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Mounds View City Council Regular Meeting John Blackstone, 8333 Knollwood Drive stated he was not speaking for or against any candidate but rather against the process, and that to an uninformed observer, the selection process that has been used appears to be political, biased and discriminatory, and that he feels it allowed unqualified candidates and eliminated qualified candidates. He requested that the Council defer making an appoint- ment and that the Civil Service Commission review the rules and guidelines and have the entire process reopened. He added that if the Council does not defer, there is a group of Mounds View citizens who have con- sulted an attorney and are ready to take legal action. Upon questioning, Mr. Blackstone identified the group as Citizens for a Fair Selection Process for a Police Chief of Mounds View. Mayor McCarty replied that the process has taken the direction, as set forth by State law, and the Council was advised by him at the very beginning to convey their thoughts and ideas to the Civil Service Commission, for their use in the selection process. Dick Paradise, 5091 Eastwood Road, identified him- self as the chairman of the Civil Service Commission, and stated they conducted many open meetings in the Council chambers and spent many months in the selection process. He added it was a tough job, and the meetings they held were open to the public and they would have accepted their input at any time. He stated he did not feel it was very kind to have a statement such as Mr. Blackstone's made at this time. He stated he had only received one phone call from a citizen during the whole selection process, and he and the other Civil Service Commission members were available for anyone to address. Howard Nisson, 5150 Irondale Road, stated he had followed the selection process and he is very happy with the selection of Timothy Ramacher, and he stated he felt the Civil Service Commission had made the best choice possible. Don Hodges stated that during his past service to the City, he had observed the beginning of the Police Civil Service Commission, and he feels the City's Police Department is one of the best in the State. He added he felt the Civil Service Commission had done a very good job, and he also reminded people that the past Police Chief had come to the City as a machinist, and what a good job he had done as a Police Chief. Councilmember Doty stated he had voted in favor of the motion, as Mr. Ramacher had lived in the area most of his life and he has served commendably for November 14, 1983 Page Five