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Council denies reappointment of Community Safety commissioner after divided, emotional debate
Summary
The City Council declined to approve Todd Barnette as commissioner of community safety after clashing views over implementation of violence‑prevention programs, contract management and budget overruns; supporters praised his calm leadership while critics cited missed deliverables. The Council ultimately voted to deny the nomination.
Mayor Frey presented Todd Barnette (Barnett) as his nominee for Commissioner of Community Safety, describing his emergency‑management experience and leadership during recent crises. The mayor cited improvements in emergency management and partnerships that strengthened city response capacity.
Barnette’s supporters on the Council and in the public emphasized his steady leadership, prior judicial experience and role in organizing emergency response and community partnerships. Several speakers recounted personal stories of Barnette’s mentorship and crisis leadership.
Opponents—several Council members—raised substantive objections: repeated budget overages across the departments Barnette oversees, delayed implementation of the Safe and Thriving Communities plan, procurement and contracting complaints, and instances where the office failed to provide timely information to Council committees. Speakers said these issues harmed service delivery and undermined trust.
After extended remarks from both sides the initial confirmation vote failed. The Council then moved to take a formal vote to deny the mayor’s nomination; that action passed in final roll call, meaning the nomination will not proceed.
Next steps: With the denial recorded, the mayor will be notified and the administration will need to propose an alternative candidate or other steps to fill the office. Council members called for continued attention to implementing violence‑prevention programs and better communication between the office and Council.
