Recycling Probe Raises Questions

There’s a sour taste in Orange, where getting to the bottom of a scandal in the recycling program has been complicated.

Police Chief John R. Robertson is one of those with a right to feel confused. He apparently has been trying to find out what has been going on but found himself out of favor last fall. Recently, he was summoned to a meeting with City Manager David L. Rudat and personnel Director Steven V. Pham at City Hall and given 14 reasons the city wanted to fire him.

Robertson was placed on paid administrative leave last Oct. 15. But the reasons are unclear, and the ones being given depend on when the question “Why?” is asked.

Originally, city officials said they were investigating charges made by police officers that Robertson had allowed a “hostile workplace” to develop in the department.

Later, according to City Atty. David A. De Berry, the city said it was considering charges that Robertson had conducted an improper investigation into leaks to the press of a court sealed document related to the recycling scandal.

One would think that getting to the bottom of the inner workings of the recycling scandal would be something a police chief might be interested in as part of his duties. Officials have said that some city revenue from the sale of recycled materials was misappropriated. The chief’s attorney and supporters say Robertson is being punished for taking too close a look at city officials.

Earlier this month, he was ordered to surrender his badge, identification, weapons, pager and city-issued automobile. His attorney reported that when the chief asked for more time, he was followed by a sergeant back to the attorney’s office, where the items were retrieved. How undignified.

Meanwhile, residents who support the chief have been strongly critical of the council and have said they would launch a recall against any council member who votes for Robertson’s termination. The group has been asking some good questions about why a police chief would be fired in the middle of an investigation. Clearly, some in Orange who matter--namely, the citizens--seem satisfied with the chief’s job performance.

The dispute, coming in the midst of a large investigation, seems to forecast more complications. This is both in the threat of a recall and in the obvious possibility of litigation related to the chief’s status.

Cooler heads should prevail on the City Council. They must find a way to refocus the investigation while ensuring that Robertson gets fair treatment.