Since Thames is under contract for a 4-year-term, expiring in May 2006, my prediction is that the Board will give him a poor evaluation in May and won't renew him, even for one year.

It would better to fire him now--or press him to resign now for reasons of health--but they're more likely to instruct Crofts to keep him on a short leash, said leash to be handed off to the new Commissioner who takes office in August or thereabouts.

RC