Police chief interviews
December 3rd, 2007 by 
Alica
The City Council is scheduling a special meeting for Tuesday to interview finalists for the Brandon Police chief job. Do you plan to attend? Mayor Larry Beesley wouldn’t name the three finalists, saying at least one of them hasn’t informed his current employer that he is seeking other work.
The mayor said he wouldn’t make his appointment Tuesday, though, because Alderman Dan Mostek will not be at the meeting due to a work schedule conflict.
“I won’t call for a vote with one council member gone,” he told me. “It’s my appointment
but they have to approve it. So I want all six of them there to approve it,
or disapprove it, however they feel.”
That means Dec. 17, at the regularly-scheduled council meeting, would be the earliest
mayor would make an appointment. “Unless they (council) want a special meeting earlier to do that,” Beesley said.
Beesley, City Administrator Dennis Olson, and Dan Oakland, the city’s human resources director, looked over the original pool of applicants and chose six. They interviewed them and narrowed the field to three men.
The agenda for Tuesday’s meeting calls for roll call and a determination of quorum, then immediately into exeuctive session.
Posted in Uncategorized | 
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Executive session means “behind closed doors” right?? No need to go then!!
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:51 pm
I hope they make the right choice and pick the applicant with the best conditionals. It is time for a change and new blood in the Brandon PD and time to look forward and not back to how things used to be. That time is gone and time to start a new.
December 3rd, 2007 at 1:07 pm
I would guess they would have to go into Executive Session. I can’t imagine them doing actual interviews in a public setting.
December 3rd, 2007 at 1:23 pm
I’m confused. Why does the Mayor never make a decision on his own? He says it’s his appointment, so appoint. If this council doesn’t like it I’m sure they’ll let him know.
December 3rd, 2007 at 4:13 pm
I thought the Chief was ONLY appointed by the Mayor? Why let the GOB run the show, then I can tell you what the outcome is going to be!
December 3rd, 2007 at 4:27 pm
The mayor makes the appointment but, by law, the council has to approve it before it can take effect.
The mayor’s decision to wait until the full council is present seems conscientious on his part.
December 5th, 2007 at 8:17 am
Does it really matter? The mayor and the city council have already decided not to look into what is best for the city or it’s population. Only to do what is best for them (mayor & council members).
December 5th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Mr. Mayor, we are watching and we know who makes the appointment. Are you going to appoint your drinking buddy or are you going to do the right thing?
December 5th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
If you don’t know what you are talking about then stop talking! It doesn’t matter who the Mayor appoints people will be mad. He is going to pick who is best for the department and the community, who cares if the Mayor is friends with one of the finalists, if that person is the best person for the job then so be it! I don’t understand why so many people in this community are so negative and non stop complainers, sometimes things don’t go the way you want, grow up and get over it. Give people a chance, you might be suprised!
December 5th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
I do care about this community, maybe more then you do. Have you been paying any attention over the last year? The BPD has had turn over problems, morale problems and you think if the Mayor appoints someone who was active member and leader involved in this mess will change things, then shame on you. I don’t think we can put our heads in the sand and hope it will get better. I agree, pick the best person for the job and I hope they do. And I do know what I’m talking about.
December 5th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Maybe the turn over reason’s are not all what people think they are. I know of one officer who left not because they didn’t like working for the department but because their significant other wanting to move closer to family. I can understand where you are coming from and where lots of people posting comments are coming from, I just think we need to give people a chance, and not always judge a book by it’s cover (as in judging what is going on with the BPD by looking at it from an outside view). I am sure there are things that could, should and need to be changed at the BPD but with out knowing the inside view of the department personally I have a hard time being so judgmental over everything that is going on.
December 5th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
blah, blah, blah —
December 6th, 2007 at 10:30 am
Well mister Blah, Blah, Blah, It’s going to be interesting to se what you say when someone takes your s*** and Chief Wade says “Hey buddy we will get your s*** back” Oh then you will never hear from him again because he is so so busy being Chief. You will call and leave messages but never hear back from him. You will see him in the street and he will say sorry I have been so busy I was going to get back to you. Blah, Blah, Blah, I know they will hire Wade because they can control him, and they need a Chief they can boss around not a Chief who will take charge and make Brandon a safe place to live, and raise a family. Brandon needs a chief that’s a role model to the officers not a fat out of shape slug who says hay buddy all the time. Brandon is going to get bigger and more crime will move in will Wade know what to do or will he say he is tooo busy to deal with it. I take that back he is good at patroling the city schools, but not real police work like running a police department because he is so busy putting his nose up the Mayors ***.
December 6th, 2007 at 10:46 am
maybe you should have locked your s*** up then no one would have taken it.
December 6th, 2007 at 11:04 am
Do you get some sort of joy out of making fun of thers or are you just jealous? GROW UP!!! I bet by you saying comments like that you are being a great role model for others as in for relatives, kids, neighbors, co-workers whomever it maybe. What a great way to represent the community of Brandon! You want others to be role models and what not but maybe you should look upon your self or are you just a hypocrite?
December 6th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
I talked to someone from the City today and found out who the appicants are for the new Chief position. After hearing about all the applicants, I don’t see any possible, logical way Wade can get appoint over them.
December 6th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
The next time you feel like taking a stab at the job Officers have to perform on a daily basis,read a few of these:
Fw: ‘An Officers Life’
You wonder why he pulled you over and gave you a ticket for speeding’ He just worked an accident where people died because they were going to fast.
You wonder why that cop was so mean He just got done working a case where a drunk driver killed a kid.
You work for 8 hours he/she works for up to 18 hours.
You drink hot coffee to stay awake. The cold rain in the middle of the night keeps him awake.
You complain of a ‘headache’, and call in sick. He goes into work still hurt and sore from the guy he had to fight the night before.
