Public hearing held over proposed police commissioner appointment changes in Nashua
Proposal would raise the number of commissioners
Proposal would raise the number of commissioners
Proposal would raise the number of commissioners
On Thursday night, Alderman in Nashua heard from the public about a citizen’s petition to change how members of the city’s police commission are chosen.
The process of nominating and appointing members of the police commission in Nashua has been in place for more than 100 years. But, the current mayor and many citizens have worked to change that.
There was plenty of tension at the meeting. The city was divided over a petition to amend its charter for appointments to the Board of Police Commissioners.
Nashua is the only city in New Hampshire where the commissioners are appointed by the governor instead of city officials. The new proposal would increase the number of commissioners from three to five.
Under the proposal, the mayor would appoint three, the alderman president would appoint two and all must be approved by the Board of Alderman.
Those who oppose the petition fear local political influence and are critical of the process Mayor Jim Donchess used to bring the petition forward. Some in the city feel no good reason has been given for needing the change.
“I would put the Nashua Police Department up against any agency in New England as a leader and example of how to effectively police within a community,” Chief Michael Carignan said. “Why would you want to change that?”
The intent of the petition was to get the issue placed on the November ballot. A special committee was formed to study the issues further. It is not clear if the petition will be enough to bring the matter before Nashua voters.
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