It’s too bad Jeff Miller, the lone finalist to fill the
Hollister police chief position, didn’t see the selection process
through to its end.
It’s too bad Jeff Miller, the lone finalist to fill the Hollister police chief position, didn’t see the selection process through to its end.
Miller survived initial interviews. He survived an oral review board that included three police chiefs to become one of three finalists out of a field of eight. He survived the background check. All these checks and balances were conducted by the city.
He then was selected as the last candidate standing, poised to have his experience brought before the Council on Monday night to be hired or denied.
However, Miller backed out at the 11th hour, citing negative comments about his past experience as the police chief in Rohnert Park, where he resigned because of internal pressure from the police and firefighters union and concerns from the Rohnert Park City Council.
Through it all, though, Miller had the recommendation of Hollister’s city manager, the top city official. And it appeared Miller, despite all the concerns regarding his past experience, had the backing of City Council, which we are of the understanding would have confirmed his hiring.
This show of confidence by the city manager and the Council says a lot about the man.
Miller was a captain and second-in-command with the Los Gatos Police Department. In Rohnert Park, Miller was the public safety director, overseeing the police and fire departments.
However, this isn’t to say there were no concerns. The Hollister Police Officers Association had issues about Miller’s past record and his ability to build positive morale. The City Council had its concerns, also. During the selection process, many members didn’t seem to know of Miller’s past.
But, the Council agreed to hire two additional police officers Monday, a sign the city isn’t neglecting the department, and most likely the Council would have confirmed Miller’s selection.
He may have brought some baggage into Hollister, but the city’s top officials believed it wasn’t something he would have repeated. We will never know. And that’s too bad.
Now, a new candidate will come forward from the field of seven semifinalists. Let’s hope this time around, all involved officials are made aware of the candidate’s background from the start.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or fax to 637-4104 or e-mail to
ed****@fr***********.com
