Mayor Bruce Rose Blast The Wilson Times

It was evident the Mayor disagreed with the local newspaper editorial that criticized and questioned why city officials would not release the names of the candidates vying for the position of the next chief of police.

In a letter to The Wilson Times, Bruce Rose commented he had seen his share of unpopular issues in the local paper over the years and on occasion have disagreed with the content more times than he could recall. He said he never voiced his opinion or opposition because he understood the importance the role of the media has in the community.

However, this time it was different and he had to address comments assailed about the local government, the process of selecting the next chief of police, those over-seeing the selection and the candidates. The Wilson Times is upset city officials won't give out the names of the internal candidates and hurled innuendos about the process and even wrote that the search should have gone national instead as if they know best.

The mayor said as much himself when he commented, "I do not know how much experience the Wilson Times has in hiring police chiefs, but the City of Wilson has quite a bit, as does the City Manager." The Mayor also stated he never knew of another city who would give the media a list of every applicant who applied for a job with the city. He stated "That's an unreasonable expectation."

Mayor Rose praised the Police Department for their national accreditation, their awards and mentioned the recent International Award received for community policing. That factor alone is a testament to the strong leadership currently found within the Wilson Police Department.

He also reminded the newspaper the City manager has legal authority by the state on NC to appoint a chief. Grant Goings should be applauded for giving local officers the opportunity to compete for the position first.