You drink your coffee on your way to the mall. He spills his as he runs code to a traffic crash with kids trapped inside.
You make sure you’re cell phone is in your pocket before you leave the house. He makes sure his guns are clean and fully loaded and his vest is tight.
You talk trash about your ‘buddies’ that aren’t with you. He watches his buddy get shot at, and wounded in front of him.
You walk down the beach staring at all the pretty girls. He walks down the highway looking for body parts from a traffic crash.
You complain about how hot it is. He wears fifty pounds of gear and a bullet proof vest in the middle of July and still runs around chasing crack heads.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong. He runs out before he gets his food to respond to an armed robbery.
You get out of bed in the morning and take your time getting ready. He gets called out of bed at 2 am after working 12 hours and has to be into work ASAP for a traffic homicide.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone. He holds the hair of some college girl while she’s puking in the back of his patrol car.
You’re angry because your class ran 5 minutes over. His shift ended 4 hours ago and there’s no end in sight.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight. He can’t make any plans because on his off days he still gets called back into work.
You yell and scream at the squad car that just past you because they slowed you down. He’s in the driver seat of the squad car, going to cut somebody out of their car only to find out that their dead when he gets there.
You roll your eyes when a baby cries in public. He picks up a dead child in his arms and prays that it was crying.
You criticize your police dept and say they’re never there quick enough. He blasts the siren while the person in front of him refuses to move while talking on their cell phone and doing their makeup.
You hear the jokes about fallen officers and say they should have known better. He is a hero and runs into situations when everyone else is running away in order to make sure no one else gets hurt and lose’s his life doing it.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don’t. He would take a bullet for his buddy without question.
You sit there and judge him, saying that it’s a waste of money to have them around. Yet as soon as you need help he is there.
December 6th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
I’m not taking a stab at any officer, I’m saying the other applicants would be a better pick, they have a lot more experience. How can that be taking a stab at anyone???? Have you ever hired anyone for anything? Don’t you want to hire the person with the most experience and would do the best job. I don’t know why everyone gets so touchy about this. Sometimes you have to take your friendship out of the equations and pick the best applicant and that is all I am saying. Wow.
December 6th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
The big problem I have with how this is being handled is this, and Alicia, maybe you could correct me if I am wrong:
It is the mayor’s responsibility to appoint the COP (chief of police).
Once he has made his selection, the city council can then vote for or against said person. If they vote for, we have a new COP. If they vote against, then the mayor is to pick a new person for COP.
So why is the City Council interviewing several people before the Mayor picks? Why are the city council members telling the mayor whom to pick? When was the last time we saw the U.S. Congress do interviews for the Attorney General, then tell the President who to appoint?
As I see it, the city council and the mayor are getting together with one another to find out who is best. But are they concerned about what is best for the people in Brandon? That part I’m not sure of after the way they handled the whole contracting with the county fiasco.
December 6th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Grammar Police Says:
Alica, I apologize for spelling your name wrong!
December 6th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
You described the process correctly, as I understand it. The mayor chooses, and then the council votes yes or no on his choice. If they vote no, the mayor has to make another choice.
It occurs to me that it might be prudent for the mayor to have the councilors meet the top three candidates. If he made his choice without the meeting, councilors might not trust that the mayor made the best choice.
It occurs to me also that it might be helpful to the mayor to hear the councilors’ opinions before choosing. They might point out something that the mayor missed, for example. As I understand it, the mayor asked councilors to e-mail him their opinions. That perhaps is a good way for him to get feedback without engaging in inappropriate discussion.
This is part of the checks and balances that our built into our form of government. And yes, government works best when the elected representatives do their best to do what is best for the people.
Let us hope that they do.
December 6th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
#16, who are the applicants?
December 6th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Alica, can the three names be released?
December 6th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
#21 Alica, thank you for the confirmation!
I do agree it seems logical that the council might look into the credentials of applicants prior to the mayor appointing them. This does make it seem like the city council is pulling the strings on a mayoral puppet though.
December 6th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
The mayor would not release the names to me. Neither would the city’s human resources director. Both said it was because at least one of the applicants has not told his bosses that he is looking for another job.
December 6th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Just because you’re a cop, Community Advisor, and either Else himself or one of his friends doesn’t give you any more credibility in this discussion. No one is attacking the toughness of the job a law enforcement officer has to do. Rather they would like to have the best qualified leader for our community, family and neighbors. Write that in poem form…
December 6th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Mr or Mrs Applicants-
Who is more qualified with the BPD than Sargeant Else, he has been with the dept for over 15 yrs. Youngdale has recommended him. Everybody thinks Youngdale has done a great job and respects him wholeheartly so how can you go against his recommendation. Youngdale knows all the applicants and he is recommending Else, why should they look elsewhere? I am curious because in your post #16 you say you know who the applicants are, then in your post #23 you ask Alica to find out who the applicants are. If you talked to somebody and they told you who they are why dont YOU tell us?
December 7th, 2007 at 8:04 am
I don’t know, I guess since everyone is talking about the applicants it is not secret. You make the choice. Dave Kull, Captain Sioux Falls PD, Bruce Bailey, Lieutenant Sioux Falls PD, Wade Else Sergeant Brandon PD. Both Dave and Bruce look like they have a boat load of more experience and training then Sergeant Wade Else.
December 7th, 2007 at 9:41 am
#28 Applicants:
I think you listing the names of the so-called applicants was a very immature thing to do.
First of all, you give no credibility to what you write by not putting your name down.
I can list 3 people too; it doesn’t mean they are the ones actually in the running for the job.
Second of all, it was previously stated that one of the applicants did not want his name released due to the fact his current employer was not aware he was seeking other employment. If one of the people listed happens to be said applicant and he withdraws his name due to your stupidity, it could cost the people of Brandon by not having the best selection of applicants possible. I’m not saying he would be the best option, but he could. Now he could be in jeopardy of loosing his current job, which just might make him resent Brandon a little.
