City Council Starts Search For New Police Chief

The city of Eureka is taking the first steps in the process to finding Garr Neilson's permanent replacement. The city council met to discuss the preliminary procedure of finding a new police chief...newschannel 3's Cameron Cramer has the details.
" I don't want to go Westside, Eastside, that kind of thing, I think it just needs to be the city talking." Said Counilwoman Marian Brady
An open discussion, by way of at least two public forums to hear what residents want in their new chief
"My goal with this is to really get input and participation, not just a soundingboard for people that want gripe about the process, but actually invite them to be part of the process.” Said Councilwoman Melinda Ciarabellini
Residents stressed being able to have a conversation with the city...
"When we come here and speak there is no opportunity for dialog, none, and that's a frustration.”
Mayor Jager did have a rebuttal...
"In regards to dialog, in that whole process, there were a few people, and I’m justsaying a few, that called me on my phone, I called them back and we had a long dialog."
At this point the dates, times and locations of the meetings aren't clear, but have been tentatively schedule for August and September because the council agreed that the hiring process shouldn't take place overnight.
"We've got the police department in the able hands of Mr. Harpham, and itthink it would behoove us not to rush this process." Said Jager