The finalists for the Columbus police chief position have dwindled to four, and the subcommittee is left with four members.
On the same day that the alternate slated to fill the fifth finalist spot in the Columbus police chief search withdrew, one of the subcommittee members stepped down.
Melissa Cook, Columbus-Lowndes Development Link vice president, confirmed this morning that she withdrew from participation in the process.
“The leadership at the Link felt it was in the Link’s best interest for me to step down from a process that they viewed as flawed,” Cook said. “I have every confidence that the people who are on the subcommittee are going to make the right recommendation.”
The remaining members of the sub-committee are: Birney Imes, Dispatch publisher; Steve Rogers, WCBI assignment editor; Rep. Esther Harrison, D-Columbus, of Ward 1; and Bobby Jordan of Ward 2.
Cook said she hand-delivered a letter to Mayor Robert Smith Tuesday informing him of the news.
“I am disappointed the Link is not allowing Melissa to stay the course,” said Imes. “With her insight and experience, she had a lot to contribute to the process.”
Chief Operating Officer David Armstrong said he is not sure whether Cook’s spot on the subcommittee will be filled by someone else. According to Armstrong, the subcommittee’s next meeting is Thursday.
Sam Lathrop, of Beloit, Wis., withdrew last week from consideration for the police chief position, and city officials confirmed that Don Daniel, of Casa Grande, Ariz., was the alternate slated to replace Lathrop. However, officials said this morning that Daniel withdrew from consideration Tuesday.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.