Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
Letter to the Editor
Note:
Letters are entered by date.
1999
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Police restructuring
WATERLOO - I would like to offer my response to Cedar Falls Councilperson Barb Brown’s article praising the accomplishments of Jay Kohl.
Mr. Kohl has restructured the police department claiming to have assigned more police investigators. In reality, the number has shrunk from five to three.
She claims Jay Kohl has put more officers on the street. In reality, he has moved three veteran officers from the street and into non-patrol jobs. These previously were handled by patrolpersons in addition to regular duty.
Jay Kohl has removed shift commanders from the office and placed them in cars. College students with no expertise are left to handle emergency situations in the station or that are called in by phone.
She applauds the fact we now have a Public Safety Director, Deputy Director of Police Operations, and Deputy Director of Support Services. In fact, all of these "jobs" were for many years handled efficiently by the chief of police.
Ms. Brown boasts a 79 percent reduction in overtime while under the direction of Jay Kohl. In reality, the bulk of savings occurred when officers voluntarily went to 12-hour shifts prior to Jay Kohl’s arrival. The balance of savings can be attributed to Mr. Kohl when he reassigned officers off regular shifts for events like Sturgis Falls. This resulted in times when as few as two patrol persons were on duty, leaving our citizens virtually unprotected.
She speaks proudly of hiring one rookie officer. She failed to point out we have lost three seasoned officers.
She makes it appear Jay Kohl instituted the reserve police, the public academy, and is responsible for the new fire truck. Not so, these were all in effect before Jay Kohl.
Go ahead Barb, keep giving your stamp of approval.
Vernon Kolpek
CFPD, retired
Police Officer David Bond
CEDAR FALLS - It seems rather obvious that the Cedar Falls Public Safety administrators have a vindictive approach to any officer who challenges their decision or policy.
A few months ago Police Officer David Bond questioned the policy decision to reduce the number of police officers below the number he and many of his fellow officers felt was safe for themselves and for the citizens of Cedar Falls. They backed off punishing Officer Bond when there appeared strong support from his fellow officers and many citizens for David's position.
Now the city tried to sneak through a serious suspension without pay for a minor issue that a citizen even withdrew from consideration. David Bond has served Cedar Falls and his country in Desert Storm honorably and does not deserve the shabby treatment he is receiving from the Public Safety administration of Cedar Falls.
Jon Crews
Bond doing his job
CEDAR FALLS - I read with great interest the reports about Cedar Falls Police Officer Dave Bond. No one is ever going to convince any intelligent person in this community that this is not a personal issue between Officer Bond and (Deputy Director of Police Operations) Rick Ahlstrom.
It would seem to me that there is nothing involved here than a personality conflict between the two. It causes me great concern that Mr. Ahlstrom and the city of Cedar Falls would let this go to such lengths that it constitutes low morale from our police officers.
Are our police officers now doing the jobs we have hired them to do (i.e. protecting our community) or are they clocking in each day afraid that if they voice their opinion or handle a call not up to Mr. Ahlstrom's standards that their jobs are in jeopardy?
This has gone on long enough. I know Dave Bond personally; he is my neighbor and a great asset to our neighborhood. My son has interacted with Officer Bond through his work at Holmes Junior High School and has found him nothing more than professional and caring in his nature.
Mr. Bond also works at a local convenience store and, if asked, his employer would probably not issue one complaint against him.
I would assume that the woman who filed the complaint was emotional about her robbery, stressed from the holiday season and just had a "reaction to the action." To Officer Bond, I applaud you for going back to her and making an apology and talking the situation out.
To Rick Ahlstrom and all those down at City Hall who are involved in your decision to make Officer Bond your example to the other officers employed by the community of Cedar Falls, I say shame on you and get on with the job the people are paying you to do.
Dave Bond is doing the job we are paying him to do and, if you are not careful, we will be without a lot of police officers due to your stupidity.
Luann Vore
Public Safety
CEDAR FALLS - OK, city administrators, this public safety controversy has gone on long enough. It's time to start listening to the citizens / taxpayers.
