City Council President Ben Hueso told the public at a council meeting two weeks ago that eliminating a support position dedicated to overseeing police practices could save the city $190,000.
But he was wrong, and one of our readers knew it.
The reader complained about Hueso’s statement through this blog’s comments feature last week. I contacted Hueso’s communications director Michelle Ganon and asked her to address the issue.
In questioning city budget officials, Hueso said at the Dec. 2 council meeting, “I believe the cost of the position is $190,000. The information that I have been provided … (says the position) oversees all the groups that oversee police practices. You’re looking at about $190,000 for the position.”
Ganon posted the following comment today in response:
Council President Hueso misspoke at Council when he said that the executive director of the Citizen’s Review Board of Police Practices’ salary is $190,000. As we tried to track back to that number, we realized that staff had made a mistake when preparing him for Monday’s meeting. Thank you for this opportunity to correct the record.
In eliminating this position, salary savings (including benefits) to the City over 18 months is $139,000.
Keegan’s article correctly noted that the Citizen’s Review Board is not well known, so I’d like to publicly commend its operation. The board is respected nationally for its 11-year record of effectively and efficiently implementing a review model of police practices. We are grateful to the executive director for his service and to the dedicated volunteers who continue to evaluate complaints and police procedure.
— KEEGAN KYLE