Third and final rant, stupid people make my head hurt!
Yes, Wade has the experience with the Brandon PD. Does this make him the best option? NO! Does it mean he is not the best option? NO! It would appear we have several people interested in the position of C.O.P. If Wade turns out to be the most qualified for the position out of these, then we should hire him because we want the best we can get! If it turns out somebody applied for it that is more qualified and could do the job better, then we need to pick them as our C.O.P. I’m sure Wade has been involved in hiring or promoting people before, he knows (or should know) you don’t give a position to somebody (especially in the police department) just because they have been around the longest or because of any one persons recommendation. If he is the best man for the job then kudos to him, he deserves the job. If not, then for the safety of the community, we should hire the man/woman who is most qualified.
The problem I have seen with the community of Brandon is you want to hire people because you like them. That is no way to run a business, yet some of you want to run a police department that way, that is stupid, and dangerous.
December 7th, 2007 at 10:11 am
I agree with 29- Until names are verified or put out by the City - then they should not be the subject of speculation. The post with names should be moderated. I also agree on the “best option”. The fact that Wade has 15 years on doesn’t mean he would be a good manager. As long as the Mayor picks the most qualified person, I think most people will be happy
December 7th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
#29 Buford T. that’s kind of the pot calling the kettle black. Because I’m sure your name is actually Buford T.? And that is a correct list of the applicants. If one is afraid of telling his current employer that just sounds a little shady already and maybe he should be dismissed from the list? Withhold information now, would fit right in with the GOB. Buford why didn’t you run, you seem to have all the right answers?
December 7th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
#31 Community Advisor, please think before you type:
You state: “Buford T. that’s kind of the pot calling the kettle black. Because I’m sure your name is actually Buford T.?”
From my previous post in #28: “First of all, you give no credibility to what you write by not putting your name down. I can list 3 people too; it doesn’t mean they are the ones actually in the running for the job.”
Let me translate for you: Since I don’t use my real name, if I list 3 people in this blog it means absolutely nothing because anyone can come up with 3 names. Also, if I were to say “And that is a correct list of the applicants.” It would be the same as saying Colon Powell is in the running for C.O.P. I obviously am not privy to the list; therefore I have not listed any names.
You state: “And that is a correct list of the applicants.”
Alicia, maybe you could verify this for me: I thought this process was currently under Executive Sessions. Which means the only people who can actually verify this list is the mayor, or the city council. In post #24 Alica tried to get the list and the mayor would not release it to her. Of course there is the possibility that the mayor and/or city council members have been telling friends or drinking buddies what they are up to.
You state: “If one is afraid of telling his current employer that just sounds a little shady already and maybe he should be dismissed from the list?”
Since you have all the facts, can you tell me if this applicant’s boss is on vacation, or is away on an emergency? I know if I were going to inform my boss that I was looking for a new job, I would have the balls to do it to his/her face. I would not want to send an email regarding something like this.
So Mr./Miss/Mrs. Community Advisor:
Unless they have released the list to the public, which to this point I’m almost positive they have not. The only way you could know the list is correct is to be the mayor or member of the city council. You too hide behind a nickname; yet chastise others for doing the same. Sounds oddly familiar to Kloster who told the community of Brandon not to think of him as a man of god when he is sitting in council meetings, then scolded everyone for taking part in the blog regarding the Sherriff’s Dept.
Now, if you are the mayor or city council member I would like to find out if there are any rules, regulations, or laws regarding a breach of executive session!
December 7th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
I just spoke with the mayor, read him the names posted earlier in this blog, and he said he would neither confirm nor deny that they were the three police chief finalists.
December 7th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Buford T…..it is not too hard to find out who they were. You wonder why the council approved the new “Sneakers”; they needed a meeting place after the meetings. Stop in after the Council meetings, have a cold one, buddy up to a council member and you would be amazed as to what gets “spilled out” after the alcohol is flowing.
And just a FYI, I have never knocked anyone using a screen name, freedom of the computer, isn’t it great? And if the applicants boss has been on vacation for over a month, that’s how long the process has been going on, then I need a job like that. : }
December 7th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Buford T… P.S It is a Class 1 Misdemeanor to “blab” the issues that happen in executive session. That means the one “blabbing” could go to jail, just to help you out.
December 7th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
So who’s the leak?? This isn’t the first time something’s leaked out.
December 7th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
It is not a leak if everyone is talking about it.
December 7th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Well apparently someone downtown is leaking information that is supposed to be private.
December 7th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
I suppose it’s possible that someone who works in City Hall, or maybe an elected person, mentioned the candidates to family members at home and one of the family members told someone, who told someone, who … etc.
Another possibility is that someone watched City Hall or the council chambers, or both, the night of the special meeting to see who went into the building. The meeting was executive session, but that doesn’t mean someone couldn’t watch the buildings from the street.
It’s possible one of the candidates hung around City Hall to see who the other two candidates were.
I suppose we could think of a dozen ways, or more, of how people could find out the names, if we let our imaginations run free. But for every malicious possibility we might imagine, I bet there is an innocent possibility too.
Just an observation.
December 7th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Those are entirely possible Alicia. I do wish people would have respected the privacy of the candidates.
December 8th, 2007 at 9:35 am
#34 (community advisor), you are ridiculous as well as ignorant. The council passed sneakers just to have a meeting place? You guys and your GOB paranoia are really kookoo.
Maybe the reason they passed sneakers is because the existing building is a dump, and a new building/business would be a good addition to the city.
December 8th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
#41 Well Thank You and Merry Christmas to you as well. It was just a thought? Make “cents” to me? I really do like the pizza and the wings are the best around. I like the conversation especially after the council members have had a few! ; }
December 8th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
See Community Advisor, everyone thinks you’re an ignorant dick. So, you add to the illegal meetings of the council after their meetings….we’ll I guess you are part of the GOB.
