Village Of Valleyview

Mr. Parrish, You report that no one came forward with information; could that have something to do with the fact that you and the other members of the council have not bothered to obtain the public records? Again, I point to the good moral standing clause as a reason to dig deeper-- you state the officers performed admirably under stress, yet Valleyview has the reputation of being a speed trap where officers have nothing better to do than pull over commuters who have a turn signal out. If you are not willing to look into the backgrounds of those hired for village positions FINE but don't dump your obligations onto the public. Perhaps the media would be willing to do your job for you?

Council's Job Defined

If you can provide to me the specific statement where the Council stated that it was not willing to look into the backgrounds of the individuals that are hired it would be appreciated. The Village Council has being looking into and will continue to look into the backgrounds of all the employees of this Village. It is important for the safety of the residents and the future of the Village that the best individuals are hired for the positions available.

The Officers that have been hired HAVE NOT been hired for permanent status. They are in a probationary status and during that time the Council and Public Safety Committee are continuing to review the information that it has obtained. You would be making a false statement about the actions of the Council and Public Safety Committee.

Your claims were discussed at the last public safety committee meeting which was open to the public and which no residents attended. The meetings are open to the public and had been announced properly. Before you speak I would encourage you to get your information first hand.

The obligation for hiring the best individuals for this Village rests on many people but ultimately on the Council.

Valleyview is a residental community and the officers protect the children who are playing in the streets or near the streets. Valleyview is next on the hit list after New Rome being disbanded. Every aspect of the Village's operation has to be watched carefully so as not to give the State a reason to come after Valleyview. I have worked hard to improve the operations of the finances of the Village and have worked with the other members of Council to provide the proper oversight for the Police Department and other parts of the Village Administration.

The Village was under intense media pressure no more than two years ago. The Village Administration does not have anything to hide and is working to present everything out in the open.

Based on your statements so far I have a feeling that the Council may not make a decision that you agree with regardless of the effort expended to look into the backgrounds of the employees of the Village. The Village Council takes its obligation very seriously when it comes to the safety of the residents.

Again you are encouraged to attend the Public Safety Committee meetings that are open to the public. I also encouarge you to provide any information that you feel the Council needs to be made aware of as you apparently feel that they are not ''digging deep enough''.

False Statements?

Mr. Parrish, At each point in the discussions related to background checks, you have responded by stating that anyone with information should step forward. After the fiasco two years ago, I would fear for my safety and that of my family if I were to publicly bring information to ANYONE'S attention. You have brought up regulations related to criminal charges, yet also include moral conduct and this area is open to wide amounts of interpretation. When I pointed out that public records are easily available (including full transcripts and details surrounding the charges), you appeared to shrug it off as ''dismissed'' by the court. I realize the village has limited resources for completing background checks; this information is right here in the county court! What I am trying to get across is that you do not seem willing to follow-up on the information provided to you, instead, it is up to the ''public'' to place concrete proof in your hands. If you are not willing to obtain it, I do not see how you can claim a willingness to avoid media scrutiny. Even if I do not report a word to the media, someone may have a run-in with one of these officers and an attorney willing to do their job in casting doubt on the officers reliability as a witness. After all, how many cases are tried in the county court? If you wish to avoid a circus again, you ought to consider taking the time to view the available documents. I have pointed you in the right direction and to do more could place those depending on me at risk; I do not plan to stand at a meeting with a target on my forehead.

We Are Looking

I have asked that anyone that has information to come forward to be included with the background check. Would you not agree that more information is better?

Again, I will ask where it was stated that Council was not looking into the backgrounds further? The request has been made and the Council will be looking into it more deeply.

The moral clause is subject to much interpretation. It will not happen overnight, but please be assured that the Council is looking into issues you have raised.

You have questioned mine and the Council's integrity in researching the background of the officers. The Council meets once a month. The Public Safety Committee meets as needed. It has been requested of the Chief to provide more information about the officers and that information will be reviewed by the Council. I spoke this evening with the Chief and he has stated that he has or is in the process of getting the information that we have requested. The Council is looking into the backgrounds of all of the officers.

The Council needs to look into all of the information that we can get. Does one incident make a pattern? That is for the Council to decide. It is important that the Village hires officers that will not cause problems for the Village in the future or that the safety of the residents and other passing through the Village is placed in jeporady.

What happens when the Council looks into an officer that has one charge that was brought against them and it was dismissed and he or she does not have any further charges brought against them? What happens when the officer is interviewed and presents their side of the story and the Council decides that their version of the story is acceptable? What if it is found that an officer is caught in the middle of politics? Should the Officers that worked for Valleyview and through no fault of their own were caught in the middle of the political battles that this Village suffered and were out of a job? Every aspect has to be taken into consideration and ultimately the decision is made by those with the responsibility, the members of Council, who have been elected by the residents to represent them.

Believe me when I say that this Council is looking into the backgrounds of the officers throughly. I am afraid that I can offer no further words than that. The residents will have to trust that the people they have placed their faith in will make the right decision for the Village.