You think you have a bunch of whining employees (i.e. police officer) angry about overtime being cut, but look again. What you have is many citizens as well as public safety employees unhappy with the way the department is being managed.
We do not want the public safety department operating on a shoestring budget, we do not mind our tax dollars being spent on police / fire protection, do you hear?
Since you haven't been able to resolve the problems surrounding the public safety department on your own, maybe you should establish a committee, which includes citizens to look into the issues.
Whether you think it's accurate or not, public perception is you have cut the budget too far, and there are not enough officers on the streets to protect us.
Public perception is the Cedar Falls police officers have conducted themselves with dignity and professionalism throughout all of this, you are not going to convince us they are whiners. We are glad they are finally speaking out and are very interested in what they have to say. It is in your best interest to deal with public perception - soon.
Perhaps you can solicit more federal funding to support the department, you certainly are expert fund-raisers when it comes to recreational pursuits for our area. Let's use common sense, provide the basics first, then the cultural extras. Would you buy your kids all the toys they want without first making sure they are clothed and fed? Well, I guess yes, you probably would, which is probably why this controversy has gone on much too long.
Dan and Laura Gansen
C. F. Public Safety
CEDAR FALLS - I'm wondering if some of the bad smell blamed on the disposal plant in downtown Cedar Falls is in fact coming from City Hall and the Public Safety Director's office. Could it possibly be their "type of management?"
Our mayor, public safety director and the majority of the City Council are to blame for effectively neutering the operations of the police and fire departments.
Are we going to wait until we lose lives in a fire that cannot be handled due to "lack of personnel" to do the job? Or a police officer is killed or injured because of a lack of backup in a dangerous situation?
Why do we have to have untrained kids staffing the police offices; as few as two officers on patrol duties for a whole shift; and only six firefighters on duty to answer calls (four firemen at the main station and only two at the North Cedar Station)?
This is irresponsible. Must we wait for the next election to correct this situation?
The rosy picture painted by the mayor, (councilwoman) Barbara Brown and public safety director is the furthest from the truth; it can be stretched to cover unfair dangerous mismanagement of our fire and police departments.
The new fire truck, enlarged fire station, public safety division vehicles marked like "soft water sales" cars and fancy logos do not make police and fire departments.
Men and women, fire fighters and police officers are the "heart" of these operations. We, the citizens, are also the losers in this situation that is forced on our city by our leaders.
Our police and fire departments are losing many good men and women due to the low morale and discontent with the conditions under the present administration. In addition to those who already have left, others are looking for positions elsewhere.
This is a situation all Cedar Falls citizens should be concerned about.
E. A. Reed
Retired captain
Cedar Falls Fire Department
C. F. Public Safety
CEDAR FALLS - I don't know whom to write this to, please help me and decide.
We've lived in Cedar Falls since 1952 - 47 years. Each year I've been proud of my city, until now.
Catching up on the paper since the blizzard, and noticing the well-written articles about the Cedar Falls police force, I read and reread them, amazed and ashamed of what I read.
Who said don't tinker with something that is working?
Our police force has sworn to protect all of us. Leave them alone. Who is the city administration representing, themselves or us? I'm ashamed of each of you. How dare you force decent officers out of office by your misguided tactics. They have swore to protect us and you. Did we the people of Cedar Falls give you permission to force out good men of up to 18 years? No.
Do you need a layman to tell you your ideas aren't working? Remember George Bush and "read my lips?" It isn't working - it is not working.
Please remove this blot from your records and go back to the way it was before you got this hare-brained idea. Shame on you. You're like mean spirited children.
Thank you Jennifer and editors for bringing this outrage to our attention.
H. Virginia Bisbee
Public Safety
CEDAR FALLS - I would like to know where the Cedar Falls city officials were the day they taught "free speech in the Constitution" in school? Officer Dave Bond is a U.S. citizen and is entitled to give his opinion on any matter.
A lot of us agree with him on the safety director matter. Why wasn't that put to a vote of the people? We should have a say so on matters that affect our lives. We should also have had a vote on fire, police, etc., being dispatched from Waterloo.
