I’d like to ask Maine Commissioner of Public Safety Michael Sauschuck to show me his hands. There have simply been too many instances of wrongful use of force by the police to ignore. Pulling expressions out of his holster like “It’s a personnel matter” or “I can’t comment on pending litigation” or “We are conducting a thorough investigation” is getting more than timeworn.

Yes, Commissioner Sauschuck can comment and that is why they call it “leadership.” He shouldn’t hide in a political hole until matters are discretely settled by the Attorney General’s Office with nondisclosure statements all around. The public counts on his department to protect us with integrity.

Lawmakers should take note: I don’t think one voter or taxpayer approves of members of “Public Safety” breaking the law with this type of chicanery or thuggery. In closing, the commissioner once said, and I quote: “When you look at general standards of conduct, if we can’t talk about professional demeanor, being objectively truthful and honest, dignity, being in congruence with state and federal laws, then what are we doing?”

These are good and strong words from the commissioner, but I’m feeling more than a little tased by what is being meted out. What exactly is he doing? 

Patrick O’Brien
Norway