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Council refers Jason Foti police chief nomination to appointments committee after months-long dispute
Summary
Mayor Mitchell submitted Jason Foti for police chief and the council referred the nomination to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. Councilors criticized the administration's handling of the appointment and apologized to the nominee for the process.
The New Bedford City Council on Nov. 13 received a communication from Mayor Mitchell nominating Jason Foti to serve as New Bedford's next police chief and referred the nomination to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings for vetting.
Councilor Sean Oliver, speaking during the committee referral, criticized the administration's prior handling of the appointment process, saying it was "disappointing that it took the threat of legal action for the administration to recognize this body's role in the appointment" and that the council's pushback produced the nomination before the body. Oliver framed the referral as part of the council's role to vet department heads.
Councilor Linda Morad addressed the nominee directly, offering a public apology for how the administration began the chief's tenure and saying she believes he has performed well: "He's doing a great job." Morad said she expects the committee process will result in a favorable recommendation and welcomed the nominee to the city.
The referral sends the nomination to the committee for review and interviews; no confirmation vote was held Thursday.
