FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2026
Statement from Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9
Last night’s Whitehall City Council meeting on April 7, 2026, was nothing short of a complete embarrassment to the residents of Whitehall and anyone who values professionalism, accountability, and civil discourse in local government.
I encourage every resident to take the time to watch the meeting for themselves https://whitehalloh.portal.civicclerk.com/event/302/media . What they will see is not leadership, it is dysfunction.
I do want to recognize Council President Potter for making a genuine effort to maintain order under extremely difficult circumstances. Attempting to manage a meeting that quickly devolved into chaotic disruption is no easy task, and his effort did not go unnoticed.
Unfortunately, rather than addressing the real issues facing the City of Whitehall, a group of Mayor Bivens ‘ out-of-town cronies chose to divert the conversation and attempt to frame the recall effort around race. That approach does nothing to solve problems, restore trust, or move the city forward. It only distracts from the serious concerns that residents and stakeholders have raised.
Let’s be clear, this recall effort is not about race or politics. It is about accountability, transparency, and leadership failure.
The reality is that Whitehall Mayor Michael Bivens, Councilmembers Harcar and Elmore, along with Chief Crispen, whose own officers unanimously voted to express no confidence in him, have failed their officers and, more importantly, the community they are sworn to serve. These failures have been evident for years, and the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 has consistently raised concerns about the direction of this city’s failed leadership.
The issues facing Whitehall cannot be addressed with speeches or personal anecdotes. What is needed is real leadership, real accountability, and real solutions.
For too long, concerns about governance, workplace environment, and public safety have gone unaddressed. Now, the community is engaged, informed, and taking action.
That is exactly how our system is supposed to work.
Residents are stepping forward, organizing, and exercising their right to hold elected officials accountable. This is not only appropriate but also necessary.
Capital City Lodge #9 stands firmly on the principles of accountability, transparency, and public trust. We will continue to advocate for our members and for the communities they serve.
The people of Whitehall deserve better. And they now have the opportunity to demand it at the voting polls.
Brian A. Steel
President
FOP Capital City Lodge #9
