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Mayor vows fair probe of cop chief
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Hubbard Police Chief Martin Kanetsky
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Hubbard Mayor Richard Keenan
By LINDA M. LINONIS
HUBBARD
Mayor Rich Keenan continues to be silent on the details in the investigation of city Police Chief Martin Kanetsky.
In an interview Wednesday, the mayor did say that he has “respect for the chief, his family and the community” and will conduct a “fair and impartial investigation.”
The mayor would not specify whether he or someone else is investigating.
The mayor emphasized the investigation would be conducted “fairly and properly” and that it would “take time.” He wouldn’t give any estimate on how long it would take. But he did note that the situation “was not good for Hubbard.”
A letter of Jan. 6 was sent to Kanetsky, informing him of his being placed on paid leave. The letter notes the leave is effective immediately, “pending investigation of various charges including but not limited to insubordination, misuse of city facilities and/or property of the city of Hubbard and jeopardizing the health of the entire police department and facilities. The chief is not allowed to enter the police building or use police vehicles.
The mayor did allude there may be other charges when he pointed out the investigation is not limited to the charges listed in the letter to the police chief. At a council meeting Tuesday, members and the mayor adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel. Afterward, the mayor and council would not comment on what was discussed.
This is the second time Kanetsky has been on paid administrative leave. He was on paid leave for 13 months, from August 2005 to September 2006, under former Mayor Arthur Magee. Kanetsky said he didn’t know why he placed on leave at that time.
Sgt. Lou Carsone, who was chief from 1982-84, is acting police chief.