H.I.T.S.: Santiago raises stakes?... State inquiring?...

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H.I.T.S.: HEARD IN THE STREET. . .

. . .Word in the street is that Plainfield Police Chief Ed Santiago's attorney filed a new suit in the Union County courts yesterday alleging breach of contract, thus effectively matching and raising Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs' move in placing the chief on paid leave. . .The smart money is betting the city's case is very weak and whether or not the matter goes to trial it is going to cost the taxpayers----plenty. . .

. . .Rumors also swirl that the mayor's confidential assistant participated in the decision to put the chief on leave, a decision that would properly involve the mayor, the city administrator, the public safety director and the personnel director. If true, people are suggesting it raises questions as to whether the move against Santiago is politically motivated. . .

. . .In the related matter of replacing Santiago, word has it that the State is looking into the appointment of Lt. Ron Lattimore as acting chief and whether any violations were made in passing over captains, who are higher on the ladder, to make the appointment. . .If improper, and any captains who were passed over decide to sue, guess what? . . .the potential for even more taxpayer dollars to evaporate.

Have a nice day. . .

-- Dan Damon

Keywords: Santiago, lawsuits