Chief deadline extended
October 16th, 2007 by 
Alica
The deadline for applying for the new Brandon Police Chief has been extended to Oct. 22.
City administrator Dennis Olson said 12 to 15 applications have come in so far.
What do you think about the city extending the deadline?
Posted in Uncategorized | 
October 16th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Probably one of the smartest things they have done for a while. There is no sense rushing. Hopefully they will take a very good look at all the candidates and interview them. Does anyone know who are some of the applicants are so far?
October 16th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
The public should not know who the candidates are until the interviewing process begins.
The confidentiality of the APPLICANTS (different than candidate finalists) should be a top priority by the city officials.
I BELIEVE that the council will make the correct decision when the process is over. They will HIRE the best candidate.
Support your local officials and make sure they hear your voices during the process.
October 16th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
I agree the public doesn’t need to know who the cnadidates are. I think they should narrow it down to three and then maybe have the final interview in public. I thought it was interesting we had 12 to 15 applicants - I thought they would know exactly how many.
October 16th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Todd,
While I appreciate and respect the fact that we should make sure our officials hear our voices, it doesn’t matter with the current council.
After they accepted Medstars application I have lost all faith in them. They have done a disservice to our community that I believe will be dangerous. Here’s my reasons:
1. Mr. Masur stated that Brandon will get one ambulance 24/7 without a subsidy. Note the words WITHOUT A SUBSIDY. So if we’d require 2 because of multiple patients we’ll be paying for that folks. Our city council promised NO MONEY OUT OF OUR POCKETS. Mr. Masur likened it to the newly formed ambulance district that will be taxing towns that join (Dell Rapids, Garretson etc.) But lets remember those are Volunteer services that can’t cover daytime call. And Rural Metro has NEVER charged a subsidy to Sioux Falls.
2. The city council hand picked and appointed a committee to study and give a recommendation. Mr. Masur’s service got a poor recommendation. And in 2004 they did the same thing with a committee to study changing the ordinance, they ignored that one too.
3. When a member of the audience asked Mr. Masur to give facts about their current trauma experience and tell how many successful IV starts, intubation’s, chest decompressions they had under their belt. He refused to answer saying it did warrant an answer. Well….if he’s sticking a tube down my throat I want to know if he’s done it anytime successfully in this decade! Why wouldn’t council think a no answer is a red flag???
3. In a Health beat article on Kelo http://www.keloland.com/healthbeat/NewsDetail6387.cfm?Id=0,62075 It says they plan on arriving on scene in 8 minutes. Are you kidding me? All he could talk about before was “do you want a paramedic to your door in 2-5 minutes?” The council changed the ordinance for better response time, what happened to 2-5 minutes?
4. I definitely know all about Rubin now. He claims he hasn’t taken money from Masur so he can legally vote. What about money he gives to Masur in the form of pay for services or donations to put the Rubin name on equipment? Or how about the fact he has a family member that is an employee of Medstar. I think he definitely had a moral and ethical duty to excuse himself.
The whole meeting was canned, prepared play acting. They should get the best acting award. This has been a done deal since they passed the ordinance all those months ago.
Sour grapes?? you bet. I don’t want to be a guinea pig, but it looks like my family and I are. Nope, I’ll drive myself to the city limits and meet Rural Metro. Medstar can’t leave the city even to an interstate accident because they haven’t in the past qualified for a Minnehaha county license.
October 16th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
When did they extend it? I guess the part I wonder about is if you have a deadline, and “12-15″ applicants- why extend it? Sounds strange to me. Although I agree with #1 that they should stay confidential.
October 16th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
I think extending the deadline sucks…
I really dont understand some or your thinking.
I have heard that the Brandon PD needs to have more money so the officers will stay.
I have heard the officers leave Brandon because there is no room for advancement so levels need to be created so the officers have something to work for.
Yet, there is a gentleman that has put in his time for 15+ years and has been working for the title of Chief and many of you are against hiring him.
I don’t get it. Why would you look elsewhere when the answer is right here. If he is not made Chief then what incentive is there for any other officer to stay in Brandon when they know that their years of service mean nothing.
Sorry I dont buy it, I am a firm believer of promoting within. It gives the current employers something to work for and a sense of well being knowing their time is worthwhile.
