Darien board shifts police management

By ANN MARIE AMES ( Contact )   Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009
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— The Darien Village Board on Monday night unanimously voted to put Administrator Marc Dennison in charge of some police administrative duties.

Board members failed to agree on a motion to seek a settlement with suspended Chief Steve DeVoy.

Dennison and Sgt. Mike Maltese have been working together to schedule officers. But that is getting more difficult as the number of officers shrinks, said Maltese, who is acting chief.

Because Maltese is a union member, he cannot override union rules when it comes to scheduling, he said. That has created some situations where the number of officers working doesn't correspond with possible demands during a shift, police committee Chairman John Evans said.

As a manager, Dennison will be able to make those changes, Evans said. The police committee last week suggested the change.

The board did not agree on the committee's other suggestion Monday, voting 3-2 against giving the committee the authority to settle with DeVoy.

DeVoy has been suspended with pay since December.

Evans suggested the committee meet in closed session with DeVoy and without attorneys. If the committee settles with DeVoy, the village could avoid a pending hearing that could either uphold or turn down a previous decision to fire the chief, Evans said.

Board members Evelyn Etten and Debi Olmstead voted in favor of the suggestion. Members Kurt Zipp, Bob Wenzel and Cheryl Kaufenberg voted against it.

Board member Jim Abbott abstained, and member Craig McCue was absent.







reader COMMENTS (74)
badgerboy
Oct 28, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
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fedupindarien, see what I mean?

coyote
Oct 28, 2009 at 5:03 p.m.
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GOOD BUDDY???

tatersalad
Oct 28, 2009 at 12:03 p.m.
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Why doesn't somebody hire a good PI and dig up the dirt on this wanna be. I'm sure there is plenty out there. My good buddy at Rock Co SO has some stories. WOW !

tatersalad
Oct 28, 2009 at 12:02 p.m.
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REMEMBER ORFORDVILLE !!!!!!!!
REMEMBER ALBANY !!!!!!!!!!!!!
REMEMBER DARIEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!

tatersalad
Oct 28, 2009 at noon
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I haven't been online in awhile, has Maltese been fired yet? If not, what is that village waiting for? Weed out the bad apples, they make the rest of us good cops look bad.

tatersalad
Oct 28, 2009 at 11:58 a.m.
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mymoron
Is this Maltese's union lawyer?

williepeter
Oct 28, 2009 at 12:30 a.m.
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mymaro
If you don't care about Darien, then get off this blog. Why do you insist on being an idiot when this is Dariens article. Go away.

windixie
Oct 27, 2009 at 7:34 p.m.
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marolyn - If nobody cares, why do you still come back on here? You seem to contradict yourself. ( Again, mission accomplished.)

mymaro
Oct 27, 2009 at 12:39 p.m.
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windixie, mymomma? Very original, did you learn that before or after you dropped out of the 7th grade? And no, nobody cares about Darien, it is as irrelevant as you.

badgerboy
Oct 27, 2009 at 12:26 p.m.
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fedupindarien, I certainly made no reference to any comments made by you or any one individual. I certainly appreciate your desire to go past the foolishness exhibited at those village board meetings. As I have prior ties to the village I also wish to see these blogs continue. However when a few individuals begin with name calling, create innuendos, and offer nothing except grade school playground behavior then it's time to shut things down, in my opinion. With rare exception, every story about Darien results in the site staff disabling comments for that story. That shuts off one avenue of information for the rest of us.

fedupindarien
Oct 27, 2009 at 6:46 a.m.
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Badgerboy,
If you are refering to my comment let me explain myself. The definition of moron is "foolish or stupid", the definition of irresponsble is"lacking a sense of responsibility. If you have ever attended a village board meeting you will agree that this, foolish lack of responsibility, happens all the time. I am just sharing my observations like the gazette rules state. When the board,and mainly an group of four, keep approving spending money, tax payer money, on foolish things,(signs,chaimsaws,hearings),I think I have a right to state my concern. You have even stated that the village should be disolved because they can't govern themselves. Well as a resident of Darien I want to see a positive change to prove negative people like you wrong.

badgerboy
Oct 26, 2009 at 1:33 p.m.
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Gazette Staff, time to pull the plug on yet another Darien blog that had deteriorated into a he said-she said, name calling kids playground.

