Maybe it’s time for Chief Bill Blair to go, but maybe not. He has been chief since 2005 and the Police Services Board has voted not to renew the contract. So be it. Blair will serve into next year when a new chief will be appointed. Problem is, the board continues to behave in a clubby way that sheds very little light on what its reasons might be. Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37) has been the most talkative but frankly he has said almost nothing. He is quoted as complaining the chief didn’t do enough to control costs within the force. Really councillor. Would you mind rhyming off a few items for the public’s education? Board Chairman Mukherjee is also talking in obscurities.
How soon they forget! He made a hash of the G20 policing and should have been fired right after it ended. His guys were disorganized and went wild beating up demonstrators. He has failed to contain costs. The force can be cut by one-third and no one would notice a difference.
Also, nine years is long enough in any job. New blood and a new outlook is needed. Hopefully the choise will be someone from outside the force.