EDITORIAL: Washington officials should provide some clues as to the procedure for replacing Chief Paul Krych.
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Washington Township officials have talked about making the government more responsive and open to the people, which is why the secrecy surrounding the selection of a police chief is confounding.
Police and public works routinely make up the most costly portions of a municipality’s budget, so taxpayers have a right to know what’s going on.
Current Chief Paul Krych, who joined the department in 1972 and was named chief in 1974, is retiring at the end of the year. He leaves under a shroud of allegations that he and former Lt. Ralph Fiasco abused their power in dealing with the department’s officers. Lt. Fiasco retired in June. Supporters of the chief have said the allegations were politically motivated and part of a power play within the department.
During initial public discussion, the Township Committee talked about testing for the chief’s position. In fact, given the controversy surrounding the department, some members thought both oral and written tests should be given.
Now, according to Chief Krych, no tests will be given and Lt. Robert Woodruff will be appointed chief. Lt. Woodruff will remain in that position for two years, at which point Lt. Martin Masseroni will take over, according to Chief Krych.
Nobody on the Township Committee is willing to talk publicly about the situation, other than to say options are being explored. Because it all involves ongoing personnel moves, most of the discussion has taken place in executive session. The committee is not obligated to divulge information until a conclusion is reached.
But it’s also not obligated to keep the public totally in the dark, and in so doing cast a shadow over its decision as well as the administration of the new chief.
Given the controversy, every effort should be made to be up front about the situation. Lt. Woodruff might be the best candidate for the job. Testing might not be necessary. But if the secrecy continues the decision, whatever it is, will be suspect. Any appointment will smack of back-room politics, whether or not that’s the case.