December 9th, 2007 at 5:33 am
#43..NO NOT EVERYONE..I THINK YOUR SPEAKING FOR YOURSELF..NICE LANGUAGE (D***) YOU KISS YOUR MOTHER WITH THAT MOUTH?
December 10th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
#41 & #43 I see you both are well educated. #41 is a part of the GOB. #43 is just undereducated. I don’t think I said anything about illegal meetings, did I? I just said that at Sneakers you can get a lot of information when the beers start flowing! I don’t blog things that are out in left field. I only write what I see with my own eyes. If you wanted to take the blinders off maybe you too can see what is actually taking place at the table of GOB’S. Only one man at the whole table has enough balls to stand up for what he feels is right and go against the GOB. Watch, learn and listen would be the best advise I can give #43.
December 10th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
#33, Alica, I think it is very interesting that the Mayor would neither confirm nor deny that the three names were the three police chief finalists. He thinks if he doesn’t confirm the names that he can appoint his friend and will not have to explain why he picked him over more qualified applicants. Just a thought.
December 10th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
I do believe both outside candidates are more qualified than Mr. Else. However, word I am hearing from sources is that Beasley will be choosing Else as our next police chief. Too bad as I think we could use some new talent from outside of Brandon.
December 11th, 2007 at 1:01 am
You are correct. Mayor Larry Beesley appoints the police chief, but at least four of the six council members have to vote to approve the appointment.
December 11th, 2007 at 8:37 am
I hope and pray that Mayor Beesley chooses the best candidate from qualifications , experience and leadership.
This is probably one of the most important decision that Mayor Beesley will do as an elected official. The voters would expect him to choose the best candidate for Brandon.
December 11th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Considering some of the names mentioned in this blog have far better training and experience, I don’t see any possible way Mr. Else could be chosen. Which I feel guarantees Mr. Else the job since he is friendly with the mayor and the GOB.
I personally have not found one person who thinks Mayor Beesley will appoint the C.O.P. based on qualifications. Everyone I speak with on the subject believes he will choose Mr. Else no matter who applies for the job. I wish the Brandon info website would have a poll on mayoral confidence in this matter, maybe it could look like this:
What do you think the mayor will base his selection of C.O.P. on?
*Experience
*Qualifications
*Friendship
*Hard night drinking, and whichever candidate walks into his office first
December 11th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
OK, sorry! They shouldn’t list the last item (*Hard night drinking, and whichever candidate walks into his office first). That would not be fair to the other candidates or the people of Brandon. It would especially be unfair to the people of Brandon. It’s the safety of Mayor Beesley’s constituents that this is really about. So I guess we will find out what is more important to him: his friends, or the safety of the current and future residents of Brandon.
December 11th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
I hope beyond all hope that you are not right Buford, and Larry picks the most qualified and looks past his friendship to do this.
December 11th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
Have they posted the Resumes’ of all the candidates somewhere that I have missed?
How do we all know what their qualifications are?
If the current Sgt. Else get promoted and does not get re-appointed then he will be S.O.L out of a JOB! I do think everyone deserves a chance and I thing Sgt. Else was under the thumb of the retired Chief. Maybe he has some new ideas and just maybe they would work. If they don’t well only time will tell and that will show that he can not to the job, just like Death-Star. They all have A LOT to loose!
December 11th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
How can people say that Sgt Else doesn’t have the expierence to be C.O.P? He has been with this department for over 10 years!! I would consider that expierence! Do you know the “expierence” of any of the other applicants?? Until you do, please do not pass judgement. I’m sure that Mayor Beesley will do what is best for the city.
December 11th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Community Advisor:
I was simply taking the names that you were so kind to verify as being the candidates and looked at some of the previous jobs they have held. Now, I’m sure I don’t know every single job they’ve held back to when they were still on their momma’s apron string. But hey, if you can speculate Mr./Miss/Mrs. Advisor, so can the rest of us right?
Oh, and when you were talking about Wade Else getting a fair shot, I agree with you. Completely! But to give Wade Else the job without giving the other two candidates a fair shot is stupid and dangerous. You said, and I quote: “Maybe he (Wade Else) has some new ideas and just maybe they would work. If they don’t well only time will tell and that will show that he can not to the job.”
You do realize, if the C.O.P. has ideas that don’t work, it means the safety of your family along with everyone else who looks to the Brandon Police Department for there safety and security is jeopardized don’t you?
Are you willing to risk your family’s safety to see if someone might have what it takes to do the job? We could always take a chance, what do we have to loose right?
December 11th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
#54 Anonymous
“How can people say that Sgt Else doesn’t have the expierence to be C.O.P?”
I for one am not saying he doesn’t have the experience. I’m just saying that out of the people that Community Advisor was kind enough to verify were still in the running, he is not the best choice for C.O.P.
December 11th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Well if the names and ranks that were listed are right, I know one thing , they do have more training for one and I bet more experience. I was in the Army and retired an E7 and the Lieutenants and Captains had more training then the NCOs. I also have a brother who is a COP and I asked him about the ranks and experience. He told me that to make it to Captain you would have gone through three promotional process so they would have taken three tests and gone through three different interview, one for each promotion, so a Captain would have taken at least three test and had three interviews and a Lieutenant would have taken at least two test and had two interviews. So I don’t know much about Brandon PD, but Sergeant Else maybe took one test and maybe had one interview. He also said Lieutenants and Captains go through a lot of supervision and advanced supervision classes, classes I would suspect Sergeant Else has gone through. He also told me he has guys in his Department who have been there for twenty years and they would have no business running the show. Just years of working somewhere means nothing, it is what you do with it. I would suspect the other two applicants would be a better pick.
December 11th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
I had heard that one of the outside applicants is a graduate of the FBI National Academy but I don’t know which one. That sounds pretty impressive to me!