yougot2bkidding
Oct 26, 2009 at 12:16 p.m.
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Count me and my wife in!

fedupindarien
Oct 26, 2009 at 9:56 a.m.
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Would there happen to be 3 citizens of Darien that would be willing to fill the shoes of the 3 that irresponsible morons if we do a recall. I'm ready to sign a petition.

taxpayingresident
Oct 26, 2009 at 12:27 a.m.
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nancyboy the four members of the board are against all citizens. Why would they continue a baseless rant against our chief that we all want back and always act like they think they own the village? They were given an option by the committee and they declined to work it all out and save us money. They said no because they are full of themselves and need to be in control.

Now they're costing us all a ton of money. People aren't happy here.

They see these idiots are out for their ownself interest, not the voters. STOP COSTING ME MONEY. This could've been solved with no more lawyers. And they said no.

We're seeing what kind of governing they're doing. OMG, trust me on this....... they can say bye in April.
I'm not even on their radar as a citizen.

williepeter
Oct 25, 2009 at 12:02 p.m.
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one943
What?..........way to get your point across. Good job.

windixie
Oct 24, 2009 at 10:49 p.m.
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mymomma or whatever your name is-

The issues facing small communities are very important, and when they are dictated by only a few people ruling the rest, its like living in a Communist country.

If you don't care about their community, or want to solve a problem, why do you post here?

To be an uninformed ass?

Mission accomplished.

one943
Oct 24, 2009 at 3:16 p.m.
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I'm thinking williepeter is married & the only time he can something is here.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:21 p.m.
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I'm sorry, but I have to get ready for work. You have a nice day.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:19 p.m.
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So if you don't have a clue as to what you are posting here.....do us a favor....go away. This is Darien's article.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:18 p.m.
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Ask, because they do give a crap. They ALL do.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:17 p.m.
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Not even close, dude.

mymaro
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:16 p.m.
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I highly doubt any cops outside of Darien give a crap about this Maltese guy or you bf Devoy. Darien is irrelevant.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:16 p.m.
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Gee since the article is about Darien, lets talk about Delavan......Dah. You don't wanna hear about Darien then stay off their articles.

lovethemidwest
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:15 p.m.
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Wp, are you a product of the great school system known as DDHS?

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:14 p.m.
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mymaro and one943
I dare you both to ask a cop about Maltese and see what kind of reaction you get. Ask the people who actually know what they are talking about.

lovethemidwest
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:13 p.m.
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Oh my gosh, are you people seriously debating Darien politics? Who the hell cares about that slum? Its clear by WPs posts that the intelligence level in that hole hasnt improved over the years. The best thing to do would be to wipe Darien off the map and make it a big park, or a landfill. Which it pretty much already is.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:12 p.m.
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Maybe we should ask you to give up your Maltese poster. You wouldn't know a good cop if he/she kicked you in the behind.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:11 p.m.
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ooooooooo........good one, you really got me there mymaro.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:10 p.m.
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To all you doubters that still believe that Maltese is actually a good cop, I dare you to ask ANY cop in Walworth or Rock County and ask them if they support Mike Maltese. I'll bet every one will say NO, and have nothing but negative things to say about him. Not a single cop supports him, yet there are uneducated citizens who still do. Why? Because the uneducated citizens don't know any better, so you can't really blame them. Maybe they should conduct some research and find out the truth. Then they wouldn't support him either.

mymaro
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:10 p.m.
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Yes one943, that would be a good thing. He seems to have a fetish with crying. They probably dont ban him entirely though due to his obvious mental instability. Dont want that on their hands. Maybe if his mom takes away his Devoy poster he would learn a lesson.

mymaro
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:04 p.m.
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Gonna cry? Wow, your intelligence is astounding. As everyone can see from all the whining and ignorance in your posts. I think if anyone is crying it is your mother, for having a child like you.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 1:03 p.m.
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Back to the real topic. The very best thing the board and police committee could have done was remove Maltese from command at the PD. Good job there. Now bring back the real Chief of Police, Steve Devoy.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 1 p.m.
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Now we have two cry babies. Boo Hoo

one943
Oct 24, 2009 at 12:58 p.m.
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mymaro
Don’t even try to explain things williepeter . He/she can’t follow the simple rules of a blog and doesn’t even understand the first amendment.
Best thing that could happen is the Gazette blocks williepeter forever.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 12:50 p.m.
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mymaro
Calm down, you gonna cry now?

