Piling On The Police Chief

To the Editor,

I have never met former police chief James Lysaght, Jr, nor am I acquainted with the first selectman or any member of the Police Commission. I write based solely on accounts I have read in The Bee, but it seems to me that a certain amount of piling on is being done here. The man is suspended, then fired (without the conciliatory meeting recommended by the impartial arbiter), and, finally, denied unemployment benefits.

Golly, whose egos did he bruise?

The Police Commission contends – I quote The Bee – that the former chief did not “demonstrate the leadership, planning, and management skills necessary” for his job. If this is indeed the case, it would seem that Mr Lysaght lacked certain qualities that the Police Commission deems necessary to his position. Very well, but how in the world does this lack translate into “willful mis-conduct,” the basis for denying the unemployment benefits claim?

Perhaps The Bee might question those concerned about this seeming non-sequitur?

Yours Truly,

Clarence Fisher

Taunton Hill Road, Newtown                                      April 17, 2000