Bring Officer Mitchell back on duty
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Editor,
Regarding your August 13 articles, worker compensation issues and Ronan police chief selection faces criticism: First, the workers compensation issues. Both state and federal laws require employers to make available alternative light duty positions for on-the-job injured employees. This would not only save your tax dollars but would make the back-to-work employee more productive. My professional opinion is that Officer John Mitchell falls into that category and is eligible for administrative light duty that meets Mitchell’s doctors light duty medical requirements. Ronan City has a legal and moral obligation to do the right thing. As part of my 45-plus years as a criminal investigator, I have spent more than 10 years in worker comp fraud investigations. I highly recommend that Ronan City bring back Officer Mitchell to light duty or become legally responsible for any violation of both state and federal workers comp laws.
Second, Ronan Mayor Kim Aipperspach is purposely stalling on the application forum for the chief of police position. The mayor and/or some city council members are continually changing the hiring requirements so they can keep the good old boys club by hiring someone they can control, regarding the law enforcement standards and duties. POST is highly qualified to say who is qualified and who is not. Kaylene Melton, Ronan city clerk, has the right to be frustrated with the unethical way this system is being handle on hiring a chief of police for Ronan. I believed that there are some highly illegal methods in this hiring process. If there is a special treatment in this selection process as indicated, maybe someone from the State of Montana should look into Ronan’s hiring process.
A quote from my friend, President Ronald Reagan, “Our freedoms are not safe unless we as citizens interest ourselves in government, inform ourselves about it and involve ourselves in it.”
Please, Ronan citizens and Ronan business owners, show up at the next Ronan city council meeting and express your feelings. Make your city safe for your family. Don’t let this atrocity continue to go on.
Please check with Ronan City Hall for the next City Council meeting.
Dennis P. Lewis
Polson