mymaro
Oct 24, 2009 at 12:40 p.m.
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Your first amendment right doesnt carry over to a website that is privately controlled. They have the right to censor whatever they want to on THEIR website. If you have such a valid and important point start your own website, then you can say whatever your mind desires.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 12:34 p.m.
Suggest removal

This paper picks and chooses what they want to remove. Most of the time they choose wrong. The truth is not printed in the article, it's right here in these comments. Removing these comments hides the truth.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 12:31 p.m.
Suggest removal

mymaro
Then why are you reading it if you don't care? I obviously care, and my 1st amendment right to free speech is just that, my right. You don't like it, too bad.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 12:29 p.m.
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Zipp, Kaufenberg, and Wenzel are in this for themselves. These three could care less about the village and it's taxpayers. That was clear when Mr. Evans gave them a way out to end this rediculus witchhunt against Chief Devoy. They chose not to allow the Police Committee to resolve this issue without lawyers, that would have saved the village a ton of money. Instead, they wish to waste taxpayers money by going forward with this unfounded hearing. All I have to say is that people had better remember the three names that drove the village under come the April elections. Vote out Zipp, vote out Wenzel, and vote out Abbott. Abbott can't make a decision on his own, get rid of him. Then recall Kaufenberg ASAP after April. With these four gone, the village can return to normal and return to right.

mymaro
Oct 24, 2009 at 12:27 p.m.
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Williepeter, have you read the gazette terms and conditions? obviously not. This is their website and they can do what they want with the blogs. If you dont like it then dont post. Nobody really cares what you have to say anyways. Just a bunch of ignorant whining about the police in a village that nobody, besides the unlucky few that live there, give a crap about.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 12:09 p.m.
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Maltese is a joke and everybody knows it except a select few. Mike you need to resign too and go back to campground security.

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 12:08 p.m.
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Zipp is a joke....why don't you resign from the board and save us all the headache Kurt. You are one of the biggest problems that this whole witchhunt is about. You are the one that needs to go.
Now that somebody else is speaking up and taking a stand against the corrupt officials in the village, they want him out too. Chief Devoy spoke up and opposed the wrong doings and look what it got him. Watch your step John, the crooks are after you now.

tjamway
Oct 24, 2009 at 7:40 a.m.
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Darien Village Board Trustee Otto Zipp statements to the Police Committee Chairman following the Village Board's 4-2 decision to not allow the Police Committee the opportunity to negotiate a settlement - "we have a very serious difference of opinion." "I suggest that you resign from the police committee."

williepeter
Oct 24, 2009 at 12:13 a.m.
Suggest removal

to the site staff
Stop censoring this blog. What happened to the 1st ammendment? Freedom of speech is non-existant with this paper. Nice job of hiding the truth.

williepeter
Oct 23, 2009 at 2:58 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
williepeter
Oct 23, 2009 at 2:57 p.m.
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ncboy
You mean, there are 4 board members who want whats best for themselves.....I'm sure that's what you meant.

ncboy
Oct 23, 2009 at 1:05 p.m.
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yougot2bkidding
A K A Robert, The people of Darien need to know that you are so smart and have all the answers. You should run for the Board in the spring election. NOT. What I read in the paper is that there are 4 board members that want what is best for Darien.

windixie
Oct 22, 2009 at 11:07 p.m.
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Board Member Abbott abstained? Get a spine, dude. Why is your wussy self even on the board? To sit the fence? Get a backbone and make a decision.

This is not your job, it's a public trust you should hold in the highest regard to represent the best interest of the people.

This is a classic example of what's wrong with politicians these days.

Same in Washington. Disgusting and self absorbed idiots.

copperguy
Oct 22, 2009 at 10:31 a.m.
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Thanks Ann Marie and Me2.

I'm glad Mr. Herrick answered the question about whether or not Chief DeVoy could have to forfeit any pay if the charges are upheld. I'm not surprised the answer is no. That shoots down Mr. Zipp's theory.

