The same rules that apply to me and you, also apply to our city employees.
No special treatment or consideration will be given to individuals just because of close friendships with council members.
As mayor, it is my job to ensure transparency and fairness, especially when investigating a city personnel matter.
Those in position of authority, our police officers, must uphold to the highest code of behavior, to ensure the respect and integrity of the uniform they wear.
In the most recent personnel issue involving Sgt. Tim Casey, I requested the State Police conduct an external investigation to ensure transparency, objectivity and fairness.
There is no black eye on the community as a result of an open, objective investigation by an outside authority. In fact it is just the opposite. There can be no sweeping the matter under the rug if the employee is culpable. There can be no pursuing of a witch hunt if the employee is actually innocent.
Public trust in the police department is paramount. We must not compromise the honesty of our police department just because of individual friendships to one or more elected officials.
Any employee, who breaks the rules through his or her own act of free will, must accept whatever consequences of that act.
I understand the feelings of the elected officials who are close friends with Sgt. Casey, but no one is above the law. The same rules that apply to you and me must apply to those in the “inner circle.”
When any employee is charged with breaking the law, this is an act of free will, and he or she must accept the consequences.
Any and all employee investigations should be concluded before city officials publicly discuss them. Talking about an ongoing investigation of an individual is a violation of that person’s privacy and more importantly his right to fair due process. Well meaning statements from supportive council members, could violate the civil rights of Sgt. Casey and compromise his right to fair due process.
There is not one set of rules for those with the “right” friends, and another set of rules for the rest of us.
Kym Muckler
Mayor--City of Milan
Email comments directly to:
k y m m @ c i . m i l a n . m i . u s
