How and why did we select this consultant for the Police Department? The
City Manager is paid well for making tough decisions and the retention or
firing of the police chief is one of those.

Paying as much as $5,000 (or more) for a consultant is another waste of taxpayer
money and a shirking of responsibility and accountability. The consultant,
William Baker of Badgequest, has apparently never worked in a community with a
police department remotely the size of Newport's (i.e., Sutton, MA, Laconia, NH
and Seabrook, NH.)

Nothing in the published accounts of his experience seems to recommend him as a
credible consultant. His international experience is irrelevant. What
significant experience does he have in conflict resolution?

What recommendations can he possibly make to overcome the overwhelming lack
of confidence vote? Is that no-confidence vote going to suddenly change as a
result of this unnecessary intervention?

Fred Faerber