I find Officer Bond a very conscientious and caring person. If he was "rude", then maybe it was a misunderstanding between him and the citizen. With an apology (that the citizen accepted) the matter should have been dropped.
What is the matter with the city officials? Are they going to keep pushing until all the caring (police and fire) people are gone?
Wake up, Cedar Falls city officials. Election will have to come for you someday. The people will have their say then.
Why don't you pick on people who aren't doing their job and leave Officer Bond alone?
Why don't you get rid of the "stink" in Cedar Falls instead of causing one?
Connie Frahm
Public Safety
NEW HARTFORD - I find it a cause for concern that the controversy in Cedar Falls city government seems focus on the Public Safety Department.
True, there seems to be retaliation against an outspoken officer. True, the police department has lost personnel, some of whom have stated money is not the reason for their leaving, citing instead a Catch-22 management style. Without a doubt the morale within Public Safety is at a low point.
What causes me concern is that now we are hearing about Public Safety. There have been fire fighters who have quit and carefully voiced similar issues; there was the recent flap about all city employees being under a gag order; city secretaries have had their titles minimized (thus opening a door to downgrade the positions); and haven't there been some Human Rights Commission members who have resigned?
What is a concern is this: Why are these not seen as part of an overall problem, instead of covered by the Courier and responded to by the public, as isolated news tidbits?
Bonny Hall
Public Safety
CEDAR FALLS - What amazes me about totalitarian thinking going on at City Hall is that it is happening in Cedar Falls, Iowa. I guess I thought college town and freedom of speech sort of went together.
Hey citizens, do you understand untrained college students are filling in at reporting desks when they are not busy washing Public Safety Director Jay Kohl's car? Have you heard how insult and humiliation seems to be Mr. Kohl's method of leadership? Are you aware what is happening to Officer Bond appears to be nothing more than a vendetta? These clumsy attempts to control speech will not succeed.
I will say one thing for Mr. Kohl - he is so good that you can barely see his lips move when Mayor Stachovic speaks.
People of Cedar Falls, come election time, let's bring in a mayor who will change Mr. Kohl from an import into an export.
Margaret Klein
Keep Cedar Falls safe
WATERLOO - The high-ranking members of the Cedar Falls city government must enjoy gambling, because they are forcing all their citizens and all those who go into Cedar Falls to play Russian roulette with emergency services. To this point it has paid off for them, but one of these times it won't, and the citizens are the ones who will pay the ultimate price.
I have kept up with the problems the city has been having over the past year and believe it has to change its ways. The only way that is going to happen is if the citizens of Cedar Falls start speaking their minds to the city. The current way of dealing with it is just not working, and it is costing the city more and more money.
While the city would have you believe it is saving money, it really isn't. In the past two months, three police officers have left the department and we will likely lose more in the near future when the Waterloo Police Department starts its hiring process. The problem is that it is very expensive to train and outfit a new officer.
Many would probably say I have no reason to be involved in this dispute the city is having because I live in Waterloo (thank God). What they don't know is I have as much right as a citizen of Cedar Falls because my child care provider for my two children lives in Cedar Falls. It scares me to death to think what might happen if she needed any type of emergency services while my children were there.
This is a serious problem that has to be resolved before something major or fatal happens, and as we all know people will engage in civil suits for almost any reason. If you think they are saving you money, wait until the first civil suit arises from all this and costs the city millions of dollars.
Emergency services are not something you mess around with too much or it will come back and haunt you later, but the high-ranking members of the Cedar Falls city government feel they can put all the stakes on the table and go for broke. Is that what the citizens really want them doing?
Eric Renkel
Cedar Falls leadership
CEDAR FALLS - The Courier's editorial of Jan. 24 dealing with the current problems in the Cedar Falls city government pointed out an inconsistency in stated positions within the city administration. However, two points call for further clarification.
First, your editorial states the administration was concerned "that police and fire employees were expressing their grievances to the public on city time," thus implying the new city policy dealt specifically with this issue. Unfortunately, the policy does not address just what city officials can say "on city time" but attempts to limit their free-speech rights all the time, whether on duty or off. Your editorial failed to make this extremely vital distinction.
