Graham, Donna
To: Klee, Patricia
Subject: RE: R-21-143, Change to the Police Commission
From: Mike Ballentine @@igagees Stee
Date: August 9, 2021 at 9:22:51 PM EBT
To: "Clemons, Benjamin" <clernonso@nashuanh.eov>, "Kelly, Shoshanna" <KellyS@nashuanh.gov>, "Klee, Patricia"
<KieeP @nashuanh.gov>, "Laws, Brandon" <LawsB@nashuanh.gov>, "O'Brien, Michael (Alderman)”
<OBrienM@nashuanh.gov>, "Tencza, David" <TenczaD @nashuanh.gov>, “Wilshire, Lori" <WilshireL@nashuanh.gov>
Subject: R-21-143, Change to the Police Commission
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Dear Alderman,
This is about R-21-143, the change to the Police Commission.
We were surprised to learn the Nashua Police Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and
Executive Council - unique among New Hampshire cities.
And even more surprised - and disturbed - to see the Police Chief's reaction to the proposed change,
calling the resolution an "abuse of power" (May 24 Police Commission meeting), and sending uniformed
officers and others to the Personnel Committee meeting on July 6.
Please consider:
- The Commissioners should be appointed by our local elected officials, not by the State.
Local will mean better vetting, more people involved in the appointment process, and greater
transparency.
- The Police argument that local control can allow more corruption is curious, as it is being
addressed toward you.
We think that any improper interference, if it occurs, will be much more obvious, and
correctable, at the local level than at the State level.
- The response from the Police and friends is aggressive, arrogant, and designed to intimidate.
Civilian control over military and law enforcement is a fundamental, critical principle in our
democracy, but it depends on civilians willing to exercise control.
The people of Nashua should be allowed to vote on this, and the arguments against that are not
convincing. And we are sad to say that our opinion of our Police Department has been lowered
significantly.
Please advance R-21-143 to the baliot for November.
