Mattegat Reelected Police Commission Chairman

By Andrew Gorosko

Police Commission members have elected Republican Carol Mattegat to another one-year term as the chairman of the agency.

At the commission’s December 4 meeting, Republican member Duane Giannini nominated Ms Mattegat to serve another one-year term. Republican member Brian Budd seconded the nomination. There were no other nominations.

Panel members then voted in favor of Ms Mattegat heading the group, with the exception of Bruce Walczak, who abstained from the voting, without explanation.

Also, Mr Giannini nominated Democratic member Robert Connor to serve a one-year term as vice chairman. Mr Budd seconded that nomination. There were no other nominations.

Panel members endorsed Mr Connor’s vice chairmanship, again with the exception of Mr Walczak, who abstained from voting without explanation.

Mr Walczak has been critical of Police Commission leadership during recent months as he has repeatedly addressed the issue of traffic control in the town center.

Voters elected Mr Walczak to a four-year term on the Police Commission in the November 6 elections. The December 4 session was his first commission meeting.

The commission currently has three Republicans, one Democrat, and one Independent member, Mr Walczak.

Public Comment

During the public participation section of the commission meeting, Kathy Geckle of 35 Queen Street read a statement that was highly critical of Mr Walczak, who lives on nearby Glover Avenue.

Ms Geckle is the wife of Robert Geckle, whom Mr Walczak has publicly criticized.

While he was a member of an advisory panel for the recent Queen Street Area Traffic Improvement Plan, Mr Walczak had repeatedly asserted that the interests of Queen Street residents were being given greater attention than the interests of residents of other streets in the area.

Ms Geckle asserted that Mr Walczak has sought to thwart the public safety efforts of public officials.

Also, she said that Mr Walczak was highly critical of the traffic study while he was serving as an advisory panel member, without initially disclosing that membership.

Ms Geckle urged that Mr Walczak not make negative public comments and instead work toward the goal of public safety as a Police Commission member. Ms Geckle said Mr Walczak should cooperate with the Police Commission.

Mr Walczak did not respond to Ms Geckle’s remarks.