Combining the Hamilton and Wenham police departments was a good idea — once. And it may be again sometime in the future. But this isn't the year to entertain this particular phase of what has generally been a very positive trend toward the regionalization of services in the two communities.
Hamilton and Wenham have a combined school system which, despite a budget that grows faster than some might like, is considered one of the best in the state. And they have a new, state-of-the-art library that was the first in the state to serve more than one community.
Consolidating public-safety services seemed the logical next step. But that was before Hamilton and Wenham voters decided to build two new public-safety facilities within a mile of each other on Route 1A.
That was also before the Hamilton Police Department became embroiled in a scandal over the fraudulent administration of EMT classes for its officers, as well as other matters that resulted in the early departure of its police chief, criminal indictments against that chief and several others, and a spate of investigations and lawsuits.
And it was before Hamilton brought on a new police chief who's been given a three-year contract and a charge to clean up the mess at police headquarters.
Chief Russell Stevens has to be paid for those three years regardless of how the merger discussion fares. Furthermore, he deserves the opportunity to try to turn the department around.
On the other hand, and for good reason, Wenham officials are very satisfied with the job their chief, Kenneth Walsh, has been doing.
Thus Wenham voters ought to reject the citizens' petition — Article 3 on the warrant for Tuesday's Special Town Meeting — which calls for yet another study of the merger of the two departments.
While the proposed composition of the study committee is clearly aimed at getting a favorable recommendation, the fact is a majority of the selectmen in both communities have stated that in their minds merger is off the table for now.
Consolidation may be a good idea someday in the future, which at that time should include both the police and fire departments. But not now.
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