Former Crofton police chief holds town hall following city's termination of officers

CROFTON, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska town gathered for a town hall meeting Thursday night following a decision by the city to end its relationship with two police officers.

Former Crofton Police Chief John Carter hosted the meeting to address safety concerns from the public. Crofton currently has no police officers on staff.

For two and a half hours, former police chief John Carter held a presentation and answered questions from residents.

“I wanted to bring some clarity to a lot of the issues that have been talked around the community. A lot of misinformation, a lot of miscommunication.”

Carter alleges Mayor Bob Evans has not been responsive from the beginning of Evans' tenure.

"Since the mayor has taken office, he's never sat with me to talk about the safety of this town, the public safety issues of this town," Carter said. "He's not talked about the grant, about the police services, about the things that we need. He's responded when council members have brought things to him. But in every attempt, in every email or text message or phone call that I've made to him to sit and talk with me, he has refused."

According to Carter, the Nebraska State Patrol and the Knox County Sheriff's office are currently monitoring Crofton, but he said he believes it is not in the best interest for Crofton residents.

Carter has filed a recall petition of Evans and council member Larry Peitz. Both have until July 15 to release a defense statement.

Carter said the mayor was voted in to represent Crofton citizens and their interests.

“Their elective officials should respect that and even though the mayor may have a personal vendetta or personal bent about something, the folks he represents should dictate the way he votes or what he does,” Carter said.

Crofton's next city council meeting is scheduled for Monday evening at 6:30.