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An open letter to Teno
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Posted on Sep 03 1999
I am writing to you as a concern citizen and a taxpayer regarding the reported incident last weekend in which the Commissioner of Public Safety was sighted to have recklessly and lawlessly operated on public road government vehicle. It is amazing that the pursuing police officer did not issue a traffic citation nor require the commissioner to undergo an alcoholic breath test as is normally done on a similar situation to other common citizens.
Governor, it’s high time that you take drastic measure on the serious offense allegedly committed by the DPS commissioner so that the integrity of the police department be preserved. This is not the first incident the commissioner had abused his official duty. On several occasions, he was seen operating official government vehicle while patronizing night clubs.
His defiance to the administration policy against misuse of vehicles and total disregard to the law and for the security and order of the public are grounds for immediate dismissal. At least, he should be placed under immediate suspension while the DPS internal investigation, reportedly to be ongoing, is being completed. The commissioner, having served in the U.S. military, would know that such offense will subject him to immediate court martial proceedings, the possible outcome would be severe penalties. I am disappointed that he was not suspended immediately after the incident was reported.
It is my sincere hope the wrongful action of the commissioner, a high-ranking Cabinet member, will not be conveniently forgotten or lightly reprimanded. The people of the Commonwealth deserve the head of this important executive department, responsible for ensuring law and order, and for protecting the safety of the community, to conduct himself respectably to reflect the honor of the office and be a perfect model to his subordinate officers.
Martin A. Manglona
Retired Command Sergeant Major
