TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The community is buzzing about issues surrounding the search for another chief after Antonio Gilliam was selected and backed out on Thursday.
Anthony Duben says he understands why Gilliam walked away and feels bad that the provisions he made to be here, were in vain.
Duben says he was disappointed with the outcome and felt Gilliam would have been an exceptional chief.
Not long ago, he was in a similar situation with a potential job and had to decline after terms changed before a contract was signed.
Duben says still, this unexpected announcement surprised him.
"Was surprised with the city and this employment at will. This is ridiculous I think that he should have been given the due cause clause and a definite time limit," said Duben. "We do this for football coaches here, why not do it for police chiefs."
Duben says he thinks other candidates up for the job will be cautious now, after this experience with Gilliam did not end well.
Duben and others we spoke with on Friday say they understand it will take the city time to find someone else, and they're looking forward to finding out which of the eight finalist it will be.
