Thank You, Mayor Fuhriman


In a departure from the tone of previous posts, tonight I wish to publicly thank Mayor Fuhriman.
According to News Channel 8, last week the Mayor informed his former boss, Police Chief Kent Livsey, that he would not be reappointed to the position.
Today, Fuhriman and Livsey each spoke at separate press conferences.
Livsey announced his resignation, and will be on paid administrative leave until official resignation in January. Apparently he began clearing out his office last week. Said Livsey,
During my career, I’ve been shot at, I’ve been stabbed, and I’ve been beat unconscious and I just want to tell you this is much harder than any of that was.
After last week’s discussion with the Mayor, Livsey cited a difference in management styles as a reason for the parting of the ways.
And as a former police detective serving under Livsey, Mayor Fuhriman should know what he’s talking about.
At a separate news conference, Fuhriman announced the Chief’s resignation, claiming there was no wrong doing on the part of Livsey. Then he named Idaho Falls Police Captain Steve Roos as interim Chief of Police until Livsey’s resignation is final, at which time Roos will assume the full title and responsibilities.
First let me say that Livsey’s departure has long been coming. His “management style” has not set well with police officers or some city councilmen. There have been complaints that his decisions have not been sufficiently transparent, that in some cases he has disciplined officers too harshly, and in other cases not responded to accusations of police misconduct.
And let’s be honest – this action by Fuhriman is in agreement with the words and opinions of former city councilman Larry Lyon. You remember Larry – the controversial man with whom Fuhriman never wished to appear to agree. Lyon recently resigned his city council seat in order to run for a different council seat. Perhaps Fuhriman felt he could safely take action against Livsey at this time without appearing to align himself with Lyon. But that is a topic for another post.
And, of course, there was that embarrassing situation with the former city prosecutor, Kimball Mason, who stole a number of fire arms from the police evidence room on Livsey’s watch.
Personally, I have respect for Chief Livsey as a parent, knowing his children to be outstanding young men. However, I have found the Chief himself to be less than forthcoming, and somewhat arrogant. I have also found Livsey a little disrespectful of personal freedoms on some issues. For instance, just last week he announced he would attempt to outlaw using a cell phone while driving in the city. But that also is a topic for another post.
Second, I commend the Mayor for selecting a new chief from among the ranks of the Idaho Falls Police Department. I have always felt “national searches” for local positions are a slap in the face to hardworking employees who are essentially told there is no possibility of advancement in their hometown. Such hiring practices usually result in the selection of individuals who do not know our city or our state, and who often wish to remake their department over in the image of the organization they’ve just left – not always a good idea.
That is not to say that hiring locally is always a good idea. I could cite other city departments where that practice has been a mistake, but this is a topic for yet another post.
From all appearances, Captain Roos has conducted himself in an honorable manner, and earned the respect of his fellow police officers, including the Mayor.
Interim Chief Roos commented that he would be restructuring the police department organization to eliminate some of the upper management positions, calling the department “top heavy”. He also intends to improve the way officers patrol the city.
So, kudos to Mayor Fuhriman for having the intestinal fortitude to let Livsey go. As mentioned earlier, it’s been a long time coming. And kudos for appointing his replacement from within the Police Department itself.
These actions appear to be in keeping with one of the Mayor’s campaign promises, namely to carefully inspect city departments with the goal of increasing efficiency, maximizing the use of city tax dollars, and downsizing where necessary.
Good choices, Mayor. I hope you are just getting warmed up.
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