City councilors in Tenino were as shocked as their constituents to learn Thursday that Mayor Bret Brodersen had fired Police Chief John Hutchings.
It was a development that came seemingly out of nowhere, with Councilor Wayne Fournier and others telling The Chronicle they were not consulted before the termination.
The suddenness of the decision is as puzzling as the move itself.
Hutchings has been almost universally beloved since taking control of the department in 2012 and guiding the city’s law enforcement through a tumultuous era that included the disastrous Mayor Eric Strawn administration and calls for the complete elimination of the department.
The hiring of Hutchings was seen as a steal for the small South Thurston County city.
He had just completed a distinguished career with the Olympia Police Department, earning accolades and respect from his employers and colleagues throughout his time wearing a badge and gun.
Hutchings is a former Fulbright scholar and a published author on matters of crisis intervention training.
It’s clear in the current situation that someone must intervene on behalf of the now former police chief.
Citizens have been quick to do just that, penning hundreds of signatures to a petition aimed at reinstating the law enforcement leader.
Meanwhile, Brodersen appears to have been elusive at best.
Councilors say they have had trouble reaching their mayor, and that he has refused attempts to hold an emergency meeting of the council on the matter.
Brodersen had provided a steady hand at the helm of Tenino government since the resignation of Strawn, who brought unwanted attention to the city through his erratic behavior and unilateral moves as mayor.
Brodersen is well within his right to hire and fire employees through the city’s “strong mayor” system of governance.
Just because he can operate unilaterally without the input of elected city councilors doesn’t mean he should though.
There seems to be little or no justification for the firing beyond personality conflicts between the mayor and police chief.
Brodersen, who earlier this year announced plans to retain his position of mayor, has done the city a disservice by acting in such an unexplained and immediate manner.
A petition currently circulating on change.org states, “We the citizens, as evidenced by the outpouring of sentiment, heartfelt thanks to our Chief, and sadness at this huge loss, believe our beloved Hutch was let go for what we feel were unfounded and unknown reasons.”
Brodersen owes the residents of Tenino answers.
Until they are provided, we support calls to reinstate Hutchings until such time that councilors and residents are informed of the reasons for his firing.
