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New Bedford council says mayor must formally submit police chief for confirmation; legal opinion says chief not lawfully installed
Summary
The City Council debated Mayor Mitchell’s announcement of a new police chief and a city solicitor opinion that the appointment is not subject to council confirmation. City attorney Yaratowski told the council it is his opinion the chief cannot serve as department head until confirmed; the council voted for no further action on the mayor’s letter.
The New Bedford City Council on Thursday debated the legal status of a newly appointed police chief after Mayor Jon Mitchell’s office sent a letter saying the appointment was not subject to council confirmation.
Attorney Yaratowski told the council, “It’s my opinion that you cannot be installed as the chief of police department unless he is confirmed by the city council.” The attorney added that nothing in the city code can negate the charter requirement for confirmation of department heads.
The dispute began when the mayor’s communication argued the council had no role in confirming the chief. Councilor Joseph Pereira (Ward 6) and others said the mayor’s…
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