Second, it is clear city officials (Assistant City Attorney Steve Moore, Administrative Services Director Richard McAlister and Mayor Ed Stachovic) made contradictory statements. By definition, they were at least misleading if not inaccurate. And these statements obviously dealt with "city operations, practice, policy, or other matters." Thus, they obviously violated city policy. I would be interested in learning what disciplinary action will be taken against these individuals for their violation of city policy.
Michael Gorton
C.F. public safety
Waterloo – Before the arrival of Jay Kohl in October 1997, the morale of the Cedar Falls police and fire departments was high and the citizens of the community felt satisfied with the level of protection offered them.
Since his arrival, many changes have been instituted with the prospect of more to come. Deputy Director Rick Ahlstrom has replaced acting Police Chief Dean Williams, the man really responsible for the decrease in overtime hours due his idea of 12 – hour shifts. The morale of the departments is at rock bottom, and the safety of the public has been jeopardized.
On one side of the argument is a group of men and women who have dedicated their lives to public safety. Some of these persons have been members of our Cedar Valley community their entire lives.
On the other side is a man, Jay Kohl, who has been in our community less than a year and a half. This is a man with no attachment to the Cedar Valley or love for our community, as evidenced by his publicized search for employment elsewhere.
Who do the citizens and voters of Cedar Falls believe has their best interest and the best interest of the community at heart? Is it more likely to be the person whose lives are dedicated to the safety of the community or the man on the lookout for a better job? If Mayor (Ed) Stachovic refused to do what is best for the community, then the citizens need to elect a mayor who will?
This is an issue affecting all of us in the Cedar Valley, as Cedar Falls is the second largest member of our community. I hope the people of Cedar Falls will solve it for us in the next election.
Daniel P. Sink
Looking for answers
CEDAR FALLS – On Jan.4 I sent a letter to council member Barbara Brown, requesting information regarding her Guest Opinion (Dec. 27, 1998). I sent a similar letter via e-mail to Mayor Ed Stachovic. I wanted to see the information and figures upon which Brown made numerous statements of alleged facts.
On Jan. 6, I received a short reply from Mrs. Brown in which she was either unable or unwilling to give me the information. She informed me that since I was asking for so much information, she was forwarding my letter to Public Safety Director Jay Kohl, Deputy Director of Police Operations Rick Ahlstrom, Deputy Director of Support Services Jeff Olson and to Deputy Director of Fire Operations Art Lupkes.
Mrs. Brown also wrote, "I would strongly suggest you get your answers directly from the Public Safety Department."
To date I have not received any additional information from any of the above city officials. Since Mrs. Brown wrote the Guest Opinion, one would assume she could respond with the appropriate information.
What disturbed me even more occurred at a Cedar Falls Civil Service Commission hearing Jan. 21 at City Hall.
During a break in the proceedings, I was in the hallway talking to some members of the audience. City Council member Mike Havenstrite was in the area and someone mentioned the letter I had written Jan. 4. Mr. Havenstrite heard me and said, "You wrote the letter?" I told him I did and I still had not received any answers to my questions.
Mr. Havenstrite then stated, referring to my letter, "I’d have burned it." Incredulous. I asked him, you mean my letter? And Mr. Havenstrite said, yeah, I’d have burned it, and he went on to add that I won’t be getting any answers to my letter.
I want the citizens of Cedar Falls to know this is the type of response you can apparently expect from your elected officials. … I can fully understand the sinking morale of the police and fire departments if city officials treat them in the same manner Mayor Stachovic and council members Brown and Havenstrite have treated me. It is indeed time to "clean house" in Cedar Falls.
Steve Jensen
Editors note: Barbara Brown said Jensen was asking for more information than she could provide. There were about 40 questions in the letter. Mike Havenstrite said the questions have been answered time and time again. He advised Jensen "to go to the people with answers." Rick Ahlstrom mailed Jensen a letter Jan. 22 asking him to set up an appointment so he and Jay Kohl could address each of the questions.
