| Tempers have been flaring between Grantsville Mayor Gary Knight, Police Chief Jeff Starcher and the town's council members, most recently over the driving of police cruisers by the officers to their residences out-of-town.
During a recent meeting, longtime councilwoman Loretta Stevens asked the mayor why officers are still driving cruisers out-of-town since the council recently went into an executive session, to restrict the cruisers.
Knight contends under the town's charter he has the sole responsibility of administering the police department, further saying the council's executive session was illegal.
Council member Dorothy McCauley said Chief Jeff Starcher advised the council that the town operates under a "strong mayor and weak council" type of government, giving the mayor broad administrative power.
Knight contends the council's recent executive session calling for the cruisers to stay in town was illegal based on several irregularities, and that he has charge of the police department under WV Code.
Councilwoman Stevens said, "The council has real concerns about the cost of gasoline," that the officers are driving at least 60 miles to get to work, not including call-ins and the wear-and-tear on the cruisers.
The mayor says there is no issue with the budget.
"The relationship between the mayor and the council is practically non-existent. It's been really disappointing that the mayor talks down to us," Stevens said.
Chief Starcher said with one full-time and one part-time officer, having quick 24/7 coverage ensures the safety and security of the town's citizens.
"By taking our cruisers home, we are able to ensure a rapid response by utilizing emergency equipment such as blue lights, siren, and a police radio," he said.
Council members said Knight has changed his position from an earlier term when he denied the taking of the cruisers to the officer's residences, resulting in the resignation of Chief Ed Eisley and officer Jeff Smith.
Mayor Knight said, "The council needs only to practice proper procedures...and not just sneak into an inappropriate setting on false pretense for the purpose of diminishing police effectiveness because of personality issues."
Council members contend that Mayor Knight does not inform them of decisions he has made.
Councilwoman Kathryn Kerby said "The mayor's hiring and firings have not been approved by the council."
Kerby said at the last meeting, the mayor told council members, "You know what you need to know."
Mayor Knight told the Herald, "So far as I am concerned, no matter how difficult things may become for the town, mismanagement and improper legislation will not be the causes."
See KNIGHT AND STARCHER RESPOND TO CONTROVERSY, ANSWERING HERALD INQUIRIES
See also DEMOCRACY ALIVE AND WELL IN GRANTSVILLE - 13 File For Council, Four For Mayor
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