Wade and Barry have both been groomed and either could take over for the Chief yet I am hearing so many negatives toward them. This is not something the people of Brandon have a say in, the only say you have in this is that you elected mayor Beesley, and in doing so have put your trust in him and him only to give the job to whom he feels is the best candidate. This is not up to a vote, the mayor appoints the Chief.
October 17th, 2007 at 12:10 am
To my knowledge, neither Wade nor Barry are among the applicants, so far, anyway.
The mayor appoints the chief, but the Council has to approve the mayor’s appointment.
October 17th, 2007 at 4:45 am
Sometimes a change in the leadership is a very good thing. There have been alot of negatives stated concerning the PD. At some point in time someone has to start to wonder if some of these statements are true. I will tell you from my experience that a change at the top with someone from the outside is like a breath of fresh air. I think alot of people would agree with that. I would also say that if, and I mean a big if, Wade or Barry are the most qualified candidates than I would certainly give them my vote for the top job. I would bet alot of money that there are more qualified candidates that have applied. I hope that the Mayor will put his personal friendship with Wade aside and choose the best qualified person.
October 17th, 2007 at 7:07 am
I agree with #8, a new vision is a good thing. Dr. Pederson, just because you work somewhere for a long time doesn’t mean this will make you a good administrator, I bet if you had a office assistant that has worked at your office for a long time has done nothing to advance themselves you would not put them incharge of the busy. We need some new blood and a new vision for the BPD.
October 20th, 2007 at 8:13 am
You people are right hire someone with no Brandon PD experience, how bout Heath Tople…
October 20th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
You sound like a real smart person…You probably even work for med star dont you…I hope I dont need you to care for me. I am not sure why you think its so crucial to have Brandon PD experience to be the Chief. You need to stick with health care since you are have no idea how Law Enforcement works.
October 21st, 2007 at 10:01 am
I’m happy to see the city is takin its time and looking at none Brandon applications. I still think Barry would be the best man for the job. People ya BPD officer leave because of money they get tired of living in apartments because they cant afford a home in Brandon. $100,000.00 for a home that needs work is alot of money when you only make 30 to 35 thousand a year if tey even make that much. I’m just happy to see the city is taking it’s time and not rushing into this. I support the PD the way it was, I dont support it with Wade at the wheel. #6 people dont go into law enforcement because they want to be Chief. Most officer go into law enforcement to help people and to make the town a safer place to live. Most cop just want a good job with some weekends off. Brand PD lost Dan Baxter because they went around Dan and gave Wade the SGT job and told Dan to piss off. Wade didn’t have to take a test they just gave it to him because he kissed ass. Dan should have had the job. Dan got bitter and his job performance went down the tubs. That was so wrong, but no one cares. Dan was a better officer than Wade ever will be. Dan didn’t leave because of money he left with a broken heart and pride because the city and Chief let him down. Dan got run around and had to keep working nights when Wade got the day job with weekends off. The City needs a new chief who with treat the officers fair and give everyone some weekends off not just the supervisors.
October 21st, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Dr. Pederson, Did T-O-P-E-L put him name in? That would be awsome, Oh, wait, you can’t work in law enforcement if you are charged with a felony! And AMEN to 241.
October 22nd, 2007 at 4:24 am
hmm dan’s story sounds familiar to several other fine officer’s that have left the BPD. you get another amen 241. I see Heath took a T-O-P-P-L-E off his high horse. 112 chicory st was taken back by the bank. I think outside the dept hire for cheif is a prudent decision at this juncture. I C 2 candiates are on the list for patrol jobs are “home town boy’s” great just what we need more GOB”S. I wonder is the a ? on the application that says ” you down with GOB?”
October 22nd, 2007 at 7:38 am
I don’t think it would make any difference if Brandon received 100 application for Chief, I think they have already made up their minds and it will be status quo.
October 22nd, 2007 at 8:57 am
Not only does the council want GOB’S to apply and get the Chief position but they are looking for more GOB’S to apply for the officers positions as well. This was spoken by 1 of their own GOB, Rubin? What’s next around here? Does Brandon need to follow Canton, out with them all?
October 22nd, 2007 at 9:10 am
This Good Old Boy stuff I keep hearing people whining about is really getting old!! Why don’t people SHUT UP with it all!! This whole town is GOB!! Everybody knows everything about everyone.
Also, instead of “Buy Brandon” campaign I think they should change it to “Bitch in Brandon”
Thanks to this blog for that too.
How about some positive stuff for once on this blog!!