Police need backup
WATERLOO/CEDAR FALLS – The last time our father saw us we were 11, 9, 4 and 1 years old. That was almost 33 years ago when our father, a Cedar Falls police officer was shot in the face and blinded. A juvenile was robbing a gas station on 18th Street and Waterloo Road. This young man’s robbery and attempted murder netted him just under $12.
Shortly after shooting our dad, the suspect was apprehended by fellow officers on duty. Thank God the administrative fathers of 1966 knew the importance of having enough officers on duty. To assume certain times are safe for reduced staff is being reckless. It is unlikely criminals and fires check statistics before striking. Should the citizens be forced to rely on understaffed police/fire departments and college students manning the police phones?
It is quite possible that instead of being permanently blinded, Dad could have lost his life at 32, leaving behind a young wife and four small children. The safety of citizens should not be taken lightly; nor the safety of those brave firefighters and police officers who put their lives on the line everyday to maintain safety. Let us remember, they have families who watch them walk out the door knowing there is a real possibility they may not return home. Bad things can happen, even in nice towns like Cedar Falls.
We fully understand administrators have a moral obligation to the citizens to keep this town safe as possible. That includes the members of the fire and police departments, for they are citizens too.
Sheryl Kolpek Meyers, David, Dennis and Dawn Kolpeck
C.F. leadership
CEDAR FALLS – It seems to me that Councilman Mike Havenstrite treated Mr. Steve Jensen in an extremely rude manner that deserves disciplinary action just as much as, if not more, than Officer Bond. Mr. Havenstrite should have to explain his behavior to the City Council and possibly receive a financial penalty for mistreating a citizen of Cedar Falls.
It also seems to me that Councilwoman Barb Brown should be brought before the "truth patrol" to answer why she has no information to back up what she put in print as "fact." If this woman cannot explain herself, she too should receive some financial penalty.
What a fiasco city government has become in Cedar Falls. It appears that a group of elitists is in control (if you can call this control). The "do as I say and not as I do," group.
The numbers say that major crime is up in Cedar Falls, but minor crimes are down. Unless I am wrong, minor crimes are generally officer-generated as patrol people come in contact with the public. Could it be that the officers in Cedar Falls are reluctant to come into contact with the public because of the appearance of a continuing vendetta against them by their own administration?
We desperately need new leadership in Cedar Falls.
Maggie England
Give C.F. police pay hike
CEDAR FALLS - How many good police and firefighters do we have to lose (or does someone have to die) before elected city officials to do something about the mess in this city? It is obvious Jay Kohl doesn't care at all about the citizens of Cedar Falls. All he seems to want to do is prove he is the "almighty" and beat down the people in his charge.
I can't understand our mayor and City Council. They all have family and friends here. Don't they care about their safety. By their recent words and action, they don't, much less the people they represent.
The police and fire departments are in contract negotiations. They should get the 7.9 percent raise they are asking for if nothing else for combat pay.
In November there will be a city election. Let's remember how these elected officials feel about us, and what they are doing to us, and let's take our city back.
Earl R. VanSickle
C.F. Public Safety
CEDAR FALLS - I grew up in Cedar Falls when both the fire department and police department were housed in the same building on the south side of the 100 block of West Third Street.
As a youth, I remember during World War II years, when many of the able-bodied fireman had been drafted and went off to war. It left three regular firemen and a handful of volunteers. A situation arose where there was a call and the on-duty took the truck out to answer the call. Shortly thereafter the on-duty policeman heard the fire department phone ringing and went to answer it. It was another call. Naturally the policeman dispatched a couple of patrol cars and told the frantic citizen, in the phone, that he would send a truck to that address when the when the patrol officer notified the lone fireman of the other call.
These were difficult times as there was a shortage of able-bodied men to man the public services. The present situation reminds me of those years. Not enough men on duty to handle every emergency situation. It seems to me, and this is only my observation, that reducing costs by cutting into the efficiency of emergency services is a foolish and dangerous way to save money.
