Administrator Schmidt wrote a nice article in the op-ed of the Milton Courier regarding former, and honorably retired Chief, Tom Gilland. It is a bit after the fact, but well written nonetheless. Too bad people had to have the questionable thoughts in the first place. It is over with, and we move on. We look forward to some real progress now that the Administrator has what he wants.

Toma - Thank you for your insights and endorsement. I'm not sure if I should be flattered, though, to be referenced as "he". It's nice to be able to finally share my thoughts and insights which have had to remain silent within me as I work many late nights. I have witnessed for a long time much damage being done to this wonderful city, but have had to remain publicly impartial and dutiful. I only pray that the Council will take measures to finally remove the cancer.

Read the Courier article; not just the headline. Whoever wrote the headline has it wrong! No one's been hired.

finaaly its over. they hired roberts its in the courier

They were decent men, who believed in what they were doing, and tried very hard to negotiate the dysfunctional city government. But I can't say they were great leaders. And I don't necessarily think the Commission was wrong to look elsewhere. There comes a time when you have to 'cut the cord'. I agree that there was a lot of personal grudgery being played out in the whole process with the very first selection the commission made; and, he didn't deserve to be 'played' like he was.

Deputy, your first statement is only correct because I never posted anything "03/12 - 12:13pm". I looked through all of my posts and found it was on the 11th :) With that minor correction, you are correct in who did what, I stand corrected also. I would like to add emphasis on Guardians' comments, he adds some great points. Bottom line is two well qualified Chiefs were unfairly passed on. The reasons behind each of these decisions are more political than they needed to be. Both Guardian and Deputy present details that are correct, and both seem to know what they are talking about. And yes, I know very well how Hawkins suffered from missteps of both Administration as well as an eager Commission. I think we are on the same page in saying it is a temporary position, and we, as citizens of Milton have been shorted. We could have avoided all of the news, the controversy, the hard feelings, and the questions cast upon our officers. The department may benefit from Roberts. We all hope so, but that is not the point. It is sad we have cast a shadow over two great men that have given most of their lives to climb the ranks of the department. Both retired with dignity, and far to quietly. This process has cast a unearned shadow over their fitness for the position and the decision to retire, not resign from public service. They served us well, decided to retire, and stepped up to potentially fill a temporary gap. They were passed on not because of anything they did; not because of who they are. They were passed on because of personal grudges, personal paybacks, withholding of information, union negation considerations, and egos. As for the counsel, naive is a great term. They allow Administrator Schmidt to run the show. They are give the info he feels they need to agree to the answer he wishes to receive. Counsel's job is to question, investigate, and decide on what is best for the people. As for the Commission, they are guided by the firm hand of Tupper, who is very close to Mayor Bruce. Mayor Bruce, well, I will agree with Guardian. In fact, Guardian is dead on.

Well, Dawg, I wouldn't be too quick to beat up on the council over the contracts offered. If they don't get ALL OF THE INFORMATION (i.e. Schmidt only gives them the info he wants them to know so he can manipulate them), it's pretty hard for them to make good, educated decisions. Why do you think the city got into so much trouble over the ethanol plant? Schmidt is a control freak who tries to manipulate everyone around him.

The council should be faulted for being so naive that they don't reign Schmidt in or get rid of him. They are being led by an incompetent, rather than THEM LEADING the city. Schmidt is very close to the mayor who protects Schmidt's every step. What a shame?!?!?!!?

toma19 - I don't think your 03/12 - 12:13 pm comment is correct..."The Commission passed on two well qualified Chiefs to temporarily fill this vacancy." The COMMISSION picked Hawkins but the CITY COUNSEL changed the contract into something he couldn't accept. As for Gilland, no one could even talk to him for 31 days AFTER his retired...Not even about interim! Remember what happened when Hawkins retired with an agreement to come back as interim? He almost lost his retirement over it. I also hear that Gilland wasn't too pleased with what the CITY COUNSEL was offering him to come back, so I wouldn't be too quick to blame the commission. Seems the CITY COUNSEL is more to blame, as you have pointed out in other posts.

Oops. Apologies, 19. You were right.

