![\"VCPD\"](\"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/VCPD-300x202.jpg\")
Valley City\u00a0 (CSi)\u00a0 Valley City residents may see a petition circulating, asking if electing a police chief should be put on an election ballot as an initiated measure. Three Valley City residents have formed a committee to initiate paperwork which has been filed to circulate a petition.<\/p>\n
Brian Mindt of \u00a0Valley City is reported to saying that he and other residents believe electing a police chief, who is now appointed,\u00a0 is a good idea.<\/p>\n
The three members of the sponsoring committee consist of\u00a0 Mindt, Larry Hetland and Anthony Drake.<\/p>\n
At the January 17, 2017,\u00a0 the Valley City Commission \u00a0unanimously approved Acting Police Chief, Lt. Phil Hatcher becoming the permanent Chief of Police effective immediately, which followed the retirement of Fred Thompson in December of 2016.<\/p>\n
City Administrator David Schelkoph said a search committee and the process would have taken three months to complete.\u00a0 He and Commissioner Bishop the police portfolio holder agreed that promoting from within is positive and will save time and money for the city.<\/p>\n
Bishop said he\u2019s looking at longevity in Hatcher\u2019s appointment.<\/p>\n
City Attorney Myhre added that Hatcher is highly professional and understands the law, and endorses Hatcher’s promotion.<\/p>\n