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Fairhope Police Chief Resigns

By Pat Peterson Reporter

Published: Tue, January 13, 2009 - 5:34 pm Last Updated: Tue, January 13, 2009 - 6:37 pm

Short URL: http://wkrg.com/a/22614/

Pat Peterson

Fairhope was recently named one of the best small towns in the South but behind closed doors...things aren't as "perfect" as they seem. This small, Eastern Shore community has a reputation for "big city" politics. It's no secret the mayor's office and the city council have had major disagreements in the past. But some say things are really getting nasty at City Hall.

The Fairhope Police Department is now in the middle of what some are calling a political tug-of-war between Mayor Tim Kant and several council members. Just last week, Police Chief Mike Comalander submitted a letter of resignation, a surprise move to Kant and other within the police department.

"All I've asked is that they be fair and look into the current police officers in place," says Kant. "Mike Comalander is a good friend and in 15 years of service, never once had a verbal warning in his file."

Sources tell News Five some councilmembers did not want to renew Comalander's contract for a number of reasons, including rumors of a possible addiction to prescription pain killers. Mayor Kant acknowledged the rumors but stands by the veteran police chief and says the drug accusations are unfounded.

"I don't know where the rumors are coming from, but that's pretty strong for law enforcement because it tarnishes you and he doesn't need that," says Kant. "His family doesn't need that and the police department doesn't need that."

Councilman Dan Stankoski says the city council does not have a political agenda against the mayor or Comalander. Stankoski says they just want to do what's right for the city of Fairhope.

Meanwhile, council-members are interviewing potential candidates to replace Comalander...but Kant says as far as he's concerned, Comalander is still police chief.