20070725 Manchester police chief steps down

Manchester police chief steps down

By Kathryn Leiter, Times Staff Writer Wednesday, July 25, 2007

After being asked to step aside for the second time in two weeks, Manchester Chief of Police Charles Lewis resigned Tuesday.

“I spoke to [Lewis] yesterday afternoon, and he said he would write me a letter [of resignation],” Mayor Chris D’Amario said. “We both agreed it would be better if he resigned.”

[…]

Effective immediately, Lt. Gerald Gall will be taking over as interim chief of police, D’Amario said.

[…]

“I have not found one person who is happy with the mayor’s decision,” said Manchester business owner Gene Woodhouse.

[…]

Woodhouse, who is also a member of the Manchester Area Merchants Association, said the organization still plans to send letters to D’Amario and attend next month’s Town Council meeting to show support for Lewis.

Lewis recently worked with residents of Hallie Hills, Whispering Valley and Crossroads Overlook to let them know what may happen to their communities in the future. The meetings were initiated because of heavy traffic cutting through the neighborhoods.

[…]

Hallie Hills resident Ann Colmus, who attended the council meeting, said she believes the mayor’s request for Lewis’ resignation had to do with Lewis urging residents to air their concerns at the meeting.

[…]

Councilmen Dale Wilder Jr., Daniel Riley and Councilwoman Kathleen Clagg did not immediately respond to phone calls Tuesday.

Councilman David Richardson said he was unaware of the decision and did not know the mayor had spoken with Lewis.

More…

####