I wonder if the mayor, city council and related individuals, realize what a basic error in judgment they have made, but are too embarrassed to admit their mistake? Reading earlier letters to the editor, it seems to me the citizens of Cedar Falls are beginning to realize what an adverse situation their mayor and city council have placed them in.
Bill Pierce
C.F. police, council
WATERLOO – I work in Cedar Falls and have been following the Jay Kohl saga. Why on earth would a mayor and city council hire someone whose employment record was partially sealed? Wouldn't most sensible people conclude that Mr. Kohl would be a risky proposition for safety director?
Clearly, Cedar Falls lacks leadership. Police and fire personnel are driving around in vague and strangely marked cars. The stress level in city employees appears to be high. Mr. Kohl is trying to find new employment. Respected fire and police officers have resigned. Leadership by intimidation appears to be the way things are done in Cedar Falls.
Councilwoman Barb Brown is an expert at avoiding a direct answer to anyone’s questions. She seems to be more comfortable in handing off the tough questions to the boys at the top.
Councilman Mike Havenstrite seems to think he is God and doesn’t have to answer anything. He clearly has no respect for the citizens he represents.
Mayor Ed Stachovic has suddenly become mute. Wow! I get to leave Cedar Falls each night and go home, where our people are respected. You folks have to stay in a town where you eat your own.
Patricia Minard
C.F. Police support
CEDAR FALLS - I proudly served as a Cedar Falls police officer for 25 years and will carry that pride to my grave. I am ashamed that the administrators of the current Cedar Falls city government has allowed Mr. Jay Kohl to trash the police and fire division.
I can't believe that our once sharp looking patrol cars have been reduced to an unidentifiable "Culligan Water" car. I'm so glad I never had to shout, "Halt, public safety officer!" I can't imagine how much laughter that would have generated from the person I had been chasing.
The members of the current police and fire divisions are no longer proud but grieve and long for days past. Perhaps Paul Hoffey wasn't so bad after all, was he?
To my fellow officers and firefighters who remain, I say, hang in. Changes can and must be made in our current administration. I, for one, will continue to support your efforts to take your departments back.
Les Dempster
C.F. city service
CEDAR FALLS - Over the past several months we have read and heard complaints concerning the management of the Cedar Falls Public Safety Department. These complaints have come from current and past members of the department, as well as family members and past elected city officials.
Since we have not been directly involved in any of the discussions, we are not able to judge whether these actions by city officials, or the complaints by department supporters, are justified. As a result we have chosen to evaluate the decisions made by Mayor Ed Stachovic and his staff, based upon the operation of other city departments and services.
We have the same property for the past nine years. The portion of our property taxes attributed to the city has only increased from $582 to $597. It has averaged $607. Due to the implementation of automated garbage pickup and an excellent recycling program, we have seen our garbage service fee reduced $5 each month. Our street has been resurfaced with our only cost being the 1 percent sales tax increase. Snow removal and street cleaning have been excellent.
The growth and development of the Industrial and Technological Parks have been outstanding. Our contact with the Engineering Department during a few small projects has been nothing but positive. Recreational facilities have been improved and expanded. General appearance of city property has been improved.
We know that some of the above can be attributed to previous administrations' actions, but the present administration has done an excellent job of continuing previous programs and initiating new ones. We would encourage the administrators and Police and Fire Department personnel to resolve their differences in a positive manner. We certainly are not ready to "throw out the scoundrels" as some have urged.
Dale and Marty Halupnik
CEDAR FALLS - What prompted this letter is the letter from Margaret Klein on Jan. 20 and the many other letters that have been directed to the editor in reference to the position of public safety director in Cedar Falls.
My understanding is that Stan Smith is the only council person who voted no against the appointment of a public safety director. This doesn't say much for the other City Council people.
I also understand three of our council people will be up for re-election this year. Maybe they should look seriously at the time they have served on the City Council and decide it's time to step down and let a much needed change take place.
If they continue to run for City Council, then it's up to the citizens of Cedar Falls to get out and vote and make a change in our mayor and City Council people.
Stan Smith also is the only council person to vote against pay raises for the mayor and council. Does this tell us who is looking out for our interest?
Sheri Victoria
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