Mayor hopefuls critical of police chief's absence

By Elaine Allegrini
Enterprise staff writer

BROCKTON — As the community copes with violence that has claimed four victims in five days, some are wondering where the city leaders are.

Mayor James Harrington, who participated in a peace march earlier this week, sent a representative to Friday's noontime peace vigil on Main Street. And, Police Chief William Conlon is on a three-week vacation.

“We are in a crisis situation, our city needs it leadership present,” said Gayle Kelley, a candidate for mayor. “If I were the mayor, I would call him back. You have to take care of the city first.”

The deaths, including a murder-suicide, have all been linked to domestic violence, an issue that was addressed at the peace vigil.

While most accepted the chief's vacation with understanding and pointed to the command structure in place, Kelley and mayoral candidate Jass Stewart say they would have done more to create public confidence at a critical time in the city.

“Leaders infuse the public with confidence; their visibility and accessibility create comfort and confidence within the community,” she said Friday.

“We need that leadership here in the city so residents know it's a priority for the city and for the city's leadership,” added Stewart.

Attempts to reach Conlon on Friday were unsuccessful.

Harrington, who is seeking re-election in the fall, had a previously-scheduled meeting on Friday and sent Moises Rodrigues, director of community services, as his official representative to the peace vigil. Earlier the week, the mayor took part in a community peace march.

“What difference does it make if the chief is not around?” Rodrigues asked. “The mayor is the police commissioner and the mayor is not out of town.”

Retired chief and current city Councilor Paul Studenski, who was criticized during his tenure for being out of town while working a part-time job at a Mansfield entertainment center, agreed any fuss over the chief's absence was much ado about nothing.

“I can understand both sides,” Studenski said, “but, I'm sure that if there were a need for Bill to return, he would make every attempt to be back here.”

Others agreed.

“What's the difference of him being here?” asked Denise Griffin, 55, who attended Friday's peace vigil. “He's not the full answer.”

Gwen Nauls, 45, said city leaders should not be held responsible for the violence, that begins in the home.

“Everyone should be accountable for their own children,” she said.

“We're doing what we have to do to keep people safe,” said City Councilor Thomas Brophy, who joined fellow Councilor Linda Balzotti at Friday's peace vigil.

She said before people criticize city leaders, they have to recognize domestic violence as a community issue and act before it becomes a critical issue.

Elaine Allegrini can be reached at eallegrini@enterprisenews.com.