Only four finalists remain in the Columbus police chief search, and it seems it will stay that way.
According to Human Resources Director Pat Mitchell, the alternate recommendation slated to take Sam Lathrop’s spot withdrew yesterday.
Mitchell confirmed this morning that the alternate was Don Daniel of Casa Grande, Ariz.
“We told the City Council last night that he withdrew,” Mitchell said.
Lathrop, of Beloit, Wis., withdrew from the process last week when he sent an email to Mitchell. Lathrop cited comments regarding his past made by Ward 3 Councilman Charlie Box and said he does not believe he would have a fair chance.
The four finalists left are: Curtis Brame, of North Chicago, Ill.; Nathaniel Clark, of Albany, Ga.; Selvain McQueen, of Columbus; and Robert Spinks, of Sequim, Wash.
There originally were three unnamed alternates, but one of the original top-five finalists withdrew before the names were released to the public and the top alternate took the spot in the top five. After Lathrop withdrew, one of the two remaining alternates was slated to move up.
According to Chief Operating Officer David Armstrong, the subcommittee did cursory research into the two alternates after Lathrop withdrew, and chose Daniel ahead of the applicant whose name is not being released. Armstrong said when the mayor and council was advised of Daniel’s withdrawal, the council decided to go with just the remaining four finalists and not include the last unnamed alternate.
“We just decided not to go in that direction,” Armstrong said.
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