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Police chief to retire
Quincy police chief Bill Gonzales is retiring, effective July 31.
The Quincy city council voted to approve a retirement incentive agreement with Gonzales at a special meeting held Monday, June 29.
The agreement calls for Gonzales to receive six months of his base pay, which is $5,846.58 per month after he received a 4 percent raise July 1.
The vote passed with a 4-2 margin. After some discussion, council members Manuel Guerrero, Anthony Gonzalez, Carl Worley and Scott Lybbert voted for the agreement, while Keith Anstine and Jose Saldaña voted against it.
“We need to start heading in a different direction,” Lybbert said. “We need to start now. I don’t have any problems with (the agreement).”
Saldaña, however, questioned the decision to pay a person who is not working.
“We’re paying him to leave early for the benefit of the city, but at the same time I don’t agree to pay an individual who is not doing his job,” Saldaña said. “If things are not working well, he needs to step down. Why give him these benefits when he’s not doing his job?
“We’ll have to pay to replace him, so we’ll be paying twice for one position. He’s been here a long time, and somehow he should be rewarded. But this is too high a reward.”
Anstine agreed.
“This costs a lot more than I thought it was going to. It’s about double what I expected, to be honest,” he said. “Is this in our best interests? There’s a lot worse interim chiefs out there than leaving him in place. You’re giving him a golden parachute, and I won’t do it.”
Mayor Jim Hemberry said discussion about the retirement agreement with Gonzales began about two months ago after Gonzales told the city he originally wanted to retire March 15, 2010. The city has been wanting to make some substantial changes to the administrative level of the police department in the coming months, and Hemberry said the best way to do that would be if Gonzales wasn’t the chief.
“What we did was we basically talked to Bill and said, ‘We need to make some changes, but it doesn’t make any sense for you to try doing anything. It’s just not going to work,’” Hemberry said. “We really want to start making some changes. I can tell you this - I’m retiring on July 31, and it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning and go to work. Bill is in the same position, kind of.
“Not to say he’d be different than anybody else, but he’d be a lame duck, and it’s really difficult to implement change with somebody that’s going out. And we want to get started right away making those changes. We don’t want to wait another seven or eight months. We’d like to change a whole bunch of things about the way we want the policing to be done and a lot of administrative issues that we want changes, and Bill realizes that the best thing for the department is if he gets out of here and start fresh. I can’t imagine that he’d have any issues (with the agreement).”
Hemberry said discussion of Gonzales’ departure did not start as a result of accusations made by former Quincy police officer Darren Smith in March. Smith said Gonzales and his sergeants retaliated against him for speaking out on safety issues and the administration retaliated against another police officer who witnessed an alleged assault by a police sergeant.
“Our view of what we want to change doesn’t necessarily mean that Bill’s done anything worth firing him over,” Hemberry said. “It just means that we want to go in a different direction, and we don’t see him as the person being able to do that. I realize it’s quite a bit of money. It’s less than where we started.”
City attorney Alan Galbraith said, “Transitions are hard enough as they are, that having a smooth one was a premium. (That’s what we were thinking) when we were working on this, whether it was six months or four months or three months or no months.”
Hemberry said the process of finding an interim chief will begin immediately.
35 Comments
#2
Former Resident commented, on July 2, 2009 at 1:49 p.m.:
While it is a public office that the police chief holds, there could be more discretion taken with a situation like this. I think its terrible to hear people squabbling over having to offer 6 month compensation to someone that has served the city in a senior position for many many years, and this is a terrible way to send him off, regardless of whatever the situation is. If the council believes that the time is now for change, then they must also acknowledge that there is a cost involved in not waiting out the year. That cost of the opportunity taken has to be decided by the council and quite frankly, whether you were on the losing or winning side of the vote, you should stand behind the council's decision and explain to the community why this is in their best interest!!
