Decision long overdue

Perhaps the most challenging situation Wiscasset's new town manager, Arthur Faucher, faced when he began his duties on January 2, was how to resolve the matter of the town's police chief, Mike Emmons.

Last May, former town manager, Andrew Gilmore put the chief and one officer on paid administrative leave. They were both returned to duty about five weeks later. Shortly before he left his position in December, Gilmore went to the chief and told him the selectmen did not intend to renew his contract, which ends in June. Two of the five selectmen later said they did not know Gilmore planned to deliver this message to the chief.

One of the first actions Faucher took was to bring the five selectmen and the chief together to talk about the situation. It was held in closed session.

A second closed session was held last week. It is unfortunate that the situation has dragged on for so long, leaving the chief, those who work for him and the public in a state of uncertainty. As complicated as the situation may be, it is time for the selectmen to make a decision, so all parties can move forward.