First of two parts. 

For 10 years, the matter of who is the Official Overseer of the police and fire departments laid dormant.

From the time of the earthquake-sized revision of the City Charter in 2006 it was talked about less than the late President Millard Fillmore’s millinery habits.

Until this past spring.

That was when a City Council subcommittee quietly recommended that hiring and firing power be transferred  from the City Council to City Manager John Nachbar, the policy in most communities.

On the first vote by the 40 percent new Council – thanks to April’s election – freshman Thomas Small and Meghan Sahli-Wells were the minority on a 3-2 decision.

On Monday night in the final vote to determine whether it would be placed on the November ballot, they were the minority again.

Reflecting on his vote 90 days into his term, Mr. Small took a compromising stance with an uncommonly broad perspective.

With a significant caveat.

“I see both sides of this issue,” he said. “I understand that as an organizational principle, in our form of government, having the police chief and fire chief report to the city manager instead of the City Council probably is the most efficient way.

“That is why that form is taken by many cities throughout the  country. I fully respect my colleagues (Mayor Jim Clarke, Vice Mayor Jeff Cooper) in wanting to put that principle forward and wanting to put it before the voters in November.”

Mr. Small said, however, that disturbing events “at this particular time in history,” compelled him to cast the opposite vote.

He was precise in explaining exactly why.

“At this particular time in history, when racial issues with police forces around the country are at such a difficult stage,” Mr. Small said, “it is highly important for us (City Council members) to maintain as close of a relationship as we can with our police chief and police force.

“We need to create, absolutely, as much communication as possible, between us and them, and between us, them and the community at-large,” Mr. Small said with ringing clarity.

(To be continued)