December 11th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
If that is true, that is very impressive, you have to be recommended by the ranking FBI supervisor to attend the FBI National Academy, you just don’t apply and you get to go. Very nice.
December 11th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Yes. Not every day a town the size of Brandon gets the opportunity to consider a person with those kind of credentials for it’s C.O.P.
December 11th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
You people need to realize that you are doing all of your talking on speculation. You really have no idea as to who the other candidates are, as you have no idea if you will even be here tomorrow to see if they are appointed. I would also like to say that alot people are hired with the same “good ole boy” mentality in one way or another. This is how our society works and to say that isnt true is ludacris. Most people know somebody, or knows somebody that knows somebody, etc… So before you drive Mr. Else into the ground because he knows somebody and has actually done a great job in Brandon, Grow up!! You people are ridiculous to think that our town would be in jeopardy if he got the job. I will take someone who loves the community and we know will work hard and be here forever, over someone that has great credentials and is not proven in our community. Some of you would complain no matter what the outcome. Be thankful that you live in a community that has great education, is extremely safe, has wonderful churches and still continues to hold onto its roots. Let “YOUR appointed officials” do their job and relax. GROW UP!!
December 12th, 2007 at 1:18 am
#61 - I was feeling your vibe until “and we know will work hard” –
Somehow I don’t see how running your Fantasy football league at work, or the improper use of the City vehicle for personal errands qualifies that statement
December 12th, 2007 at 1:33 am
Can Brandon afford someone who is a graduate of the FBI National Academy?
According to the Sioux Falls city employees wages database, accessible on www.argusleader.com, Dave Kull makes $89,606.40 a year and Bruce Bailey makes $79,892.80 a year. Plus benefits, I would assume.
According to the Brandon City Council minutes of Jan. 2, 2007, accessible on www.brandonsd.com, Phil Youngdale was making $64,133.22 a year.
Kull and Bailey may or may not be finalists for the Brandon chief of police job. But if they, or someone of their rank, are, would Brandon be able to match or better the wages they are getting now?
December 12th, 2007 at 8:04 am
Ok..so it takes $100k to hire the best candidate. Phil makes $65k so we have to come up with $35k. WIth a town of 8000 that a little over 4 bucks a person to hire a candidate that is hands down more qualified. I’m in for $20 for my family. Any other takers??
December 12th, 2007 at 8:41 am
100k for a COP in this dinky town? You kiddin me? No takers here.
December 12th, 2007 at 9:04 am
#63 Alica
Thank you for those facts. I agree it is a jump in wages that would take some consideration. I think that as fast as Brandon is growing I don’t think they should be ruled out on that basis. It won’t be long and we will wish our C.O.P. would have a salary of only $80,000 - $90,000.
According to the same minutes you noted Alica: Dennis Olson makes $72,246.60 per year. I for one have no problem paying the C.O.P. around the same wage as the Finance Officer, if not more!!!!!
#61 Grow Up!!!
There are very few in this blog that are driving Mr. Else to the ground as you put it. There are more people here that think we should just give Mr. Else the job because he has been a policeman in Brandon for 10+ years. That is the worst reason to give someone a promotion! OK, second worst. The worst reason would be giving a promotion to someone because they are friend or family.
Also, you say we are doing all this talking on speculation. Please remember that Community Advisor specifically verified the list of names in post #31. As I pointed out in post #32, the only way he could verify this is to be the mayor, or a member of the city council. Or maybe he is a member of the BPD and he ran the plates of those that went to the meeting? I’m sure they wouldn’t do that though; it would be borderline harassment to run someone’s plates for absolutely no reason.
December 12th, 2007 at 9:09 am
#65 huh? Says:
100k for a COP in this dinky town? You kiddin me? No takers here.
You’re kidding me right? You won’t pay $100K for the C.O.P. but you will pay $75K for the city finance officer?
I for one want the person in charge of my family’s safety to make more than the person controlling the cities money! If the city goes bankrupt, nobody dies!
December 12th, 2007 at 9:12 am
Wow, now we don’t want to give the best qualified applincat the job because it would cost to much. What is the right price to pay for a best qualified applicant. I know that in the paper there was a salary range and the highest pay wasn’t $100,000 per year. The backers of Sergeant Else can’t back their arguements to have him appointed and they are getting upset.
December 12th, 2007 at 9:36 am
Buford….. You are worried about your families safety and you rationalize it by comparing it to the pay scale for a COP in a dinky town? Throwing money at the COP position does not guarantee a safer community.
Since you brought up death, tell me how many murders Brandon has had in its history.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:22 am
#69 huh?
I never said we should throw money at the position. That would be like giving someone the position and pay even though they are not the most qualified person for the job.
As far as murders in Brandon? I don’t know how many there have been since the town was started. I would like to know if you are saying that since our crime is so low we don’t need a C.O.P. that knows how to run a police department? Or since our crime is so low, we don’t need a police department at all? That appears to be your line of thinking!
When it comes to the PD, we need to be proactive, rather than reactive. We need to have a C.O.P. that we are confident in. A C.O.P., that if crime were to start to become a real problem would have experience in dealing with it. Since Brandon is growing very rapidly, we are not going to be a “dinky town” as you so fondly think of it much longer. We should be hiring a C.O.P. that can deal with the future of Brandon. Not one that can deal with the past crime rates!
Now, before the ignorant people start blathering about me knocking Wade, and saying I’m picking on him. I am not saying “don’t pick him”. This is my retort to those people who say we should hire Wade because “he’s been here for 10+ years”. If the only qualification Wade has, is 10+ years of service, then I could never put him in charge.
For those of you who are employed, if they chose the CEO of your company because they had worked there for 10+ years, how long do you think your company would survive? There has to be more on a resume for C.O.P. then 10+ years of service people!