#3
concerned... commented, on July 2, 2009 at 4:33 p.m.:
I agree with both the above comments! Excellent points made. I for one am concerned about "who will be in charge" once the police chief retires. Is there already an ace in the pocket, someone to come in to that position right away? Should we be worried about this?
However, I do wish this would have been done in better taste such as highlighting what Mr Gonzales has done for the community & for the police dept over the years and THEN announced this retirement, without the back biting. Bet for sure when one of those council members needs the police they will be howling if they (police) are not there in an instant!
#4
Quincy resident for 22 yrs/Gonzales Supporter commented, on July 2, 2009 at 4:37 p.m.:
This is the way the Quincy Post Register treats the man who worked hard everyday for many years to protect you and your families? Shame on you Mr. Flanagan for such a poorly written article!
#5
another former resident commented, on July 2, 2009 at 8:12 p.m.:
I have known the Gonzales family for several years, and have never met a family that is more dedicated to the city of Quincy. they coach kids in a various of sports, they have put their children through the local 4-h club,and have put several hours of work trying to better the community.
Bill deserves more respect than what this article has given him. A couple key points about this article.
a) Bill was going to retire in march 2010, but the city wants him out now, if you are going to force him out you have to pay him.
b)The accusations by mr smith were turned over to the grant county sherrifs office. Its pretty simple, chief gonzales can't investigate accusations against him, the sherrifs office found no wrong doing
#6
Quincy Resident commented, on July 2, 2009 at 8:21 p.m.:
Doesn't Mr. Saldana realize that Chief Gonzales wants to continue doing his job until March 2010. I would like to know what Mr. Saldana would do in this situation after serving the community for 25+ years and then being asked to retire before he planned to.
#7
Lets hear it commented, on July 2, 2009 at 11:58 p.m.:
Okay, everyone is talking about what Bill has done for the community - but no one is citing any examples. So please, humor us, what exactly has Bill done for the community? And if you are such a supporter and proud of him, why not use your real name?
And just because you collect a paycheck for 25 years from one employer doesn't make you worthy of respect or worthy of recognition for public service.
#8
Concerned Citizen commented, on July 4, 2009 at 2:41 p.m.:
After reading the article and comments surrounding the retirement of Quincy's Police Chief Bill Gonzales a number of questions and concerns come to mind. My first concern being the comment made by Former Citizen #2. This individual stated that "there could be more discretion taken with a situation like this" (line 1-2). This is a public matter especially when it involves tax payer money to pay the city's police chief's salary. As a citizen and resident of Quincy I want to be informed of where my money is being spent. We should all as citizens and residents be concerned and informed.
I attended a city counsil meeting not too long ago and was shocked and appalled to find so little in attendance. It is our civil duty to attend these public meetings and be involved.
A question that comes to mind after reading a few comments is whether or not Police Chief Gonzales is under contract with the city. If he indeed has a contract then paying him is required. However if he does not have a contract then giving him monetary funds to leave early is careless.
Whether a person has been working a day or 25 years it comes down to serving the community and looking out for what's best. Mr. Gonzales has a tremendous obligation to protect our community and if he is not meeting the cities standards then it is best to simply step down. If Sara Paling can step down in the middle of her term then so can Bill Gonzales.
#9
Yet but commented, on July 5, 2009 at 7:14 a.m.:
Sara Palin is going to run for President in 2012 and I don't foresee Gonzales doing that.
#10
Concerned Citizen too commented, on July 5, 2009 at 3:31 p.m.:
Concerned Citizen wrote: "I attended a city counsil meeting not too long ago and was shocked and appalled to find so little in attendance." It is transparent that you yourself haven't attended many meetings otherwise you would know that on a regular basis there aren't many people there, unless of course there is a town issue that packs the room. Most of the time, the press outnumbers the the public, if there is any.
