© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Springfield Mayor Removes Election Opponent From Police Hearing Board

Mark M. Murray
/
The Springfield Republican
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.
Sal Circosta's term on the police hearing board technically doesn't expire until 2017.

Springfield Mayor DomenicSarno has relieved Sal Circosta of his seat on the city’s Community Police Hearing Board, which reviews complaints against police officers. Circosta was the mayor’s challenger in this last election.

Circosta said the mayor’s office dated the letter November 4, the day after Sarno glided to a win over his little known and under-funded opponent.

“It said, as I conclude my time on this commission, he just wanted to recognize and thank me for everything,” Circosta said. “That was pretty much the gist of it, didn’t really say when my time was ending or has ended.”

Circosta’s term on the police hearing board technically doesn’t expire until 2017, but a spokesperson for Sarno said board members “serve at the will of the Mayor.” He’ll be replaced by Paul Phaneuf, a funeral director.

During his campaign for mayor, Circosta had been critical of the board, calling it reactive and without the necessary power to provide strong civilian oversight.

This story was originally published by New England Public Radio (nepr.net).

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content