December 12th, 2007 at 10:29 am
#69, you are what I’m talking about. Ha Ha. I bet you have someone you work with who has been working at your business for 10 + years and I bet you money you would not want him running the show. I know the big businesses don’t hire just on years of service, you should grow up.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:44 am
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Brandon was the 14th largest city in South Dakota, with a population of 5,693. Brandon has grown since then and now has a population nearing 8,000. Steve Metli, the former city planner for Sioux Falls, told me that in 20 years, Brandon will be the third largest city in the state.
Even now, Brandon must be higher than 14th on the list. In 2000, Madison had 6,540 people and Sturgis had 6,442 people. It’s unlikely they’ve grown as fast as Brandon in the last decade.
In 2000, Spearfish had 8,606 people and Vermillion had 9,765 people. Will they grow at the same rate as Brandon in the next 20 years? By the 2010 census, Brandon may have more population than Vermillion.
By America’s standards, Sioux Falls is a dinky town. Heck, the entire population of South Dakota is less than many cities’. But by South Dakota standards, Brandon is not such a small town.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:43 am
About the time they created the ‘interim’ chief position, there was discussion about creating an “Assistant Chief” postion. Alicia, do you recall where that discussion went? Is it possible that could be still filled or was that idea killed?
December 12th, 2007 at 11:46 am
Buford T. - I guess I still did not see any resumes’ posted anywhere? If I missed it please direct me toward them so I could review them also. Otherwise as to their education it is all merely speculation. Tell me this; If you worked for a company for 10 to 15 years and were in the position to move up to VP or GM whatever, and was passed over how long would you continue to work there? I believe this may tell others that there is no hope on ever moving to the top and I would move on. Just a thought?
December 12th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Ok, here we go. I own a business in Sioux Falls and employ 40 people, from mid manager, office staff and such. I recently hired a manager and me the person who was most qualified. I have two workers that work for me and have of over twenty years, but they were not qualified for my new management position.
I know City Government doesn’t always do things like a business does them, but if they did I think things would be done better and cheaper. I know for a fact that to get promoted in the School System you have to be qualified and have all the appropriate classes, I believe up to a Masters Degree, so I know Larry under stands who is most qualified and who is not.
Also, if Sergeant Else doesn’t get the Chief position he will not lose his job. I know that was the big concern when the Council was talking about contract with the Sheriff’s Office, which I will admit I had a little empathy for Sergeant Else on that accord, but I tell you I don’t on this one. If the listed names of applicants are correct and, I believe the are, and I see someone has checked and they do hold the High Ranking position in the Sioux Falls PD, this is a no brainer.
Larry you have to be a leader on this and pick the most qualified applicant and I believe that is not Sergeant Wade Else and I am not picking on Mr. Else, but this makes the best business since and is best since for Brandon.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
75, not all businesses have hiring practices like you stated. Some companies value time served. UPS is a prime example. They promote based on seniority. You could be a Harvard Grad. and it does not mean diddly.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
#74 Community Advisor
You confound me! You apparently have access to information only the mayor and/or city council has to verify the names posted earlier that were the final 3. Now you tell me you are not able to verify resumes? How can that be? Unless, you yourself are speculating on the final 3 applicants. Or could it be, you’ve merely talked to someone who might have such access to this privy information? Maybe other people have had the same idea and are asking about the 3 supposed final applicants?
Now, as far as getting passed over after 10 or 15 years. If I was general labor and I got passed over for the CEO position it would make perfect sense. I have no qualifications to be the CEO. Let’s say I had been with the company for 15 years, and had been a manager for about 5 of them. If I were a manager or supervisor (comparable to a Sgt) and got passed over for the CEO (comparable to C.O.P.) position. Again, no I wouldn’t be upset. That is a huge advancement. It’s asinine for someone to think that just because they’ve been there the longest, they should get the job! There isn’t a company out there that would take a look around and say “you’ve been here the longest, you run the company”. At least not a company that plans on staying open for long!
December 12th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
#76 Anonymous
Tell me the last time UPS made one of their truck drivers with 10 years of experience the CEO of the company?
December 12th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Mr. T. (I pitty the fool) Justice, you are comparing a CEO of a company to the Chief of Police in a small town. Thats funny stuff.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
#79, I pitty you. Do you understand the liability that falls on the Chief of Police and then the City. And this is no longer a small town and will be the one of the largest in 10 years in the projection are right. Haven’t you been listening to the School Board or is you head in the sand and you are also the the Wade Else band wagon.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
#79 Anonymous
I agree it is funny.
If the CEO of a company screws up people lose their job. If the C.O.P. (even in a small town) screws up it could cost people their life.
I guess that isn’t funny is it?
“Nobody makes Buford T. Justice look like a possums pecker!”
December 12th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Police work is a lot different from administrative work. Even police administrative work.
I don’t know how much training police departments give their sergeants (or captains or lieutenants). Perhaps much. Perhaps little. I don’t know how much administrative or management training each of the candidates has pursued on their own. Perhaps much. Perhaps little.
There are many things to consider when deciding on the best choice. In narrowing down the pool of applicants to three, the mayor has had the help of the city administrator and the city human resources director.
We may know the name of the mayor’s choice very soon, as early as Monday, perhaps.
Lately I’ve been thinking of a community theater production I worked on a few years ago. When the cast for the play was announced, some of the choices seemed really odd, considering who had auditioned. Frankly, I thought the director was sort of nuts for some of the casting. It was much later that I discovered the director had offered certain parts to people who made much better sense for those parts. But they had turned him down. Why? Unforseen schedule conflicts. The person had his or her heart set on a different part than the one offered. Various reasons.
This memory may or may not have anything to do with the Brandon chief of police decision, except to say that we are not privy to all the discussion that goes on behind the scenes, and so we must not jump to conclusions about why things turn out the way they do.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Here is an example of qualification for a Police Chief. Please read it and really think logically about this.
