Re: Chief Carmen Best. Way back when the search committee came back with three names, Best was not one of them. There was significant outcry, with both the union and members of the community demanding she be appointed the next chief, as we all remember. /1

Everyone involved ultimately bowed to that public pressure, and Best was appointed and subsequently confirmed. Amidst this, I had the opportunity to speak with someone very close to the search process, and they were less than enthused. /2

As it was explained to me, Best was not part of the final three for cause. At a time when the search committee believed we needed a chief committed to continuing to reform the department, Best did not live up to that ideal. /3

There was concern among the committee that someone who rose through the ranks of a department with such systemic problems would be less likely to see those problems and have any desire to make meaningful reforms. /4

Best confirmed those concerns during the interview process. /5

Suffice it to say, I have not at all been surprised that the department has continued to resist change, and that we have ended up where we are. /6

I'm ambivalent to opposed with respect to cutting pay, and it's unfortunate that money is the proverbial straw. However, Best's resignation is in the city's best interest if we want to see policing re-imagined effectively, with meaningful work to expunge racial bias. /7

This should also be a lesson to everyone involved in her appointment: when you set someone up for failure, don't be surprised with the result. We create search committees for a reason, and should afford them the opportunity to explain their actions before casting them aside. /8

And, for what it's worth, the person who provided me the information is a black woman. /9

Hopefully the schism between Council and the Mayor won't dissuade a quality candidate to be our next police chief. Because at the end of the day, both need a partner at the helm if we want to see meaningful and positive change in Seattle. /end rant