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City defines its wish-list for police chief By AMBER FOSSEN Ashland Daily Tidings After compiling information from city officials and residents alike, the city has defined what it's looking for in its next police chief. A recruitment brochure, posted on the City of Ashland Web site, was developed by California-based Shannon Executive Search after conducting interviews and receiving information from the Ashland community, city council and city staff. The end result is a comprehensive overview of what Ashland wants in its next police chief. One local officer expressed his intention to apply Friday. Eighteen-year APD veteran Lt. Mike Bianca is interested in the top post. "It's time to get serious about it," Bianca said. The selected candidate will replace Ashland Police Department Chief Scott Fleuter, 44, who was diagnosed with lupus. He completed his sixth year as Ashland's chief before retiring after 20 years in law enforcement. According to Ashland City Councilman John Morrison, the recruitment brochure is the result of significant input from the community and city council gathered in June by Shannon executives. "I think it was a list put together by a lot of people's views, and is comprehensive," Morrison said, noting the recruitment firm was used to get the broadest pool of talent to apply. City Administrator Gino Grimaldi said he anticipates having the position appointed and filled by early next year. "What I anticipate is candidates will be in town for interviews in late October," Grimaldi said, later adding that someone would be appointed by the end of November. "We would like to have someone in the position after the first of the year." Interested applicants have until Sept. 22 to be considered for the position, according to city officials. So what is the "ideal" candidate? Applicants have to be proven leaders with previous experience in commanding a law enforcement agency with a strong, community-oriented emphasis. They must also be able to work effectively with elected and appointed officials, possess solid administrative skills and be able to view issues outside the exclusive realm of policing. The selection process will place significant weight on a candidate's history of building strong, cohesive teams and a department that reflects a common set of values and priorities within the community. In addition, candidates must address some priorities in the early stages of tenure including: Strengthening internal and external working relationships; engaging stakeholders; improving the department's relationship with the community's teenage and young adult populations; and in collaboration with the fire chief, assess the status of recent 911 dispatch consolidation conversion to ensure compliance with service and response expectations among many other priorities. The salary ranges between $77,400 to $87,000 including benefits. Along with an extensive laundry list of qualifications, the brochure also includes detailed information about the Ashland community. While the search focuses primarily on candidates from the west coast and pacific northwest region, it has stirred some local interest. For a complete APD Chief candidate search overview, log on to www.ashland.or.us LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -