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RFH 2010, Cover Stories, Editorials

Editorial: Good News for a Good Chief

Fri, Sep 16, 2011

Congratulations and thanks to HPD Chief Rick Gifford, Mayor Margaret Miller and the Board of Trustees.

Together they came up with a way to keep a professional, well-like and respected top cop where he belongs: on the job in the village.

Because of a sweeping and arbitrary move by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the village was close to losing one of the best police officers ever to wear the uniform locally. Cuomo needed to look tough so cracked down on state retirees who drew pension payments and got paid for working too.

No one likes double-dipping when it is abused, but good people doing good jobs with the best of intent ought not to be punished. Waivers were granted in the past and Cuomo was silly to issue a blanket "no more waivers" policy.

In less than a year Gifford has tackled two major issues in the village and done so with true professionalism and with a firm but not heavy hand. He has gotten tough on under-age drinking and bad public behavior, and has begun strictly enforcing the village's parking regulations. Gifford has also found ways to squeeze the most out of the department budget by making well-researched, informed decisions. And, he is visible and accessible.

Much the same can be said for Mayor Miller and an almost completely new board of trustees. This was a huge win for the mayor and the trustees, one that is beneficialy to the entire community.

It will be good to see Chief Gifford still walking the streets of the village as he does most days, and good knowing the trustees and Mayor Miller are willing to work hard to find solutions to major issues.

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