Letter to the Editor: Independence and integrity of Fire and Police Commission has been virtually destroyed

I could do nothing but shake my head after reading the article in Muddy River News detailing Mayor Troup’s decision to replace Steve Meckes on the Fire and Police Commission.

Let me begin by saying that I am acquainted with none of the principals involved — not Mr. Meckes, not Ms. Caldwell and certainly not Mayor Troup. I have no personal axe to grind here.

But it appears to me that Mr. Meckes’ only transgression during his time on the commission was to refuse to do the mayor’s bidding. It is both amazing and disgusting to me that the independence and integrity of the Fire and Police Commission has been virtually destroyed in just a few short strokes since Mayor Troup took office.

I am hoping against hope that the City Council will see its way clear to put a stop to these shenanigans. I have no issue with the mayor exercising the duties that are clearly his under the Municipal Code in whatever way he sees fit, but to inject personalities and politics into a process that is specifically designed to be apolitical is just wrong — especially when public health and safety are at stake.

And make no mistake, Mr. (Barry) Cheyne. You are next.

Terry Stark
Quincy, Illinois