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22
Jun 2010
In this, experience should count
Posted by Scott Spielman
at 12:15 PM | Comments (2)
I’ve always said that sometimes the best candidate isn’t the most qualified.
We’ve endorsed school board candidates that haven’t had a long educational pedigree because sometimes the only necessary requirement to serve is being a concerned member of the community with an open mind.
Likewise, we’ve endorsed political newcomers over incumbents because we favored the fresh ideas they brought over political placeholders that were mostly invisible—except during the campaign season.
In the case of the Van Buren Department of Public Safety, though, I think experience and respect in the field should be the utmost priority.
That’s why I was surprised to learn that EMPCO, a search firm contracted by the township to evaluate candidates for the director spot, said Carl McClanahan, the interim director “achieved the top ranking score in the EMPCO assessment center,” according to a brief press release sent out by Supervisor Paul White.
I’ve nothing against the guy—McClanahan, that is—but I have a hard time believing that someone who retired as a sergeant from the City of Detroit police department is better suited for the job than the other finalists—which includes Jim Ridener, who retired recently as the Chief of Police in Westland, one of the largest communities in the state. I’ve always respected the job he did in Westland, where he rose through the ranks during a long and distinguished career.
Other finalists include Scott Pavlick, a Captain for the City of Warren in charge of 165 personnel and Paul J. Myszenski, the Interim Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police for Bloomfield Hills Department of Public Safety.
Those who have watched this process as I have might share my skepticism. What are your thoughts about this?
Comments (2)
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