In December 1999, I named police officers Kent Jacks and Hany Hanna as the City's Employees of the Year. As with many decisions I make as City Manager, this one was very difficult and wasn't made lightly. An influencing factor was the significant number of nominations the officers received citywide from co-workers who knew from personal experience how competent and dedicated the officers were. I ultimately chose to present the awards to recognize the officers' continued dedication to the citizens they serve while under tremendous professional pressure.

Unfortunately, my decision alienated the Landrum family and some members of the community. I believed the awards would be accepted in the spirit that was intended. However, it became clear that I should have been more sensitive about how the awards would be perceived and the impact they would have. I subsequently acknowledged that another course of action would have been more appropriate and apologized to members of the Landrum family for their loss and suffering, as well as to the community.

Since then, I've worked with the City organization and the community to institute a variety of programs to address the issues that came out of this experience. These efforts have been successful in enhancing the sense of inclusiveness in Claremont. Yet, more than three years later, the 1999 Employee of the Year Awards continue to be a point of contention for some people. I believe it is in the best interest of the community and the City organization to put this issue behind us as we finish the healing process. To help bring that about, I have decided to withdraw the 1999 Employee of the Year Awards.

Just as the decision to present the awards to the officers was a difficult one to make, the decision to withdraw them comes only after a great deal of personal reflection and consultation over the past several months.

It is a decision made with the support of both officers, something I value even though they are no longer with the City. They and their families have suffered a great deal. I want them to know I respect the skill and professionalism they displayed as Claremont employees and that this in no way reflects a change in my opinion of them as police officers or as dedicated public servants.

I have also discussed this with Claremont's police employee associations, both of which said they understand why I have chosen to take this step and that they respect my decision.

I care deeply about Claremont and have worked hard to make it a better place. Claremont is faced with a number of exciting opportunities as well as challenging issues. Our success as a community relies on our ability to learn from the past and focus on the future. I have learned from this experience and look forward to continuing to work together for an even better Claremont.