#12
Let me tell you.... commented, on July 6, 2009 at 5:49 a.m.:
To the comment made on #7, Have you ever done anything for your community to judge what one has done for theirs? If you think people should state their names then why don't you? Bill has worked hard at making this community a better place, not just for the atheletes in this community but also for the children who have no other place or direction to go. He has always strived in working with adolescents who have been in trouble and needed some one to talk to for some real advice. Could you say that Mr. LET ME TELL YOU? I have enjoyed watching him grow with this community through his timeless efforts coaching sports, organazing the time out for kids program, relay for life, sponsoring kids to play in the Dru Gimlin tournaments that could not afford to play, and donating his time to help with younger kids atheletics. So now what do you have to say for yourself? Where is the rest of the community? No one else wants to help this generation of kids....unless it is the ones worth helping. So shame on you!! One thing I would like to add to this article is how poorly this was written not only written by Mr. Flanagan but edited by the editor to be published. We support you Bill, we love you and will stand by you.
#13
Thank you Bill commented, on July 6, 2009 at 3:17 p.m.:
For those of you who don't know or understand what he has done for Quincy, you are either an outsider or you are a newbie. We who have been here for multiple decades, either moved here in the 50s/60s or born here, knows and understand what he has done for the Quincy community.
Bill I salute you, honoring your service to all of us, regardless of our backgrounds.
#14
former Quincy now Alaska resident commented, on July 6, 2009 at 5:09 p.m.:
I have known Bill Gonzales all my life and for people to show the disrespect they do toward him is heartbreaking. I have to agree with #14. ... #11 I didn't know you had the inside on Sarah Palin unlike the rest of us who live next to her. You don't know what she's doing. I do believe the artical could have been better written but then the paper wouldn't get this kind of response if that were the case right? If Bill wasn't going to retire until next year and they want him to retire now then hell yes he should be paid for it. Bill has done more for the community and the people in it then the people in these comments put together I'm sure. Bill and his wife too for that matter are wonderful people who would do anything for anyone and I know this first hand. Show some respect people.
#15
Go Bill!!!!!!! commented, on July 6, 2009 at 5:15 p.m.:
I cannot believe the way you people are treating Chief Gonzales. I don't think even that low life Murray got this much disrespect and he was fired.
#16
Really now... commented, on July 6, 2009 at 8:13 p.m.:
Bill may be a great person inside of the community, but be can't be an efficient manager. He needs to put his foot down and turn that department around. There is some serious issues that need to be addressed and he's the only man that can fix it.
#18
To #18 commented, on July 6, 2009 at 10:58 p.m.:
For one thing #18 if we had the internet so widely available as it is now and the qvpr website (started last year) we would have the same widespread reaction to Murray's dismissal.
Can't wait to read the letters to the editor!
#19
other people outside Washington commented, on July 7, 2009 at 1:12 a.m.:
#17 there are other people other than yourself who are outside Washington, former quincy residents. I don't know who #11 is, but how do you know they don't live in Alaska, or elsewhere like in the military, etc.
#20
Alaska commented, on July 7, 2009 at 3:17 p.m.:
Alaska is beter off with out Gov pallin. good luk usa.
#21
help me commented, on July 7, 2009 at 3:39 p.m.:
Can someone please tell me what the issues are with the police department. i dont live in quincy anymore. i do know about officer jones but besides that what is so wrong?
#22
Quincy/Alaska commented, on July 7, 2009 at 5:53 p.m.:
Alaska may be better off without Sarah Palin but that doesn't have anything to do with the Chief. Quincy is NOT better off without Chief Gonzales that is for sure.
#23
Mike Anderson commented, on July 7, 2009 at 11:27 p.m.:
Wow! A guy leaves 25 years ago and starts his own career in Law Enforcement and then he gets a phone call from his mother telling him all hell has broke out and his friend is retiring...sort of.
Bill loves being a police officer, just as I do. Some questioned what he has given to the community and this makes me sick.
Let me tell you just a few things he (and all police officers) gives to the community...we give you comfort, comfort in know not only are you safer but your family is safer. We work weekends, nights, holidays regardless. We may not get to have the holidays with our families because that is when we are busy.
