New London City Manager To Appoint Chief

By Kathleen Edgecomb
TheDay.com Published on 4/22/2009


New London - City Manager Martin H. Berliner says that he will name a replacement for retiring Police Chief Bruce Rinehart by May 30.
”We'll test in the next few weeks, and we'll have someone by the end of May,'' Berliner said when pressed by councilors during Monday's meeting.

In a discussion that at times grew loud, Berliner responded to councilors' questions about the process of hiring a new chief and was forced to defend himself when some councilors questioned whether one of two applications for the job was received after the March 13 deadline.

”My understanding is the application was received after the deadline,'' said Councilor Peg Curtin. “I hope we're not being told an untruth.”

Berliner, who earlier had said the applications were received on time, jumped to his feet and asked is he was being called a liar.

Some councilors also were upset that Berliner sought a second legal opinion on whether or not one applicant met the qualifications of the job description and should be granted an interview. They questioned Berliner's authority to seek and pay for an outside legal opinion.

City Attorney Thomas Londregan agreed with the outside counsel's opinion that both applicants appeared qualified and should be given interviews, but Councilor Michael Buscetto III said going for an outside legal opinion raises questions about the way the job is being filled.

”I have grave concerns about this whole process,'' Buscetto said. “In my opinion, it is tainted. In my opinion, what's going on is not in the best interests of the city.”

Rinehart, who has been with the police department for 41 years, announced his retirement in February. He is leaving July 17.

Police Captains William Dittman and Margaret Ackley have applied for the job, which requires extensive experience as a police captain or the equivalent in schooling and training.

The hiring process has been contentious ever since Berliner announced he would conduct a national search to replace Rinehart. In a 5-2 vote, the council recommended the job go to Dittman, a 33-year veteran of the department. But according to the city charter, the police chief position is an appointment made by the city manager.

After the council's vote in favor of Dittman, Berliner posted the job within the department and received two applications.

On Tuesday, Buscetto said he is worried there won't be much time for the new chief to get acclimated and said he was just seeking questions from the city manager on the hiring process.

”No interviews have been set up ... By the time everything happens, the new chief might have a week to talk to the other chief. I don't think that's enough time to transition into the job,'' he said.

Buscetto said it appears Berliner is ignoring the council's recommendation and those of neighborhood groups and other members of the community who support Dittman for the job.

”I feel the community is being ignored,'' Buscetto said.