THE CITY OF NASHUA Se DER
Nashua Board of Aldermen
From: Shoshanna Kelly, Chairwoman of Work Study Group Relative to Police
Commission
Date: December 22, 2021
Re: Summary Report
| want to thank the community as well as the Board of Alderman for entrusting me with such important
work, The Work Study Commission was formed due to the request of many Board members, staff, and
the community at large. Our goal from the very first day was to methodically examine the issue of how
our commissioners are appointed locally in Nashua, with transparency, an open mind and without bias. |
was proud to lead a group of individuals who were committed to doing just that. As a group, we are
proud to share the results of our efforts as well as recommendations for the City of Nashua
Background
In early 2021, Mayor Donchess submitted legislation to change our Police Commission to locai control.
Currently, our three commissioners are appointed by the Governor and approved by the Executive
Council. The argument was that every other municipality has local control over police commissions, and
by expanding our commission and appointing them locally, we could increase diversity on the
commission and regulate our police more effectively.
When the issue came to Board of Alderman, the 15-member Board had many questions and requested
that a study group be formed. They voted to table the legislation and form a study committee. While
the study group was forming, a citizen’s petition was begun in earnest to put the change on the ballot
for voters to have their say. They required enough signatures to get the measure on the ballot.
Work Study Group Members
It was agreed that the members of this committee should represent as many sides of this issue as
possible. We sought both Nashua stakeholders as well as stakeholders around the state who brought a
fresh perspective to the discussion.
Shoshanna Kelly, Alderwoman at-Large, Chair
Richard Dowd, Alderman Ward 4, Vice Chair
Deborah Novotny, Title
Kendra Smith, Owner, Soel Sistas Catering
Kerry Baxter, retired Nashua Police Officer
Nicolas Dahl, current Nashua Police Commissioner
