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Bellamy appointed Ritchie to replace Slater attorney George L. Stafford, who became ill just 30 minutes into Bockstetter's March 10 bench trial. Stafford filed a request to withdraw from the case March 31.
A new trial date has not been set.
Related stories:
Bockstetter trial interrupted:
www.marshallnews.com/story/1617351.html
Bockstetter opts for bench trial:
www.marshallnews.com/story/1607992.html
Marshall police officer arrested after allegedly assaulting teen:
www.marshallnews.com/story/1606998.html
**Contact Kathy Fairchild at marshallhealth@socket.net
Comments
It says "Leaves of absence MAY be granted at the discretion of the police personnel board for the PURPOSE of seeking public office or other just causes."
In this case he does not need a leave of absence to run because it does not require campaining(which would be the pupose to need leave). All he had to do was put his name in the ring. He doesnt need leave to do that. The ordinance is basically saying that they are allowed to run and may ask for leave to do so.
And what does this have to do with the Bockstetter trial anyway.....Get Well Soon George.
red dog he may not be in violation of the Personnel Policy but in a court the City Ordinance would be more important I would think than the Personnel Policy. So look at the Ordinance that is in the Police Dept section.
The 911 Commission is not a salaried position. The people on it do it free, gratis, whatever. If the position paid anything, then there would be a problem. It ain't paid so he don't got no problem.
Here's the story on Donnell's run for 911 commission:
http://www.marshallnews.com/story/162478...
Well, I like Chief Donnell but the ordinance seems pretty clear. It specifically says take an active part in any political campaign. Running for E911 board is def political... in Saline County at least.
To argue another point would be to say he should have taken a leave to run. Now election is over ordinance doesnt say he cant sit on the board.
If it is elected by the public wouldn't it be reasonable to assume that it was a public office??? and that it when the ordinance says they must have a leave approved by the Police Personnel Board.
I'm not making a judgement about whether leave is needed or not. I do think that running for a position on a board like 911 is not quite the same as running for county clerk or commissioner, for example, which is what that last sentence, at least to me, seems to cover. The remainder of the ordinance, in my opinion, is directed at political clubs or organizations like the Pachyderm Club, for example. I am not an attorney and I don't play one on TV, so I am simply delivering my own opinion based on absolutely nothing but a straight reading of the words.
I believe any court would rule that this ordinance violates the rights of the officers??
So are you saying they got a leave of absence from the Police Personnel Board? Read the last couple of line of your quote and then justify that they can run for an elected office without the leave of absence approved by the Police Personnel Board. It would seem reasonable to expect everyone to go by the rules.
Here's the applicable city ordinance. It refers to political groups or clubs, not public office. The 911 board is a county entity
Sec. 22-33. Activity with political groups; restrictions.
No person holding an office in the classified service provided for in this article shall accept or seek election, nomination or appointment as an officer of a political club or organization, or take an active part in a political campaign or serve as a member of a committee of any such club or organization, or act as a worker at the polls, or distribute badges or literature favoring or opposing a candidate for election or nomination to any public office; provided, however, nothing herein shall prevent such person from becoming or continuing to be a member of a political club or organization, or from attending any political meeting, or from enjoying freedom from interference in casting his vote. Leaves of absence may be granted at the discretion of the police personnel board for the purpose of seeking public office or other just causes.
(Code 1967, § 24-18; Ord. No. 6057, § 21, 2-4-85)
HankH, I think policy says they can't run or hold a city office position. The 911 office is county, isn't it?
I am not sure about this. Someone else might know for sure.
It seems like the Police Dept has other troubles. In the election yesterday 2 officers ran for elected offices and there is a City Ordinances that prohibits that unless they take a leave of absence and it is approved by the Police Personnel Board.
Maybe they are on leave but I would guess not.
Just because he is a cop, does not mean that he is innocent.. I like Scott too, but if he is quilty, than he will pay the price of his crime...
Come on people-- abuser's come in all shapes and forms, all economic backgrounds-- not saying he is guilty but don't discredit this child either-- if he is guilty some of these posts are making her a victim all over again
I know Scott. I like Scott. That being said, it doesn't mean that he's not guilty. Corruption in Marshall? No way! None of us know what goes on behind closed doors.
I hope all goes well with this issue Scott. You are one of the few good ones left in law enforcement and this has corruption written all over it. Just another case of marshalls corruption at its best.
Good Luck Scott...Hope it all goes good for you!!