We go to scenes where someones dad, wife, mother, child etc is dead and we have to put on a game face and remain steady on the outside when all you want to do is vomit, cry or both.
When you call the police we go and restore order where sometimes there is none. Then we listen to critics telling us we made a mistake.
Police officers may not go out into the community and plant flowers or clean up a park but it maybe because we are sleeping from working all night or trying to burn the image out of heads of the expression and pain on the face of the mother we just had to tell that there son, or daughter was killed by someones selfish act.
That is some of what Bill has contributed to the community and he did this for $5800 a month, which apparently is way to much. I'm willing to bet that there are alot of other careers that pay way more and have way less responsibilities than a human life but that is not why we do it.
We do it for the Community. Because nobody else will.
Bill keep your head high. I know the sacrifices you have given to the community and I'm sure others do to.
#24
lets hear it 2 commented, on July 8, 2009 at 1:04 a.m.:
I am not surprised that all anyone can come up with is how Bill does such a great job with sports and adolescents. If anyone was paying attention you would know he does that on your time, the citys time, and your tax dollars. Now let's hear what he has done for the police department? Maybe we could talk about its low moral, the promotion of criminals and incompetence, or just not ever showing up for work. The city has paid him for years to do nothing. 35,000 is a cheap price to pay to get rid of him.
#25
Bill was our employee commented, on July 8, 2009 at 10:17 a.m.:
let's hear it 2 you wrote "your time, the citys time, and your tax dollars" that's right-he was our employee. When the boss isn't bothered by what an employee does, what's it to anyone else? Just worry about yourself, and hope that you will have a quarter of respect Bill has from his employers. I don't think you will even have a few people to support you when you are treated this way.
He was doing a fine job through the ranks as rookie, sargeant, lieutenant and chief. If there was any problems during those 25 years why now? Very strange indeed. He was keeping the peace and applying the law for good order.
Bill was our employee if we thought he was wasting our time and our money, we would have done something a long time ago.
Yes Bill you will not have any trouble finding another higher paying and better position elsewhere.
#26
quincy residint commented, on July 8, 2009 at 1:10 p.m.:
Betcha my bottom dolar that the new Chief will want and get mor dollars.
#27
Kevin Lobe commented, on July 8, 2009 at 3:33 p.m.:
I Just want to say to Bill. Thank you for all that you have done for me, my family, neighbors, and the city of Quincy.
I remember as a young boy in pre school you came to our class and taught us about what a police officer does.Then you let us go to your squad car and hit the siren. Now that was over 20 years ago and it still to this day is a great memory for me. (probably wouldnt get away with that these days)
I also want to say that after my family you were the next biggest influence in my life as a teen and want you to know that i support you 110%
I know what a fantastic job you have done. and just have to say Enjoy your Retirement( you deserve it)
p.s. GO YANKEES..... hate on that everyone :)
#28
The Truth commented, on July 8, 2009 at 10:57 p.m.:
How many of you know about the misconduct this chief has engaged in? Maybe now it has all come forward and required the city to take action. Ignorance. I don't think anyone will argue Bill is a friendly guy and a great neighbor. But his inability to be a police chief, a leader, and a department head is clear.
#29
confidentiality commented, on July 9, 2009 at 8:21 a.m.:
Actually his work performance was I assume discussed behind closed doors amongst the council and mayor, which is confidential. Unless anyone breaks the closed doors discussion, we will never know exactly why Gonzales was let go. Just speculation.
#30
Jamie Vasquez commented, on July 9, 2009 at 11:53 a.m.:
Thanks to everyone for your support, this means alot to my dad and the rest of the family. I am sorry to see all the ignorant people who fail to see what he has done in his 30 + years with the Quincy Police Department. He stayed in Quincy because he loved his job and the people he served. He had many opprotunities to step out and work for other departments but chose to stay to make this town a better place for your family and ours. I am sorry for those who did or do not see it. This is your ignorance people. Dad we love you and will always stand by you.