Ragging on who? I think T.A. would make a great candidate if he could work on his one setback. I was not even refering to him in the last post. As for the Robert Roberts, looks like I owe nobody an appology. I had it right yesterday when I clearly stated the person being Googled was incorrect. Look for yourself. I said the name being considered was Robert not Thomas. Read the post again and see if it has anything to do with heat/prof/T.A.

So, are we finished ragging on the guy who said he wasn't going to be the interim? Check out the release: Robert Roberts. It's up to you 19, but I think you owe Prof an apology.

Not a bad idea, he was very well qualified and local. Tupper's recommendation is being considered because of his union breaking history. Look out Officer Smith. Your abilities as union spokesperson are going to be tested. Maybe the union leaders can bring in some reinforcements to assist. Bottom line is the citizens of Milton are long over due for the Officer they paid for in 2007, but still have yet to see the officer be hired. Administrator Schmidt budgeted for an officer in 2007, they also budgeted for one in 2008. The funds for the officer in 2008 were cut in 1/2 and pushed out to at least this July, but that is quickly approaching with no officer in sight. The taxpayers are mostly unaware of this. The un-hired officers have been used as leverage by the Administrator to deal with the union. The residents of Milton have paid for the additional, needed, and long overdue officers. Stop paying outrageous amounts of overtime to save on benefits. Hard working people deserve benefits just like Administrator Schmidt receives, just like Tupper receives at his job in Madison, and just like the hard working taxpayers of Milton. Maybe if we left the benefits alone, and gave respectable raises we would have officers that took it upon themselves invest in their careers. Maybe then we could have a qualified candidate within our own department that was able to break through the glass ceiling that exists now. None of the officers are able to obtain the position of chief as the structuring stands. How many of you reading this would stay at a job that allowed room for 1 vertical promotion. That says something about the City of Milton Police Department, but a whole lot more about the City Administration. Those that want to advance should be given the tools, means, and opportunity to do so. Maybe the officers need to burn their bras or hold a march. Wait, we can implement "no officer left behind."

Instead of messing around w/ an interim chief, I would rather see the board go back to the person who was thier first pick the last time a chief was selected and see if they can come to a salary agreement this time around.

Sorry prof. I know you're gonna take some "heat" for these posts but I can't resist. (Pun intended)

I do some of my best work "behind the scene."

Rome wasn't built in a day.

What makes you think we're not?

If there is so much intelligence present as stated in these blogs, why aren't all of you applying that intelligence to removing the REAL problem causing all of the dysfuntionality - removing the City Administrator so that this city can move forward and get past all of this????

:^)

Hey, whatever the outcome between you two, I am looking forward to the day when toma can at least admit that I am NOT who he thinks I am.
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That in itself will be a major accomplishment.
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Sorry Prof. but there doesn't appear to be anything I can do at this juncture to convince toma that his psychological analysis of our separate "persona's" is so far off the mark that I'm not sure you can even get there from here.
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You're on your own on this one.
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But I do have confidence in you.

Oooops, couldn't help myself. toma's just too easy sometimes.

I can appreciate you wanting to end this. Again, I am not sniping, and maybe this is not the forum. I was 'convinced' I was right and my ego got the best of me. I do not work with you, but would be honored if you were to someday achieve the rank of permanent Chief. Sounds like you have an intelligent sister. Set a goal, work on achieving it, and maybe Evansville or Milton will be lucky enough to have you lead their department. You (both:) have a lot to offer. If this is the end, then I will retire my username.

19--This will be my last post on this; quite frankly, I'm surprised all of them haven't been taken down by the paper. But, I'll pass this on: Whatever your issue is with me, let's talk face to face. I'm sure you know how to get ahold of me--for obvious reasons. So, let's quit sniping, and address the issues, like the adults we both presumably are? (For the record, the 'ego' issue you raise is something that has followed me for most of my life; it is certainly something I don't intend. My sister puts it this way: 'He's not egotistical, he's just convinced.')