I actually feel sorry for Alica. I do not think her intentions of this blog were to fuel 99% negativity.
October 22nd, 2007 at 11:23 am
Don’t get me wrong, I love living in Brandon, I believe the School District is the best in the State. But there are a lot of things that could be done much better. I believe most of the decisions made by our elected officials are made primarily on emotion not a calm, rational thought. All I want is the best person put in the Chief’s position and then someone to do a business study to see what is best for the City of Brandon. What could the City do with $1,000,000 saved over a three year period? Reference the GOB system; I believe it is strong and well. GOB do not want change because they then lose their collective power in the Community. Anti-bitch campaigner, I am not bitching, I am looking at this in rational way, not just on emotion.
October 22nd, 2007 at 12:43 pm
I will say this #18. I do not necessarily agree with what our elected officials vote on every time either.
HOWEVER, I think this blog should show SOME respect, after all, these people were voted in.
Why anyone would want to run for an elected position in this town is beyond me. Take a beating for a measly $3,000.00 per year.
It is not much of an incentive to run for office when you get treated by the general public like a piece of dirt.
Something to think about. Keep treating people like this and we will not have a council because nobody will want to run.
October 22nd, 2007 at 1:11 pm
It’s like anything. You have to respect the office even if you don’t respect the person.
And if you have to say something critical of someone or their actions, politeness is always the best way to go.
I’m talking in general terms, of course. Not about anyone in particular.
October 22nd, 2007 at 1:15 pm
You have me all wrong, I am not beating on the council. I believe they are not respected and I believe the GOB group ganged up on them and, yell and scream and force their will on them. I understand many of them are trying, but like I said emotion is running the show not calm, rational evaulation and thoughts. I think sometimes elected officials have to have the guts to do what is right for the Community and not listen to a small vocal group, that is all I’m saying. I want Brandon to be the best place in South Dakota to live and I don’t want the same problems as Harrisburg, Canton, Tea. We need forward thinking now, not 5 years from now, then it will be to late.
October 22nd, 2007 at 2:20 pm
The bashing of the council is having an effect on those that run for office. We in Brandon are going to see individuals run that only have a personal agenda. The person who wants to be elected for the good of the community for $3000 and all the B%@#*S, nope not me.
October 22nd, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Nos. 19 and 22 - the savings the council was looking at for the police department was $300,000 a year,not $3,000.
October 22nd, 2007 at 3:47 pm
the 3000 I refer to is the pay the council members recieve per year.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
the city council extended the deadline so that the current ASST cheif could get his application submitted. Interesting. that should mark what kind of person he is. Can’t get his paperwork done in time. There should have been no exception’s made for him.
October 26th, 2007 at 7:19 am
All I know is we have to look to the future not to the past. I know our elected officials have a tough job, but they have to show leadership and do what is right for Brandon as a whole, not do what is easy and cow down to a small number of people. Council members you know what I’m talking about.
October 27th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Lost in Retoric I love it. Well sound like Wade. Wade is a big blow hole, but when it comes time to do something you never hear from him again. Wade says what you want to hear so you will go away, or to get brownie points. People if you ever get board ask Wade to do something for you and see how long it takes, or if it ever gets done. I love it,Wades true colors. I guess he is tooo busy playing Chief to get a simple application filled out. Brandon’s poster child LOL
October 27th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Is it true the Mayor and Wade are golf buddies? He’s pretty tight with Rubin as well from what I hear
October 27th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
I believe it is true, Wade and the Mayor are close friends and I think he will be appointed Chief, not because it is the right thing to do for Brandon but it is the easiest.
October 28th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
yes i believe wade is close buddies with several of the council members. it would be nice if the police cheif’s position was an elected one like the rest of the board member’s are. It’s unfortunate that such an important position is still an appointed one on a yearly basis. WAAAYYY to easy to surround yourself with “yes” men. I will say that the elections next year will be very entertaining..
November 1st, 2007 at 12:14 pm
I guess I don’t know Wade or Barry all that well, but I do know that Wade, Barry, Phil and even Dan (it was sad to see him go) They are honest with you when it comes to how things work. where I think the “new guys” dont have the guts to tell you what you need to hear.
There are ups and downs to Brandon bringing someone else in to brandon, some times the GOB stuff is not good, but sometimes it is…
I guess I am putting my faith in the council and the mayor to make the right decidsion. to keep out community safe.