The police union's role is collective bargaining, not removing or appointing chiefs. The citizens elect the mayor and others to deal with department heads. Some might remember a few years back when the union said "yes" to a chief and the community said "no." The officers and department employees need to keep an outward focus on the community (which I believe most are doing), not an inward focus on themselves (as some are doing).

Secondly, the issue over a degree from an unaccredited school is ridiculous. Accreditation really means little. Consider that American businesses and public agencies spend millions of dollars a year to send employees and managers to seminars for things like human resources and other management training. Why? Because they provide experienced practitioners in the fields they need. People walk away from these sessions with practical, use-it-today information often making up for what they didn't get from an accredited school.

Consider also the condition of organizations such as our poorly performing city schools or struggling public agencies with many graduates of accredited schools. People attend unaccredited schools for many reasons, including accessibility, affordability and interaction with experienced practitioners as instructors who provide them with real-life knowledge and help.

It wasn't the degree that made the chief, it was his experience and leadership prior to being appointed chief that made the appointment something to consider. The degree only provided some additional foundation (regardless of accreditation).

We should not let the union nor The Sun determine what is best for the community.

TRACY JOHNSON

Highland

Do not be swayed

As an American citizen, I am amazed how much time and money is spent on insulting the American people with the propaganda that is sent over the Internet, in the newspaper and to our homes via the U.S. Postal Service.

All these individuals who are running for office fail to realize there are people who read more than the Star and The National Inquirer. There are people who have the intelligence to do their own research and to make their own decisions. The more disgusting propaganda I receive, the more I believe that the people who claim they are for a better nation only prefer to be guided by a tabloid life. The change they want is for the worse, they do not want a better economy, they do not want to use the brain they were born with.