How odd is that? Both personas coincidentally agree with one another. 'Major' is the key word in the next sentence, and I would expect you to view that word as subjective. I did not say the department was perfect, the best, or without problems. If that were the case we could save $75,000 and the benefits that go with it. Terry did his best to make the department better that it was before he took over. Tom did his best to make the department better than when he took over. The next Chief will be expected to do the same. The issue here is finding a quick solution to tide us over till so that issues of Sgt.'s babysitting other Sgt.'s does not create larger rifts. Each of the Sgt.'s should be very capable of handling their job with out a written follow-up. You and I know a few things could have been handled in other ways, but like you pointed out in earlier postings the underlying issues are avoidable. As an officer you are always learning. Sometimes you make errors. It is the Chiefs role to identify, review, recommend, and rectify those mistakes. If we had a Chief in place this would not be such an issue. Professionally, do you agree?

Your suspicions regarding my profession are as misleading as the preferment of the condition of the Milton Police Dept. I am not your co-worker, and contrary to your perception I am very well informed. The only thing insurmountable task is toning down your ego so that someday you will be remembered for all the good that you have done, people you have helped, and professionalism you have shared. You really could be in the running for the permanent Chief's position if your ego did not enter the room 5 minutes before you did. You may be the best qualified person around for the position. With that said, I can say with certainty your tact hobbles you.
With respect to you, you state, "In fact, if there was more HONEST talk amongst each other, instead of about each other, I really think we could solve most of them before a new Chief gets here."
When you say "we" is that a nominated plural form of the first person, inclusive, "I"?
When you say "here" you mean you are the thinking subject referring to where you place yourself (id est. your department, or Milton)?
As for your "un"-intentional pun, do you also thank yourself for opening your own car door?

Actually, so do I, for the most part. Except the part about no major problems. If 19 works there, as I suspect, then he is deluding himself on that issue. If not, then he is mis-informed. None of them are insurmountable. In fact, if there was more HONEST talk amongst each other, instead of about each other, I really think we could solve most of them before a new chief gets here. Right now, all we are doing is generating a lot of heat, and no light. (No pun towards you, Heat...)

I certainly agree with your last two posts toma.

Well said 88fan! Milton has a great department. Until recently there have been no major issues to deal with. The issues surfacing right now are normal day to day dealings that are handled by a Chief. The only reason they are out in the open is due to the fact the position is unfilled. The real issue is why the department is short 2 Officers, a Chief, and a contract. The money for the first officer was in the budget for 2007. The Gazette could verify this and report to the citizens of Milton where that money went. The interim Chief position is not going to change the department. They are there to handle day to day situations that may arise. They are a temporary fix to allow for the selection process to take place. Both Hawkins & Gilland are very qualified as are a few others. Why does Administrator Schmidt, the Police Commission, and the Council continue to make this appear as if we are choosing a long term Chief? The City is saving money by not having to pay this person benefits. Don't insult the former Chiefs with low ball contracts to get a deal. Fill the position fairly and move on. The City does not need this negative attention. The Police Commission needs to focus and find a long term replacement.

The Commission passed on two well qualified Chiefs to temporarily fill this vacancy. While neither are perfect, both gave the City of Milton something to be proud of. Both had their own styles, and both did the job successfully under tight budgets. They both retired with dignity after devoting nearly their entire adult lives to serving the citizens of Milton. Hawkins is well respected and was a great Chief. The residents liked him, and he would be a fine replacement. Gilland is the definition of a community oriented Police Officer. He, too was willing to fill in a bit longer to allow for a search to take place. Why is it we treat these men like they are disposable? They know the department, built the department, and their styles are well known by the officers. Gilland was an obvious choice as he has only been gone for 2 months. He came into the Chiefs position over 3 years ago allowing for a search to take place for a long-term replacement. The Police Commission and City offered the position to Mr. Gilland with this understanding. The other Officers, the Administrator, the City Council, and the Police Commission all knew this up front. In fact, it was well known by many around town. The Commission knew he was leaving. Why did they go 2-3 years without meeting? Why if they are appointed, did the Mayor not coordinate to get the process moving before this? If Tupper leads the Commission, why is he not being held to the fire? We owe both retired Chiefs more than this. They do not deserve to have their reputation questioned either outright or by insinuations. Regardless of who fills the spot it needs to be done yesterday. There is no need to bring in outside people to fill the spot. It is a temporary position. It is looking like the Administrator thinks the City is going to save money by having a long term temp fill the position. A full time position deserves full time benefits. Should we get a temp to fill the Administrator position? Are you willing to give up your benefits? Bring some dignity back to the City of Milton. The residents are willing to pay for quality people and services.

