As a retired chief of police, and father of Lake Stevens City Administrator Jan Berg, I feel compelled to respond to the letter, “City administrator’s role questioned”: I found it interesting the writers failed to inform readers of their family connection to one of the police officers who was recently the focus of the department concerning his conduct. Losing a chief of police is always difficult within a police department and the city. A review by the Washington Association of Chiefs of Police revealed within the department a long-term lack of administrative leadership and control by the former police chief.
Concerning Jan’s loyalty to the city, I have observed her work many hours for the city over what is expected above and beyond her required duties in representing the city. Hiring a new police chief requires candidates to pass an extensive background check which includes a polygraph and psychological examination to find the right fit for the city and staff within the department. This sometimes takes an extended period of time. In the meantime, I would encourage the citizens of Lake Stevens to support their mayor, city administrator and city council in their difficult task of finding the right fit to fill their police chief position. I know this will bring the police department to the level of professionalism the city of Lake Stevens deserves.
Jim Tagart
Snohomish
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