City of Ithaca
Chief of Police Search Process
Editorial
What Now in City Police Chief Pick?
Possible Scenario: Bring in Another Finalist, Let Them Meet the Public
The chief-selection plan looked perfect on paper, but in the end became shrouded in unnecessary secrecy, even after the field was narrowed to two candidates. With one of the would-be chiefs committed to another job, the screening committee is now faced with a tough question: Do they take the last man standing -- Richard Basile of Ellenville, N.Y. -- or consider someone else who didn't make it onto the final list of two?
One good idea considered at Thursday's screening committee meeting would be adding another top candidate who is still interested in the position. That possible scenario would allow the committee to hold separate community forums for this person and Basile, where anyone could come and ask questions. Following these sessions, feedback sheets could be available for the public to fill out for the committee and Mayor Alan Cohen to consider before their final selection.
That would be inclusive and public and it is no knock on Basile. As The Journal reported Thursday, Basile is doing a lot of good things in Ellenville, including community policing, youth activities and stepped-up drug enforcement. He has also been dealing with Ithaca-type issues such as cultural sensitivity training for officers and vocal downtown critics who think he hasn't been tough enough on drug dealers. One question an Ithacan might have for Basile is why he thinks he is ready to take over a department that is approximately four times bigger in staff and budget.
We don't envy the screening committee and its task at this point. But rather than circle the wagons and hope that people interested in the next police chief go away, it should open up the process and give all Ithacans a greater say in this important selection.
The Ithaca Journal
June 6, 1997
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