First, let me comment that Chief Hawkins, Chief Gilland, and Part-time Patrolman T.A. are all professional law enforcement officials. All 3 are unique in their own ways. I'm sure their educational, professional experiences, and family backgrounds create their differences. But each one of them have the leadership abilities, required to be Chief in Milton.
M.P.D. is no different than any other law enforcement department. Each member is looking out for #1, not the department. Dangle a promotion out there and watch the troops divide. Every Officer thinks they know the best possible replacement (that may help him/her down the road). Each officer will campaign for that replacement, by using their 'contacts". Does this sound familiar ? It's called politics. The LAST thing law enforcement needed to be involved in. But it has.
Everyone would love a promotion or to be the new bosses "right-hand man/woman". But is it worth lossing the team work required by police departments ? Is it worth back stabbing the man or woman who is going to be your back-up ? Is it worth leaving your community hung out to dry because now you don't ever want to work a shift with officer x ?
Let the elected officials (good or bad) pick your next Chief. Let them do what they were elected to do. Let them live or die by their choice.
And Troops, do what you were hired to do, enforce the laws, protect your community with an open-mind, and be part of the department team.

That was a mouthful by toma19. I wonder if he is related to GuardianAngel?
Too bad he has so much of it wrong.
Is his rant more of a compliment to me or to you, professor?

Actually, I do like you. You are very intelligent, and I respect that. I tend to despise your ways and means.

First, I am "Professor", something which I have told anyone who has asked me. Second, I am NOT Wisconsinheat. Finally--I don't think you like me! Does this mean we can't be friends anymore? :-(

And who else besides the Attorney/Judge again, T.A. (confused? they are all the same person) knows statutes, quotes "US v. Duguay", knows mistakes made by township officials...? Maybe the same person that pats himself on the back via multiple user names? The same person that suggests his own name in an already messy interim decision? The same arrogance that issues a citation for the noise give off by a factory muffler on a Harley Davidson because he can? Yes, it stuck, but so would jay-walking. Maybe it is your imposing authority that makes people fear or tollerate you rather than respect and like you.
As T.A., Professor, Wis heat, whatever you want to be known as stated, "I have it on pretty good authority that it's not who you think. But then again, maybe it is?"
Here, I will end the speculation; the first name is not Thomas! It is Robert. "Check back in April" as the "truth is in the facts."
I am just guessing that based on you being a cluster-2 profile you will be itching to respond. Careful, it may hurt your delusional bid for interim chief, your 'unbiased' abilities performing your part time work as police officer in small communities, your run for position of part time judge, or your career as part time professor at the tech. college. Not to mention the confusion you must have deciding what handle, or user name, to use to defend your ego. As you like to say, "Hmmmmm"

What would the MMPI-2 say about a man that apparently so self absorbed that he feels the need to use the handles Wisconsinheat & Professor to compliment himself, educate others in statutory law, use subtle 'clues' to toss his name into the interim chief speculation? T.A. your intelligence is noted. I am sure you heard this time and time again while you were in school. We all get it. You are the all powerful Professor, Atty., Police Officer, Judge. You are not who the City of Milton is considering. I know this for a fact. Like you stated in a previous blog entry the TRUTH is in the facts. We will see, again as you stated, in April, that you are not in the running. You will never be in the running. You were not even considered for the role of Chief last time, you know, when Terry retired. Stop leading people to your info by dropping keywords and search engines to use. You are lucky you are tolerated as a part time Officer in Milton. Yes, the other Milton Officers will comment to Likesike that you are intelligent. We can stipulate to that.

