Editorials Archive

New chief can lead city forward
, Publisher
11-21-2007

Following dissension among Ruston Mayor Dan Hollingsworth, the city’s aldermen and community members in the past week, a new police chief has been approved.

He was not Hollingsworth’s first choice, nor does he fit the profile of being from outside the Ruston Police Department as two of the aldermen desired.

Stephen Rogers, however, did obtain a vote of confidence from four of five aldermen during a special-called meeting Tuesday.

Aldermen Jedd Lewis and Jim Pearce said they have received input that Rogers, who worked for the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office for 12 years and the Ruston Police Department for three, will receive both police and community support in his new role.

After Hollingsworth’s first recommendation — to make RPD Capt. Bill Davis the chief — was shot down last week, there appeared to be a great deal of disagreement in the community. Some, such as a few who spoke before the council at Tuesday’s meeting, wanted a minority from the community for the position, and others had concerns or opinions regarding the nine applicants for the position.

Hollingsworth had a team of experts assist him in the interview process to determine the finalists, and aldermen were provided with applications of each of the candidates. This has been a long, exhausting and stressful process for many involved.

The bottom line is regardless of who the aldermen or community members hoped to see in the role of police chief, a decision has been made. There is nowhere to look but forward.

Alderman Elmore Mayfield has indicated he believes Rogers will treat minorities fairly, and Hollingsworth has expressed a desire to work collaboratively with Rogers to make some changes in the police department.

As he follows in the footsteps of Randal Hermes, who served as police chief for 14 years, Rogers has big shoes to fill.

We encourage Rogers in his new position to listen to community concerns and to seek positive changes within the department.