New police chief could be hired by January 1

The mayor of Seneca, Dan Alexander, is not ruling out the possibility that by New Year’s Day—or shortly thereafter—he will hire the city’s next police chief.  Alexander is conducting the process to choose John Covington’s permanent replacement in consultation with the city administrator, Scott Moulder, and interviews of candidates are continuing. The Seneca mayor has the authority to make the hire himself, but he told us he might speak to the council first.  A source has told 101.7/WGOG NEWS that three men—one a current Seneca officer and two who work for the sheriff’s office—are considered the top candidates, but Alexander would not confirm the three by name.  He said three people have been interviewed, but more interviews will be done.