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11/17/2021 08:14 AMOn Nov. 2, Old Saybrook voters elected all five Democratic candidates to the Police Commission, giving them the majority on the board. The Harbor News caught up with the candidates to get their thoughts on what’s next.
In an election season in which Republicans were the top vote-getters in all other races, Democrats Renee Root Shippee, Jill Notar-Francesco, Jessica Calle, and Alfred “Chub” Wilcox won four full term seats on the Police Commission and Democrat Carol Manning won the two-year term.
The commission race drew heightened attention in the recent election because of several notable incidents in recent years. A 2020 YouTube video titled “Old Saybrook Air Freshener Heroes,” in which a Hispanic man is pulled over by Old Saybrook police officers and given a written warning over an air freshener, has received more than 11,000 views. Last fall, police officers, including Police Chief Michael Spera, questioned a man with Down syndrome at length in regard to a stolen street sign, something with which which the man had no involvement. The commission has had calls from the public for a new policy on how citizen complaints about the department are handled, and faced criticism over a report from earlier this year about the reasons for the high turnover of police officers within the department over the last decade.
The episodes have each raised questions about the environment at the Old Saybrook Police Department (OSPD), transparency to the public, and whether enough was being done to respond to the allegations.
Some of the newly elected candidates spoke with the Harbor News to share their thoughts on election night and what’s next.
Manning told the Harbor News “I am grateful to the voters of Old Saybrook for electing me to the two-year term to fill a vacancy. I asked people to vote for the entire team of Democrats and you heard me. I also heard you.
“As a member of the Police Commission, I will work for all residents to increase transparency and improve communication between the OSPD and the community,” Manning said.
Notar-Francesco said, “The race for the Old Saybrook Police Commission certainly had its worthy, challenging issues. I greatly appreciate the overwhelming support from the community and the voters who came out in great numbers to make our Democratic win happen.
“It takes a great team to lead in an election such as this. And, we truly ran a race as a strong, cohesive team. I believe that is the way we will also serve on the Police Commission going forward,” Notar–Francesco added.
Calle said, “I’m so incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our community. Family, friends, fellow residents, it’s truly remarkable. I truly think the town of Old Saybrook has spoken through their votes and I, along with my fellow Democratic Police Commission members vow to make their voices heard and met!
“Finally, we succeeded in this election because of the Old Saybrook community, and we will only succeed as a Police Commission with the Old Saybrook community. I can’t wait to work with the OSPD and the residents of Old Saybrook,” she added.
Susan Quish was one of the unsuccessful Republican candidates. She also shared her thoughts on the election and offered some advice for the new members.
“First, I’d like to wish the newly elected members of the Old Saybrook Police Commission the best of luck as they undertake this important position,” Quish said.
“My advice and hope for our new commissioners is to do the work to learn and understand as much as you can about the crimes/issues we have in our lovely little town. It likely will surprise you as it did me. Spend time with and get to know Chief Spera. He is an incredibly capable law enforcement officer who, with his team, work very hard to keep Old Saybrook safe,” said Quish.
Quish also warned the newly elected about going into the job with their minds already made up on issues,
“It might seem like a strange request, but kick off your term by asking for clarity from our town attorney on the parameters of your role as police commissioner. And, above all, leave behind whatever preconceived notions you hold about the department and approach this opportunity with an open and willing attitude because Old Saybrook needs you,” said Quish.