Chief of police–appointment–qualifications—compensation.
The board of police commissioners shall appoint a chief of police who shall be the chief police administrative and law enforcement officer of such cities. The chief of police shall be chosen by the board solely on the basis of his or her executive and administrative qualifications and his or her demonstrated knowledge of police science and administration with special reference to his or her actual experience in law enforcement leadersh.. At the time of the appointment, the chief shall not be more than sixty years of age, shall have had at least five years’ executive experience in a governmental police agency and shall be certified by a surgeon or physician to be in a good physical condition, and shall be a citizen of the United States and be willing to become a resident of the city in which he or she is appointed as chief of police. In order to secure and retain the highest type of police leadership within the departments of such cities, the chief shall receive a salary of not less than eighty thousand two hundred eleven dollars, nor more than one hundred fifty-one thousand two hundred ninety-six dollars per annum.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Not sure where your description came from - but there is a sentence that states “be willing to become a resident of the city in which he or she is appointed…” My question is, if one of the others mentioned is appointed, do you really think they will relocate to Brandon? And will the council require them to move? I believe the C.O.P. needs to be visable and part of the community.
December 12th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
#84, I don’t know what the qualifications the Brandon Chief position are, but I bet they will have to move to Brandon. And I bet this was address in the interviews. I get a kick out of this, just keep things the status quo. GOB all the way.
December 12th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
I distinctly remember the employment ad stating a bachelors degree was preferable. Do all the candidates have a bachelors degree??
December 12th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Here is all I can find regarding Chief Of Police in the ordinance book: 1-4-3
The chief of police shall have the general supervision of all the members of the police force, and shall insure that the ordinances of the City of Brandon and the laws of the State of South Dakota are enforced within City limits. His duties include all those which are ordinarily undertaken by the Chief of Police and granted by local ordinances and the State.
http://www.brandonsd.com/
December 12th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
“shall insure”? The police chief is required to take out insurance? (Should be “ensure.”)
“His duties”? A woman can’t be hired as police chief?
Ok, I’m just teasing. These are things (let’s call them typos) that probably ought to be corrected, though. Even though a reasonable person would understand the meaning behind the ordinance, I suppose it’s possible someone might insist on interpreting the ordinance literally. These days, people sue over the smallest of details.
December 12th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Buford T. – I told you where I found out the candidates of the C. O.P. So where did you see the resumes’? Again mere speculation? An yes if one of the other candidates are hired for SFPD then as stated in the requirements they are required to live in the Brandon City Limits within 1 year of hire. And we are not talking general labor issues here. There are some requirements to being a police officer and C.O.P. I bet if you were up or in the position for a promotion at your current job and got passed over you would look at other alternatives? I know I would!
December 12th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
#88 Alica
a.k.a “Grammar Police”…..LOL
You are correct it should be ensure, I’ll take myself out back for 30 lashings!
Unfortunately, according to Brandon’s ordinance book, it is ‘His Duties’. I do believe that should be updated, women can make very good C.O.P’s.
#89 Community Advisor
You typed: “An yes if one of the other candidates are hired for SFPD then as stated in the requirements they are required to live in the Brandon City Limits within 1 year of hire.”
I don’t even know where to begin. I think you meant to type: And yes, if one of the other candidates were to be hired for C.O.P., then as stated in the requirements, they are required to live in the Brandon city limits within 1 (one) year of hire. If not, please re iterate to me what you meant.
As for being passed over for a promotion. If I were to be passed over, and the person they hired were to be less qualified, less experience and less training, then yes I would look to move on somewhere else. Why would you work for a company who puts people in charge that don’t know what they are doing?
On the other hand, if the person I was passed over for turned out to have more training, more experience, and be a better candidate. I would enjoy working for them, as they could teach me what I need to know to become a better candidate in the future.
If I were in Wade’s shoes, and one of the candidates really did have training at the national FBI academy. I would ask the mayor to appoint that person as C.O.P. and here is why. Because so few people ever get the chance to go through that training, it would give me someone to learn from that has had it. Now, that may mean that I won’t ever get the chance to be C.O.P. of Brandon, but it may give me the opportunity elsewhere. Having a reference on a resume like that, can make a world of difference!
December 12th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
This is a tough one for the mayor; or an easy one depending on your outlook. The sheer weight of the experience and qualifications of the outside applicants is truly impressive. Nothing against Mr. Else, but Brandon is a growing community and needs someone of high credentials to lead the department into the future as it continues to grow. Now is the time for strong leadership and foresight. The citizens of Brandon deserve no less.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
do you really think that if money was the issue would those other 2 have applied for the job? doubt it..remember city council and wade..your under very close scrutiny. the majority think that the other 2 are more qualified..gonna BUCK the opinion?? probably since the temp vacant seat was given to a lesser qualified candidate.
December 13th, 2007 at 7:49 am
Just wondering if anyone has seen the plans for SD Highway 100?
If not, go out to www.siouxfalls.org and check it out. I wouldn’t plan on Brandon staying a dinky town much longer. With a 6-lane freeway to the west of Brandon, and interstate to the north, there will be ample growth opportunity for not only population and business, but crime as well!
December 13th, 2007 at 8:15 am
I am getting the biggest kick out of all of this. Remember back when there was a discussion with contracting with the Sheriff’s Office and the large amount of money the City would have saved. The same people that are now saying they don’t think they can pay for a more qualified candidate were the ones who wanted to pay more for the same old department. I look at the posting and there is a pay range.
We all know the two applicants from the Sioux Falls PD have more training and experience that is apparent. But if one of the candidates did go to the FBI Academy and with Brandon’s proposed expansion, we need that experience.
December 13th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
#91 aka city council member/ Is this how you demonstrate professionalism? You speak of high credentials to lead the City of Brandon into the future. What are the credentials you are bringing to the table? Do you have a college education or any skills that qualify you to be leading our fine city?