You are not a resident of Milton. You are benefiting from the overtime problem caused by the hiring freeze. For you to ad to the problems the Police Commission, Todd Schmidt, or any of the Milton Police Officers are having is very unprofessional. You are a part time officer. Stand down.
I encourage the readers to examine the entries T.A. has posted using the handles, or user names, Wisconsinheat & Professor posted by doing a clicking on both user names to see the "thought print" this sole writer has left. Patting yourself on the back for comments made is sad. Clearly the topics that are of interest overlap. Common themes are laws, municipal regulation, police conduct, wind turbines... It would be interesting if there was a Chief in place to look into the times blog entries are made. Clearly a person with so much on his plate must use the squad computer to post comments. Department time is not meant for blogging anymore than it is for sleeping, Perkins rendezvous, or any other suggested actions. If you have so much on your plat you fail to show up, or fail to be on time for work you are not an ideal candidate for anything short of a reprimand.
Look at the Gazette story "Township's car towing practices illegal" he was the legal authority, so it would not be unusual for him to post a comment indicating he has a copy of the "Town of Beloit General Order #49" in front of him; doesn't everybody have one of those nearby?

Ok, Angel--Time to put your money where your mouth is. Since it's pretty clear that it is me you are referring to, and you claim to have such an inside story about my past, why not identify yourself and back up your claims? I'll give you a piece of legal advice: Truth is always a defense in libel/slander cases, so, if you are so confident in your claims, you should have no problems 'going public'. I've got nothing to hide; do you? Tell us who you are, so we can all see what a stand up guy you are.

Hmmm...I've been on duty for an hour and a half now. If anyone needs to get in touch with me, I'll be at Perkins having some breakfast....

Heat...I feel the love. We'll check back in April.

Professor has inside information. LOL

Well, lexus, I DO hope you are right and I hope it's NOT who I believe it is.

Truly, the best option at this point to do a study that's fair, unbiased and objective would seem to be someone from Timbuktu or some other remote location who has never heard of Milton, Wisconsin, and has extensive law enforcement background AND quality leadership skills.

Sorry you're disappointed in me, Angel, but it's not about me. It's about the guy you think will be--or are desperately afraid of--becoming the next interim. What I see in his numerous Google entries that paint an ENTIRELY different picture from what you hear about his past in Wyoming (that won't be talked about unless it's 'face to face'. How sexy.) But, in the end, he was either able to hose a whole bunch of professional people from the State Bar background checks to the other positions he's held, or whereever you are getting your 'double-secret-probation' stuff is simply untrue. I'm gonna go with what I can see. But that's just me; you keep on "keepin on", and who knows--you may find Jimmy Hoffa, too. Godspeed.

Lexus--How are you so sure? Professor raised the same thing. If you two are right, then this has been an incredible waste of time....

Boys...as attractive as it is, how feverishly you fight.......please repeat after me.......IT IS NOT HIM ........if i am right, will you applaud me by april?

Like-
I have no professional jealousy since I'm not in the profession. It's no skin off my nose because I couldn't compete for the vacancy anyways. I simply care deeply about the City of Milton and the hard working people who do their best despite all of the criticisms being flung at them. I have a lot of work experience, though, and know a lot about leadership and know a GREAT leader and the skills they must possess. I have yet to see ANY GREAT LEADERS in this city - and that includes Gilland (for those of you who were so enamoured with HIM!!!). There is a lot of talent in these city departments if only we could get some great leadership. RESPECT is huge and if you are the kind of person who has to worry about knives in your back, then you're obviously not a great leader and you aren't going fix things.

The other thing to be careful of is when someone makes themselves sound so smart, but they can't work with people. The person you are referring to ran away from something in Wyoming that his supervisor would only discuss in person and not on the phone, and happens to have been "gotten rid of" in an area police department as well in recent times.

I think you've been "snowed", Likes. I'm DISAPPOINTED IN YOU!!!!

Well, G. Angel, based on your entry, I was kinda surprised by what I found. Here it is: The guy is an attorney, a judge, a professor of criminal justice, and a cop. He is a former prosecutor. He is a published author. He was appointed by the village of Orfordville several years ago as the sole police commissioner, to hear the allegations against the former chief there. (He fired that chief, and his decision was affirmed on appeal).

I got this from one person who works at the M.P.D.: "He's a pretty smart guy. There are a few guys here, regardless of rank, that are threatened by him, and thus try to make his life miserable when they can. But, I like him." Oh, and regarding the Perkins claim you make, this person wasn't aware of any trouble he'd gotten into for that, but noted that sometimes the guy we're talking about would go to Perkins AFTER HIS SHIFT ended, to have breakfast.

