WHITMAN — A majority of the selectmen voted Tuesday not to appoint Sgt. Christine M. May as the town's first permanent female police chief, then reconsidered their decision and tabled discussion to Oct. 16.
The 3-2 vote both confused and frustrated May and the other co-contender for the post, Sgt. Timothy P. Hanlon. Both had just finished interviews in a public session with selectmen.
“Obviously, I am disappointed,” May said. “But I will wait until the next meeting and see what happens.”
“Disappointed, with a capital D,” Hanlon said. “Disappointed that they didn't appoint a chief.”
May ranked as the top candidate, followed by Hanlon and Harry Bates, on a departmental promotional examination administered to Whitman's police sergeants on May 12.
The rankings are based on education and experience scores, but the scores are not public record.
The other two candidates, provisional Police Chief Edward Slocum and Sgt. Scott Benton, did not rank in the top three and were not included in the list.
On Tuesday, May and Hanlon, the top finalists, sat through half-hour interviews with selectmen, during which they fielded questions on police budgets, delegating authority, public relations, working with the media and what they saw as their personal strengths.
After the interviews, Selectman Carl F. Kowalski nominated May to be appointed police chief.
“I am happy to admit we chose a good process and we ended up with two fine candidates. I am comfortable in voting for and nominating May,” Kowalski said.
Selectmen Chairman Daniel L. Salvucci, however, said he had unresolved doubts about the professional experience of either candidate.
“I guess the question in my mind is — have they been sergeant long enough?” Salvucci said. “That is the decision I am fighting with in my mind.” Selectman Brian L. Bezanson said he, too, had “deep reservations” about the depth of experience of both officers.
“I think their time as sergeant gives me great pause,” Bezanson said.
May became the department's first female police sergeant at age 26 in May 2003, when she outscored the 10 other candidates in October 2002 in a departmental promotional examination.
Hanlon became an officer in 2000, a detective in 2003 and a detective sergeant in 2005. Both candidates said they have shift supervisory experience and extensive police training.
Before the vote, Selectman Margaret C. McGillivary read a statement urging the board to move forward and choose a candidate.
“We have two very acceptable candidates. What mountains are they going to have to climb if we say they don't have enough experience?” McGillivary said.
The board's vote left selectmen with serious questions on what to do next.
Salvucci said he had doubts about selectmen being qualified to choose the best candidate.
He said the solution might be to seek the help of police experts through an assessment center process.
“I personally feel I need that professionalism. I don't think we have the expertise,” Salvucci said.
Whitman has been without a permanent police chief since May 2005, after former Police Chief John Schnyer retired.
Selectmen appointed Slocum provisionally a year ago to replace former provisional Police Chief Raymond Nelson, who faced mandatory retirement on Aug. 31, 2006, when he turned age 65.
After a discussion of options with Town Counsel Michelle McNulte, the board voted 4-1 to rescind the May vote and table further action until Oct. 16.
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