ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — Ithaca Mayor-elect Laura Lewis has rescinded the offer of police chief to John Joly and says she’s restarting the process. 

In a statement Monday, Lewis said several members of the Common Council disagreed with her appointment and is removing the choice from tomorrow’s council meeting. Lewis adds she’ll soon announce a plan to reopen the search for Ithaca’s new chief of police.

“Last week, I nominated Acting Chief Joly for the position of Police Chief. He has a long history of dedicated service to the department, including as Deputy Chief and, during the past challenging nineteen months, as Acting Chief. I believe his experience could have served the department and the City well going forward.

 

After careful consideration, however, I believe it is necessary to change course now and reopen the search. I respect the fact that a number of my colleagues disagreed with my recommendation and so I will be removing this appointment from the December 7 Common Council agenda. This has been an extremely difficult decision. I will soon announce a plan for a reopened search for the next Chief of the Ithaca Police Department.”

Joly has responded in a separate statement, saying he’s disappointed. Joly has served as the acting police chief since April 2021. 

“I am disappointed by the Common Council’s conclusion on my proposed appointment. I’m confident I would have continued to serve the City and the Department well as Chief, but I also respect that this is a decision that the Common Council needs to support. I wish the IPD all the best and, like all of us, wish the Mayor success in recruiting another excellent candidate to this crucial and difficult role.”