Admittedly, this was only from one person. Oh, the person I talked to also mentioned that 'our guy' is also currently doing some project with the U.S. Attorney in Rockford, but didn't know what it was. Anyway, the other stuff is from Google, etc.

Sounds to me that he would be WELL qualified to step in as interim, assuming the others there wouldn't put a knife in his back. Unless you, too, would also suffer from some of that professional jealousy that seems to be there. I guess it's up to them.

Guardian--If what you say is true, I would agree that he might not be the choice. Do we know for sure he's the one? Anyway, I'll do some digging, and see what I come up with. Thanks for the tip!

Likeslike -
Be careful ...
you might also want to request copies of his police reports (public record) to get a read on his character and judgment. Be sure to note the times that he left the jurisdiction in uniform to frequent Perkins in Janesville and a donut shop there. He has not followed department policy on quite a few occasions and his dependability (or should we say LACK THERRE OF) to show up for shifts he agreed to take voluntarily as a parttime officer is identical to the comments (even the good ones you looked at!) as a professor teaching classes.
Please tell me that the commission isn't looking for a temporary person such as this to "study and implement new policies and procedures" as an interim chief. If you think the department has problems now, just wait. A decision by this commission to use such a person would cause almost irreparable damage. But wait ... maybe that's what our fearless city administrator WANTS??? Could it be part of is "divide and conquer strategy"???

Bear in mind, too, there aren't too many of this candidate's colleagues who have respect for him, which in the police world, is a recipe for disaster. If this candidate is so good, wouldn't he be able to informally provide leadership to colleagues through mutual respect, even though he doesn't have any kind of "annointed" title?!?!?!?!?!?

Ms. Vogel - maybe you want to turn your "investigative reporting" loose on this prospective next interim chief that the Police Commission seems so enamoured with?

(By the way, this person also is EXTREMELY supported by former Chief Hawkins who assigned an officer to do this person's background check (when initially hired) to an officer who had never done one before and who wasn't very thorough in digging into his background. Why do you suppose Hawkins didn't want a thorough background check done on this person?!?!?!?!?)

doesnt matter if its him.whoever that is. this dpt is in a downward spiral thanks to chef tupper and crew came into the kitchen to stir the suop. u never hear any bad news about mpd til this all happened. The way they have treated this whole thing is appauling and they should all resign monday. Anybody they pick now will/should be looked at as a joke. whats so bad about the men there in the past. Why the quik need for a change now. except for on the comitte

I have it on pretty good authority that it's not who you think. But then again, maybe it is?

So, is 'he' the one?

Guardian--Intriguing! It was pretty easy, though, since we all know our MPD friend who works at the College, from Wyoming. I went to check out the other entries at Rate my Professor, though. You must not like the guy, because the rest of the entries are all 4-plus out of 5....with much better comments. Like this one, which is MUCH more representative: "(HE) is awesome! ALways keeps class interesting, and funny while informative. Learn many new things everyday and never get bored. When I feel as if i dont understand something he takes the time to review until I understand. This is my first semester with (him) and look forward to many more."

Here I thought you were on to something, but now I think maybe you just have it out for the guy. I'm disappointed!

Upon further review, we are probably thinking of the same person and I wouldn't discount him/her on the surface BUT I would insist on a co-chair under the circumstances.

Excuse me? You call it gibberish because I admitted that I didn't follow your line of thinking that "cetainly someone from WITHIN the department is NOT in the department's best interest to do this study as an interim. (see City of Milton web page for police department and google away)"
But yet you refer me to the City website because..........someone from WITHIN wouldn't be on it?
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Obviously you must think I am that person. Again, good guess but no cigar.

Obviously, I've hit the nail on the head, because you're talking gibberish now, and make no sense!!!

I'll admit I'm stumped because my first thought doesn't pan out.

Well, wisconsinheat, if the blog fits ...

cetainly someone from WITHIN the department is NOT in the department's best interest to do this study as an interim. (see City of Milton web page for police department and google away)

GuardianAngel,
Is it really fair to throw that snippet out in this forum without naming the person you are referring to, so everyone can do their own Google search for the good and the bad?

