It has been 17 years and 174 days since the city’s pledge to build the West Branch Library.
Andre Anderson, Courtesy of CBS 5 News
Andre Anderson, a Glendale police department commander, may soon be heading to Ferguson, Missouri to join Ferguson’s new Interim City Manager Ed Beasley. He would become Interim Police Chief at the request of Beasley.
This is not the first time Anderson has sought the job of Police Chief. In February of 2013 he was one of two finalists for the position in Casa Grande, Arizona. Here is the link: http://www.trivalleycentral.com/casa_grande_dispatch/area_news/city-cuts-police-chief-fieldto/article_d157e5ea-80f1-11e2-8cda-001a4bcf887a.html .
To say that both face challenges would be an understatement. While the racial makeup of the town is 67% black only 3 police officers (6%) serving the city are black. The racial imbalance is stark. Here is the link: http://www.politifact.com/punditfact/statements/2014/aug/17/andrea-mitchell/ferguson-police-department-has-50-white-officers-t/ . If Anderson joins his pal, Beasley, both will have to exhibit a level of sensitivity and maturity that neither may possess. Are they up to the task of restoring confidence among the officers who serve and protect that community?
Ferguson’s police department has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice that resulted in a long list of changes to be made. These changes will be costly. There are also a plethora of lawsuits to be settled. Ferguson’s 2015 annual budget issued in July, 2014 is $20,238,000 with a General Fund budget of $13,518,250. Here is the link: http://www.fergusoncity.com/DocumentCenter/View/1701 .
In the past Fiscal Year of 2014-15 the city’s Fund Balance dropped by $4,086,700 from approximately $15M to $11M. What will their Fiscal Year 2015-16 budget look like (beginning in July of 2015) in the light of the riots that occurred earlier this year? I suspect the city is insured to a certain extent. Some costs will be covered but it appears that new revenue streams will be needed. Let’s hope Beasley has learned his lesson and will not “rob Peter to pay Paul” as he did in Glendale to cover the annual $25M in extortion required by the NHL to keep the Coyotes in Glendale.
© Joyce Clark, 2015
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given all the problems in Ferguson I can only surmise that the only qualified people to stand for the City Manager job would avoid it like the plague. That would only leave candidates that are trying to secure new work as a last resort to build a tainted career.
I do not agree with you I think this is a great opportunity for someone who is looking for a challenge, someone who want to make a difference and truely understand all city positions are not created equally. Using your logic who would take the job in Glendale?
I happen to think that both Ed and Andre would and could do a great job for Ferguson. Andre has certainly experience his share of discrimination and being on the wrong side of the color spectrum in Glendale. As for Ed how many times do we have to read about his DUI before we let it go. We seems to be ok with the folks in Phoenix who had to repay money or who still have not explained the misuse of airport funds from a few ears ago. Let’s not talk about some of our elected officials who we keep re- electing. I for one think they both will do a great job and I wish them well.
Joyce I can’t wait to see your comments on the killings in North Carolina or the burning of the black churches.
I recall your commentary on Ferguson and Zimmerman some time ago and even though I did not agree with your analysis or conclusions I still enjoy reading your take on most things. At least you the courage to say what you are thinking and this has made you different from most elected official past or present. Maybe that’s why some still think you should consider running and yes I do support that view.
That’s why I would like your thoughts on the incident in North Carolina
Holder, I wasn’t going to write about that issue but per your suggestion I will. Stay tuned…