert Rogers