Dad,
This is to you...and no other. We have had our ups and downs but life has turned to the better. If people can not see the good that you have done then that is their own ignorance. Your true supporters are your family and we will always back you up 100%. Retire old man, live, love and laugh much. You have alot of support from the community, just because they did not put in a comment does not mean they are not furious about this article. Thanks for all the years of service to the community, the love and support for your family and friends, and continuous dedication of putting forth ideas to make this community stronger, even when there was not enough help from others in the community, you never quit! I admire your strength!! I love you dad, thanks for everything.
#31
Adminstrator commented, on July 9, 2009 at 2:10 p.m.:
It has come to our attention that a person who posted on this site was using someone else's name. We have removed the post and those that responded to his post.
The comment portion of our articles is a useful feature that allows for discussion and debate on issues affecting our community, but this kind of behavior will cause us to examine whether or not we will continue allowing comments to be posted below our stories.
It would be too bad if one person had to ruin it for everyone else.
#32
Glad to see him go commented, on July 10, 2009 at 8:53 p.m.:
No one is or should disagree that Bill was still is and a huge contributing member of this community. His work with the softball team and basketball team is commendable and greatly appreciated. I will also not disagree that he probably has done great work in the past. With that being said I don't believe past accomplishment should be the basis for continuing the employment of someone that isn't performing their job duties currently. Its to bad that the administrator and mayor didn't take care of this issue sooner before it came to this. I can almost assure you that Bill doesn't feel disrespected in fact I bet he is laughing all the way to the bank because instead of having to come to work at least a few hours a week he just gets to collect a paycheck. The City of Quincy is much better off with Bill gone maybe they will be able to hire a Police Chief that will actually do his job and not just delegate all of his duties to his subordinates.
#33
Fishing Buddies commented, on July 11, 2009 at 8:09 p.m.:
I have known Chief Gonzalez for many years,both on a personal level and through my employment. I am appalled that someone would be so critical of him. He is such a kind and considerate human being and not given the credit that he deserves. He has spent a great deal of time away from his family to make sure all of you citizens of Quincy were safe. Law Enforcement is a very dangerous and thankless job, but Bill loved what he did and helped many many people during his employment with the community, especially the youth. He has done such a tremendous job for Quincy. Those of you that are saying such awful things about him should be ashamed of yourselves. I think there must be some jealousy there. I wish you the best in retirement Bill. Kudos. Get the fishing gear ready.
#34
Unbelievable commented, on July 20, 2009 at 3:36 p.m.:
Let's take a look at what's really going on...it will all come out someday soon I am sure. I find it interesting fishing buddies and family all talk about what a great Chief he was. Anyone heard from the employees or the city?
#35
Getting a good laugh commented, on July 23, 2009 at 9:52 a.m.:
When did Quincy get a police chief? I didn't even know they had one! Is that the guy driving around in that new Charger? I can do that where can I get an application?
#36
whos laughing now commented, on July 28, 2009 at 2:55 p.m.:
hey number 35 getting a good laugh why don't you take a good look at your work ethics and look in the mirror is your everyday work ethic the same everyday? You probably do not even know what is going on across the street from you, not to mention what goes on in the city. You are probably one of those people who shake his hand and tell him what a great job he has done. Two faced people, i love it. Congratulations Bill!! You deserve this retirement, thanks for taking the time to listen to our kids, neighbors, friends, and any other issue that may have came up. Thanks to all the ignorant people also it is people like you that keep the paper running. Got to love the gossip column in this town.
Ms. Harrington commented, on July 2, 2009 at 1:08 p.m.:
This article should have been done more tastefully. Regardless of what has happened, it warrants respect for Mr. Gonzales and what he has done for this community in previous years. The author of this article should have taken it from a more respectful and private approach.
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