why does black feel that the public needs to see the detailed negotiations of the chief's settlement?  the commission by law is the authority to deal with issues involving the chief, so let them so the work.  is black trying to subvert the law and allow public opinion to influence the work of the commission?  this is really stupid.  we are a nation of laws and they must be followed.   people have the right to voice their opinion but it is done so following the law.  if they do not like the work of the commission than they can voice their opinion, but the commission in following the law, does not need to change their decisions.  the chief has given the city over 30 years of honorable service.  everyone makes mistakes, so this mistake should not erase the good things he did, he earned his retirement.  in regards to the separation pay, since he was on a contract, it is normal that if the contract is terminated for any reason, cash payments are involved.