In what manner shall all discretionary power vested in the city and fire chief not be exercised?

The choice that states discretionary power should not be exercised in an arbitrary or capricious manner emphasizes the importance of fairness and reasoned judgment in decision-making roles such as those held by the city and fire chief. This means that any decisions made should be based on established criteria, factual information, and consistent reasoning rather than on whims or personal biases.

In the context of public service and leadership, exercising power arbitrarily can lead to unfair treatment of individuals and can undermine public trust in the authority. It is crucial for leaders, especially in emergency services like the fire department, to make informed decisions that can withstand scrutiny and provide transparency in their actions. Therefore, making decisions based on rational thought rather than randomness ensures accountability and integrity within the system.

While favoritism may suggest unfair preferential treatment, and the notion of making decisions only when necessary or strictly following protocols can imply limitations on the discretionary power, the crux lies in ensuring that any use of discretion is grounded in sound, logical reasoning, which is best captured by avoiding arbitrary or capricious conduct.