I also would not be surprised if there is a motion filed in Circuit Court to enforce the agreement. The dollars just keep on flying out of the Village coffers.

aames
Oct 21, 2009 at 10:20 p.m.
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Here's the link.

http://gazettextra.com/news/2009/oct/21/...

Ann Marie Ames
Reporter

aames
Oct 21, 2009 at 10:14 p.m.
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Copper-

No motion hearing. The story was in today's paper.

AM

yougot2bkidding
Oct 21, 2009 at 9:45 p.m.
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By the way, I also overheard the former chief of police telling citizens that he was "disappointed in chief DeVoy" and that "we" were going to prosecute him to the fullest extent!
That's all GREAT coming from a guy with a history like his.

Me2
Oct 21, 2009 at 9:29 p.m.
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Copperguy: I was informed that Herrick denied the motion and wouldn't allow DeVoy a hearing. So the hearing for Friday is cancelled.
I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't appealed to the Walworth County Circuit Court.

yougot2bkidding
Oct 21, 2009 at 9:25 p.m.
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It’s amazing what you can find out by talking to the right people. Earlier this evening I had conversation with someone that has personal knowledge of the following:
1. The former police chief of Darien was cited by the WCSO for disorderly conduct and battery for battering his girlfriend in 1998 while (a.) employed as police chief (b.) married. He cleverly asked for a change of venue and the case was sent to Waukesha County. Therefore no one in Darien knew about it OR the board at the time purposely ignored it. I will be making an open records request to find out more detail and I’ll be MORE than happy to share those with you.
2. Marc Dennison was overheard having a conversation on the phone with Maltese. Dennison explained to Maltese that he had conversation with Kurt Zipp regarding a complaint that was filed against him. Dennison told Maltese that Zipp informed him that he had nothing to worry about and that the complaint against him would go nowhere.
Still we have the former chief working for the department of public works, collecting a paycheck AND health insurance. This guy should’ve NEVER retired from law enforcement. It’s the same guy that was charged with theft and dismissed from the WCSO.
Secondly we have Kurt Zipp who acts unilaterally from the board. He actively participated in the investigation against DeVoy, lined up his friend to conduct the computer investigation and went to the WCSO to obtain information from the Sheriff. He collaborated on a regular basis outside the boardroom with Attorney Danz incurring attorney costs for the village without board approval. This guy thinks he rules the village of Darien and makes threats against other board members!
In every organization (except Darien) there is a chain of command. Zipp needs to find his space on the totem pole and stay there.
Kurt if you think you are or want to be VP then put your name on the ballot. Otherwise mind your own business. By the way, why do you spend the whole meeting doodling on your paper with your head down? Are you ashamed or worried what people think? You should be!

copperguy
Oct 21, 2009 at 9:24 p.m.
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Has anyone heard if there is a motion hearing Friday in Chief DeVoy's case? If so, when and where?

lifeisawheel
Oct 21, 2009 at 5:41 p.m.
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All failed attempts to correct their incompetence only makes them feel stronger and more important.

yougot2bkidding
Oct 21, 2009 at 4:49 p.m.
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What is the BIG reluctance to reinstating DeVoy. Perhaps 4 board members have bought into Maltese's B.S. and want him to be the next chief at any cost.
We people of Darien need to stand up and voice our opinions and concers sooner than later! Not that it'll make a difference but it's worth the try.

lifeisawheel
Oct 21, 2009 at 3:30 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
yougot2bkidding
Oct 21, 2009 at 2:39 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
williepeter
Oct 21, 2009 at 12:58 p.m.
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The Maltese issue, yeah that’s a dead horse. Everybody should know by now how he got to where he is, not by talent and skill, but by backstabbing and lying. Hope you can sleep well at night little fella and I hope those demons in your head leave you alone for a while.

williepeter
Oct 21, 2009 at 12:55 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
copperguy
Oct 21, 2009 at 11:57 a.m.
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oplease: Before I even saw your response today, I realized that I missed your point. Sorry bout that!