Police Commission - I hope you are careful to THOROUGHLY look into your proposed interim's background, especially his work in Wyoming. Here's a quote taken from his university reviews done by his students at Rock Valley College in Illinois!!! Doesn't sound like someone who is competent enough to provide the professional leadership that the Milton PD deserves.

"2/5/08 CRMAll 3 1 1 3 By far the most worthless teacher I have ever had. I am currently at Western Illinois and the teachers here make him look like even more of a joke. Don't bother wasting your time with him or his class. The man is completely useless and so is anything he teaches you. I still don't know what i was graded on. Plus he never shows"

GuardianAngel,
Nice guess, but not even close.

The real question will be whether the Council tries to block the Commission's choice by offering a contract that no one would take. Sure would be interesting to see what the Council was going to give Gilland in the contract they made for him (oops...something about counting chickens b4 hatched???) compared to what they offered Hawkins--and, what they will offer the new person.

Blogging from the squad tonight, Wisconsheat?!?!?!?

outspoken says: "would not be in this position if the former Chief Gilland would have been professional,"
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My question to outspoken is, do you know what transpired between the former chief and the commission to prompt his retirement?
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And what exactly prompted a commission member to resign? Could Tupper be a major part of the problem?
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There's too many unanswered questions......

I agree with Firecapt128, the citizens of Milton need to put pressure on the current members of the police commission to resign. For anyone interested in helping, you can find contact info on the City of Milton's website.

Ok, I don't know all of the details how Gilland retired, but it says that he gave a months formal notice. How is that not giving enough, proper notice??
It is always nice to see all the finger pointing that goes on in the comments on here. Everyone on here always knows the answer to every problem.

I find these topics interesting and agree with many of the comments. The main issue in all of them is that all the city leadership has failed the police department, and contiues to do so. But the finger pointing needs to begin with one individual. The dept, commission council and citizens would not be in this position if the former Chief Gilland would have been professional, and given proper notice of his retirement. All these issues would be dealt with , with a chief still at the helm.

Firecapt--Well, you can partly blame your city atty. for that. He told the Commission that the current 'leaderless' setup was legal, pursuant to the same statutory authority you are talking about. Except, it isn't. But, the city administrator/council were stuck on the Gilland idea, (saving ALL that money) and, since it is the city council and not the commission that pays the city atty.'s salary, guess what the city atty. is going to tell the commission?

You've obviously read those statutes (and that's good!!); you tell me where--by any stretch of the imagination--it allows for the structure ultimately approved of. (BTW, the statute in question, if anyone else is interested, is sec. 62.13) Had the city administrator/council not tried to ramrod THEIR choice for chief, and had the city atty. actually researched the issue, the dept. might have avoided the current problems. And, isn't it great that the one commissioner they DID appoint to 'be in charge' wanted nothing to do with the Justice issue, telling the press "I'm not in charge of the dept." and "I don't speak for the dept." If he's not in charge, and doesn't speak for the dept., what did they appoint him to be, the interim dept. potted plant?

"Milton is not that exciting" Just the way we like it. Less crime, more friendly, and just an overall better place to live.

maybe it'd be refreshing then to have the mayor come forward and comment to the media to determine what his feelings are about this whole process. can it be possible that this is somehow ACCETABLE to him? i find that hard to believe.

miltonite56 there is no one who can "oust" this committee. These people are appointed by the mayor and by state statute they can only be replaced if one resigns or the mayor can replace one a year. A police commission has a huge amount of power all given to them by state statute. The council has virtually no power over them except that they control the purse strings for anyone or anything they may bring before the council.Public pressure should be brought to bear for these people to resign. So far they really have accomplished nothing except to create low moral in the police dept. And make Milton's process the butt of jokes.How much more they do or don't do is up to the people of Milton.

At least the new superintendant has some police work in the past. Maybe he's going to be this interim police chief too???????

You're right Craiggrad. It's a story. Just a shame that the people that could oust this whole committee don't care.

are u kdding me? this is a story. they say the havent even have talked to this man. but whatever he wrote on paper is what they aare baseing this on. Three months of meetings, 5or 6 times and this is what they come up wiht.

I think this reporter needs to take a few more journalism classes. My gosh, you'd think this was the Watergate burglary the way these stories are written.

i think this reporter needs a new assignment, milton is not that exciting