San Benito council stands behind chief

SAN BENITO - City commissioners said Tuesday that they stand behind acting Police Chief George Gomez as their choice for the police department's top job.

Commissioners said they would accept City Manager Manuel Lara's recommendation to appoint Gomez as police chief.

Gomez, a 33-year veteran who has served as the police department's commander and second in charge for six years, was appointed acting chief in November after Fire Chief Orlando Garcia was stripped of the position of public safety director.

"I don't think we have to look further," Commissioner Celeste Sanchez said. "We have a person who's competent, experienced and knows the community."

Mayor Joe Hernandez called Gomez "a role model."

"He's been doing the job of police chief but with the rank of commander," Hernandez said. "He's done an outstanding job."

Officials will consider eliminating the commander's job, Hernandez said.

"I don't see having both positions. I think that would be overkill," Commissioner Victor Garza said. "In my opinion, the chief of police and the commander positions are basically the same. Basically, there's just been a title change."

Commissioner Jack Garcia said the city can't afford to fund both positions.

"Financially speaking, we would not be able to afford a commander position and a police chief position with this year's budget," Garcia said.
Lara said he's reviewing Gomez's performance as part of his revision of the city's $9.6 million budget.

"He has done a wonderful job as interim," Lara said. "The community as a whole has great respect for him and the staff all respects him. Those are good qualities in a leader."