Prof: I agree with your general observations. In this case, though, the prosecutor (Hazelbaker) recommended the VB accept the settlement he negotiated. Four members refused to accept his advice.

lifeisawheel
Oct 21, 2009 at 10:44 a.m.
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oplease, thank you for pointing that out. I have said all along and to the nay sayers that claim Steve DeVoy started this mess, that Steve DeVoy was only 'reacting' to the madness we now see that was all but unknown before he attempted to catch those that were snooping through files in his office and department. Say what you want about Steve DeVoy, no one is perfect, but this kind of crookedness was going on for . . . geez, EVER. Maltese slipped in and immediately was gunning for the Chief's job before he was even hired to full-time status. He got full-time status before anyone had figured out he had a few screws loose and that he made a better used car salesman than a police officer. All Chief DeVoy's efforts to rectify the problem were stifled by all the B.S. that Maltese had already sold the board members and especially Metzner who as you know loves to show how important he thinks he was. It seems Maltese had everyone in his back pocket as soon as he hit the streets with his smooth talk and "oh so likable personality".

oplease
Oct 21, 2009 at 8:24 a.m.
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Copperguy: my blog was intended for the Maltese situation whereas he was promoted, given no probationary period for his new position and then the board refused to extend his original probation upon request of the chief. That is my understanding anyway. It appears that the chief should've just fired him instead of trying to run thru the fire (AKA village board). Maltese obviously had his protector to make sure it didn't happen (AKA Metzner).

criminy
Oct 21, 2009 at 4:05 a.m.
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I look forward to the case being resolved and the 4 village board idiots wearing all that egg on their faces.

Professor
Oct 21, 2009 at 3:16 a.m.
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Bob--Scheduling is no problem. But I'm concerned about how they define 'other administrative duties'. Criminy--I agree that SOMEHOW, this needed to be resolved a LONG time ago. I do know, however, that (and, I'm an attorney, so I can say this) lawyers LOVE these kinds of cases. They have a cash cow--in the name of the taxpayers of a municipality--all they have to do is keep raising issues, and they can keep billing. So, there is little incentive for them to want these kinds of things resolved sooner, rather than later. I'm making no specific allegations in this case--just a general observation. Too often, the council/board members simply submit to whatever the lawyer says--after all, attorneys know everything, right? Oplease--I agree with you 100% about the probation issue.

criminy
Oct 21, 2009 at 1:08 a.m.
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Copperguy, Professor, oplease -
You are all correct. But the issue remains that there are 4 idiots on the board who are continuing this fiasco, for whatever reason.

At the expense of their constituents. And they don't care how much it costs. It ain't THEIR money they're throwing away on attorney fees!

If there was PORNO on the chief's computer, he'd be in JAIL.
No jail
No porn
No case

copperguy
Oct 20, 2009 at 9:48 p.m.
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oplease: I'm impressed with your link to Kraus. That is a very instructive decision relative to the case with Chief DeVoy. Since the decision of the PFC was upheld in Kraus, I'm curious why you think it important in THIS case. You're correct that it is, but I'm curious why you think so. You can respond off-line if you like. This could be a lengthy discussion!

oplease
Oct 20, 2009 at 9:35 p.m.
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This link pretty much explains how the village board screwed up with Maltese. DeVoy asked the board to extend his probation and failed to do so. He was still on his orginal probation when this occurred. Metzner, Zipp and Wenzel made sure they covered for their little buddy. Jim Hench asked the question last night "why haven't the other employees involved been disciplined yet". I don't think he was properly answered. Does anyone have the answer?
I think Peggy Moran is going to be used in the DeVoy case and then thrown to the curb. Good luck Peg!
http://www.wisbar.org/res/sup/2003/01-11...

bob_the_builder
Oct 20, 2009 at 7:47 p.m.
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He doesn't need to access law enforcement information.. He is to do scheduling and other "administrative duties"
With as arrogant as he is maybe he'll quit..

citizenofdarien
Oct 20, 2009 at 6:46 p.m.
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And the beat goes on......

Professor
Oct 20, 2009 at 5:19 p.m.
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It will be interesting to watch how this is navigated. Civilian 'administrators' are not legally allowed access to certain law enforcement-related information. With the atmosphere there, who knows what THAT could lead to....Too bad that 'contracting' with a sheriff's dept. is generally worthless--at least to the citizens paying for it. That seems to be an otherwise attractive option. As always, I wish the citizens there the best of luck.

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