news-record.com

By releasing the transcript of City Manager Mitch Johnson's meeting with former police Chief David Wray, the city finally has provided a welcome piece in a complex puzzle.

However, far too much time passed before the city made available the redacted transcript of the Jan. 6, 2006, session that preceded Wray's resignation three days later.

When it meets this morning, the City Council should heed Councilman Mike Barber's advice and immediately make public all related information that doesn't compromise state personnel laws.

If the void isn't filled, rumors will persist. And the more that is known, the better we can confront the racially charged accusations that still plague the police department.

The tape, which can be heard at various Web sites, including news-record.com, should put to rest lingering, widespread rumblings that Johnson treated Wray disrespectfully at their meeting.

In fact, both men acted civilly and professionally during the nearly 50-minute session. Hearing the conversation after months of delay helps the community put into perspective what has followed and better understand events leading to it.

While the council must carefully observe personnel guidelines as well as protect ongoing investigations, state law permits release of confidential information in the interest of maintaining public confidence.

That confidence has been sorely tested during the lengthy official silence. City leaders have asked critics to be patient, assuring them that fuller disclosure will counter what they call negative media coverage.

Yet "if you knew what we know" is a tiresome, unacceptable refrain. Seize the opportunity and move forward by releasing more information.