December 13th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
Mr. or Mrs. Constituent,
I’m flattered, I think, but, no, I’m not on the council. I don’t even live in Brandon. But I believe that all of us in the area have a vested interested in having well-trained, experienced, professional persons leading our municipal agencies. This seems to be a no-brainer to me, as it does to many on this forum. Anyway, we should all know who the pick is in a few days. Best of luck Brandon!
December 13th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
#95, or aka Sergeant Else, were did you go to college? What was your major? What was your grade point average? Beside your college, if you do have it, what Law Enforcement training have your received? I see one of the other applicants went to the FBI Academy, do you have any advanced supervision trainig? I feel like most people on this blog, the other two are better trained, have more experience and are now serving as command staff. I’m sorry but I feel one of them should be appointed and I know I am not alone.
December 14th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
We should know on Monday night maybe at the council meeting? Any bets? Then we can meet at Sneakers for beers, maybe the new Chief can buy?
December 14th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
#98, Sounds like you know who the new Chief is going to be.
December 14th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
The chief of police issue is not on Monday night’s agenda,so I don’t believe we’ll know yet.
December 15th, 2007 at 12:55 am
If there really is this kind of personal relationships and misconduct going on from the Mayors Office - you might want to read SD Codified Law
-13-30. Petition for recall–Number of signers–Form–Time for signing. A petition signed by fifteen percent of the registered voters of the first or second class municipality, based upon the total number of registered voters at the last preceding general election, demanding the election of a successor to the mayor, commissioner, or alderman sought to be removed shall be filed with the auditor and presented by the auditor to the governing body. The allowable grounds for removal are misconduct, malfeasance, nonfeasance, crimes in office, drunkenness, gross incompetency, corruption, theft, oppression, or gross partiality. The petition shall contain a specific statement of the grounds on which removal is sought. The form for the municipal recall petition shall be prescribed by the state Board of Elections pursuant to chapter 1-26. No signature on a petition is valid if signed more than sixty days prior to the filing of the petitions.
December 16th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
I think you mean SDCL 9-13-30; 9-13-30. Petition for recall–Number of signers–Form–Time for signing. A petition signed by fifteen percent of the registered voters of the first or second class municipality, based upon the total number of registered voters at the last preceding general election, demanding the election of a successor to the mayor, commissioner, or alderman sought to be removed shall be filed with the auditor and presented by the auditor to the governing body. The allowable grounds for removal are misconduct, malfeasance, nonfeasance, crimes in office, drunkenness, gross incompetency, corruption, theft, oppression, or gross partiality. The petition shall contain a specific statement of the grounds on which removal is sought. The form for the municipal recall petition shall be prescribed by the state Board of Elections pursuant to chapter 1-26. No signature on a petition is valid if signed more than sixty days prior to the filing of the petitions.
Or your could use; SDCL 3-17-6. Grounds for removal of local officers from office. Any officer of any local unit of government may be charged, tried, and removed from office for misconduct, malfeasance, nonfeasance, crimes in office, drunkenness, gross incompetency, corruption, theft, oppression, or gross partiality.
I believe there has been a president set this year with the Yankton recall and I also think that if the Mayor picks the new Chief just because they are friend it would fit gross partiality and I also think gross incompetency.
December 17th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
#102, I think you mean precedent set this year with Yankton, not president. But I agree.
December 17th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
This is all very interesting, but the fact that there is no decision as of yet is curious.
Is there some disagreement between the principals making the decisions here? Does the Mayor have his man but doesn’t have the enough of the council behind him?
No doubt negotiations are underway. They will likely only make an annoucement when there is consensus. Let’s hope that the community interest is served here and not individual interests.
December 18th, 2007 at 8:34 am
After reading these blogs, do you really think the Mayor is going to appoint Sgt Else, just because they are friends, over other who are more qualified. I can’t believe he would do that to Brandon. I think he is a big enough guy to do the right thing or a least I hope he is.
December 18th, 2007 at 9:51 am
Alica, #104 is right. If you are still checking this blog, could you find out were we are at with the Chief appointment and why it is taking so Long. Thank you for your continued help.
December 18th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
This is becoming tedious. If the information posted here as to who the 3 candidates are is correct, then the choice is clear. For this to drag out suggests that the process has become largely political. That means that, once again, in some way the citizens lose.
December 19th, 2007 at 10:13 am
The mayor has made his choice, however, salary negotiations have not been completed as of Monday. I inquired about this from city hall. Mayor Beesley will not announce his decision until that is done.
December 19th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
#108, you seem to know a lot!!!
Who is your best bet to be our new Chief?
Did Mayor Beesley go with the most qualified person or with his drinking buddy? If he is in cahoots with his buddy, then we should look at what #101 and #102 were talking about and make some changes that will help this community, I’m getting really sick of the Gobs. Alica, can you help and find out were we are with this??
December 19th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
A member of the press usually is in the know.
December 20th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Well, then I bet a personal friend will be getting the appointment. Time to follow in the foot steps of Yankton and recall the Mayor.
December 20th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
#111 Anonymous
Don’t forget, the City Council has to approve the mayors choice by at least 4 approving the selection also.
December 20th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Well, I quess we will see if the people we elected have the City’s best interests in mind or just will blindly go along with the Mayor. I think it may be time to make some changes.
December 21st, 2007 at 5:30 pm
All you ever do is whine, I am sick of your posts.
December 25th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Bureacracy moves slow at times as evidenced by this process. One would think that with the New Year in sight, however, that our questions will be answered shortly.
December 31st, 2007 at 6:35 am
What the heck is the holdup?? something’s amiss here.
December 31st, 2007 at 8:49 am
Rumor has it the Captain from SF got the job. So all you Wade bashers can go celebrate now.