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Log inPortland police chief mum about job in Texas
Portland police chief mum about job in Texas
by Outspoken on Thu May 22, 2008 5:08 am
Portland police chief mum about job in Texas
True to form, Tim Burton won't discuss his prospects of going to Odessa – or anywhere else.
By DAVID HENCH
Staff Writer Portland Press Herald
Portland Police Chief Tim Burton has accomplished many of his goals for the state's largest municipal police force, and now that he is eligible to retire with a police pension, he said it makes sense to consider other opportunities.
That's it.
A chief known for being reserved and private about his personal life, Burton would not speak specifically about Odessa, Texas, or anywhere else he might be a candidate to take over a department.
Odessa officials left Portland on Wednesday after meeting with community members and members of the department to discuss Burton's leadership and his approach to law enforcement.
They say he is one of three finalists to be police chief in that city, which is somewhat larger than Portland and has about the same size police force.
Burton said it makes sense at this point in his career to at least consider a different job.
"You reach a point where, financially, personally and professionally, you feel an obligation to at least scan the horizon to see if there may be opportunities that provide benefit for both you and your family," Burton said Wednesday.
Two years ago, Burton accrued the necessary 25 years of police service to retire with a pension, roughly half of his average salary for the past three years. That percentage increases each year worked beyond 25. He is eligible to collect that pension while drawing a salary from another job.
Burton now earns $91,500 a year.
The city has already lost at least four senior managers, some to planned layoffs and others who have left on their own.
They include the directors of transportation, finance, planning and economic development, and parks and recreation.
City Manager Joseph Gray says he will focus on filling key vacancies in the next few months.
Gray appointed, and the City Council approved, Burton as police chief two and half years ago, after a national search.
City officials were criticized for missing a chance to diversify the management ranks when they selected Burton, who is white, over Anthony Holloway, a candidate from Florida who is black.
Holloway was the favorite of rank and file officers and the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=189315&ac=PHnws
True to form, Tim Burton won't discuss his prospects of going to Odessa – or anywhere else.
By DAVID HENCH
Staff Writer Portland Press Herald
Portland Police Chief Tim Burton has accomplished many of his goals for the state's largest municipal police force, and now that he is eligible to retire with a police pension, he said it makes sense to consider other opportunities.
That's it.
A chief known for being reserved and private about his personal life, Burton would not speak specifically about Odessa, Texas, or anywhere else he might be a candidate to take over a department.
Odessa officials left Portland on Wednesday after meeting with community members and members of the department to discuss Burton's leadership and his approach to law enforcement.
They say he is one of three finalists to be police chief in that city, which is somewhat larger than Portland and has about the same size police force.
Burton said it makes sense at this point in his career to at least consider a different job.
"You reach a point where, financially, personally and professionally, you feel an obligation to at least scan the horizon to see if there may be opportunities that provide benefit for both you and your family," Burton said Wednesday.
Two years ago, Burton accrued the necessary 25 years of police service to retire with a pension, roughly half of his average salary for the past three years. That percentage increases each year worked beyond 25. He is eligible to collect that pension while drawing a salary from another job.
Burton now earns $91,500 a year.
The city has already lost at least four senior managers, some to planned layoffs and others who have left on their own.
They include the directors of transportation, finance, planning and economic development, and parks and recreation.
City Manager Joseph Gray says he will focus on filling key vacancies in the next few months.
Gray appointed, and the City Council approved, Burton as police chief two and half years ago, after a national search.
City officials were criticized for missing a chance to diversify the management ranks when they selected Burton, who is white, over Anthony Holloway, a candidate from Florida who is black.
Holloway was the favorite of rank and file officers and the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=189315&ac=PHnws
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'."
Erma Bombeck (1927-1996)
Erma Bombeck (1927-1996)
