Outcome

I'd like to thank all of the respondents who weighed in on the question of whether or not the Kensington Police Chief should continue to be Kensington's General Manager. It's a timely topic as the board is now in the final stages of recruiting candidates and selecting a new Police Chief.

The majority, but not all, of the respondents believe that the roles should be split between two people. This majority feels that not enough attention is being paid to non-police matters in Kensington and that there may be a conflict-of-interest in having the same person serve both roles. Those respondents in favor of keeping the status quo are primarily concerned with the affordability of creating a separate General Manager position.

After several months of budget review, the KPPCSD board last week approved the 2007/08 budget submitted by staff. Because our district's expenses continue to outpace our share of property taxes and special assessments, the 2007/2008 budget is projected to be a deficit budget. This approved budget does not include a newly created role for a separate General Manager.  The board has not been inclined to create such a position particularly in the current fiscal environment.

However, a new support position is being created in our district that will have a very positive impact on the park and other programs to help our community. This position will be funded primarily through a State of California funding program designed to ensure that police officers are spending more time in the field and less time doing the sorts of things that are keeping them from the field.

Thank you again for your input. I encourage others to continue submitting ideas for community feedback. There are a number of topical issues worthy of debate, (e.g. owning and managing the Kensington paths; undergrounding the utility wires; improving our storm drain infrastructure, reviewing the District's fiscal policies, installing bathrooms in the park). Think about an issue that is important to you, write about it and let's see what people have to say.

Enjoy your Summer !

Bill Wright