Chauna Banks Letter to the Editor calls on Chief Dabadie to resign.

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Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome should proceed and move forward with plans to seek her replacement for Baton Rouge chief of police. So much attention is given to opinions as to whether Chief Carl Dabadie has performed well. In my humble opinion, I believe the chief has done as good a job as expected, based on Civil Service constraints, previous administration, and union interference. Nevertheless, there is a new mayor in town. That alone is enough reason for the chief to retire honorably.

I recall Chief Dewayne White experienced the same positive relationship with the Metro Council as Chief Dabadie does. The media polled the council members regarding Chief White's performance when he came under fire with Mayor-President Kip Holden; we found White’s performance as favorable.

At the time, Holden reached out to me and other council members seeking support for his decision to relieve Chief White of his duties. I let him know that I felt that it was his decision to replace Chief White; it was indeed his prerogative. If you look back at White’s Civil Service hearing, I was not present.

Chief Dabadie has stated prior to the mayoral race that he would “be willing to remain as chief under the next mayor.” However, he also stated that he “did not want to be where he was not wanted.”

I, for one, am holding the chief to that commitment. Nothing in my prior dealings with Dabadie would lead me to think that he would hold the position "hostage," when Mayor Broome has made it clear throughout her campaign and since being elected her intentions to replace Dabadie. She stated this decision unwaveringly and was elected with this being a highlight of her campaign.

That says something to me!

I would be very disappointed if Chief Dabadie uses the same Civil Service rules that prevented him from getting rid of "bad apples" within BRPD to interfere with the mayor's ability to create a collaborative vision for public safety with a chief of her choosing. Common in both private and public sectors, new leadership handpicks their team. It is not to be viewed as punitive (right or wrong), but progressive (a different direction).

Councilwoman Chauna Banks

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