Dozens Call For Nashua Police Commission Study Committee

NASHUA, NH — A move to put a petition on the ballot for the city election changing the process of how police commissioners are chosen has come under fire by business leaders, former police personnel, and former Nashua political leaders.

At issue is the process of selecting members of the commission, which are appointed by the governor. The commission makes hiring and firing decisions and also eyes the police department budget. A petition circulating proposes a referendum question on the ballot in November changing the process to allow local officials to choose members.

Nashua Police Chief Michael Carignan posted a letter to the community in late July opposing the proposal.

On Tuesday, a six-page letter, with nearly four dozen signers, ranging from concerned citizens to business owners, are calling on the alderman to reject the petition and, instead, form a study committee to review possible changes.

“There has been much controversy regarding the subject resolution and the citizens of Nashua have not had the opportunity to discuss and properly understand its ramifications and nuances,” the letter stated. “This is not a stop sign, nor overnight parking; both issues which were studied far more carefully than this one before their implementation. This change has potential far-reaching (and) long-lasting ramifications to our city. It cannot be treated as political football... it is a business decision. It is a decision that will impact the people of Nashua in ways that we need to understand. As business leaders and community leaders, we feel it’s time we weighed in with our thoughts.”

The signers of the letter stated the push for the petition was against the interests of the public and a decision of a subcommittee that tabled the resolution. The act of continuing the petition would stop the ability of others to “properly dissect the underlying impacts of passing this resolution.”

Instead, the signers would like the alderman to withdraw the petition and re-write the resolution to create a study committee. That committee would include the alderman, police, and community and business leaders. Community discussions would be organized “involving both sides and an open dialogue.” This process, leaders said, would “allow all citizens to make an informed decision.”

One issue raised by the letter signers was past issues with investigations and illegal activities at city hall that resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of prior aldermen — something that might not have occurred with aldermen who had control of the police commission members and the decisions they make when it comes to hiring and firing. Other issues like hiring decisions, response times, the city’s police budget, and the impact public safety decisions might have on the tax base, real estate values, and other issues should be considered, they said. The leaders also stated they would like to have the size of the police commission be discussed, and possibly enlarged, as well as a comparison of what other cities of similar sizes have for commissions.

“We respectfully request that you consider this approach, slow down, and make an informed and proper decision for the city of Nashua as outlined above,” the letter signers said. “For those citizens who do not view this issue as a business decision, or who are not business owners, please consider the potential impact on your property values and to local businesses that you support. We also feel it is our civic duty to also offer our support in any of the above actions, as needed and requested.”

The business leaders included three automotive dealerships, realtors, two former police chiefs and other retired officers, former Nashua Mayor Bernie Streeter, former aldermen and state representatives, as well as dozens of other concerned citizens.

The board of aldermen received the proposal before its meeting on Tuesday.

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