Minutes

Special Board of Aldermen 06-07-2021 Page 11

represented of a cross section of the citizens of Nashua, that gives us an opportunity for the Police Department
to build stronger relationships with members of those communities across Nashua. If it is only cross section of
the public all those other communities that aren’t represented don’t have the opportunity to strengthen those
relationships that exist or built on ones where they don’t and | think that’s a missed opportunity especially in
these times. So | support this. Thank you.

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the Governor. It seems an outdated system to me because the current Police Commission does not reflect the
diversity of Nashua. Nashua is the most diverse City in the State of New Hampshire; 73% white; 13%
Hispanic; 8% Asian; and 4% Black or African American. There are more women than men in Nashua, 97 men
for every 100 women. But all three Nashua Police Commissioners are middle-aged white men which does not
reflect the make-up of the community.

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Rep. Neuman Some say if the appointment process isn’t broke don’t fix it. | say the appointment process is
broken. Let’s recapture home rule for the appointment of the Police Commissioner and make it responsive to
Nashua. For these reasons | ask you to let the voters vote by supporting this amendment. Thank you Madam
Chair.

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before a Governor. Choosing to ignore an opportunity is not the same as being excluded from the process.
Saying Nashua is the only remaining city with Governor appointed local Commissioners is true. | suggest
that be viewed as a positive as there are other New Hampshire police departments struggling to manage
the very change you are not contemplating.

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You all reaped the benefits of that through the quality of the police officers that work in Nashua. It could
mean that those less qualified may get hired or promoted based on the personal wishes of a local politician.
Decisions may not be based on qualifications and the level of professionalism from our agency would
suffer.

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| Know that someone is going to ask why introduce it now. | think bottom line is it’s time. It’s time for the
Nashua residents to have a voice in their police department. We pay the bills, the salaries, and we have
the legal liability if something goes wrong but we don’t have a voice. | believe this change will bring full
transparency and accountability. Thank you Madam Chair.

Chairman Caron

Thank you. Anything to add Mayor?

Mayor Donchess

No Madam Chair.

Chairman Caron

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President Wilshire

As is usual and customary, tonight is a public hearing of the Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee so
| will be turning the meeting over to Alderman June M. Caron.

Chairman Caron
Thank you Madam President. | would like to check to see if Mayor Donchess is here.
Mayor Donchess
Yes Madam Chair | am here.
PUBLIC HEARING

R-21-143 - PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CHARTER RELATIVE TO THE MANNER OF
APPOINTMENTS TO THE NASHUA BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS