Sole Democrat quits Madison police board

01/12/2007

Michael Gannon , Register Staff

MADISON — The lone Democrat on the Police Commission says serious differences with the commission’s Republican chairman and its overall operation are behind his intention to resign once a replacement can be appointed. Michael Heaney, 64, has served on the commission for three years of a four-year term. He announced his intentions at a commission meeting this week and later added that he has forwarded an e-mail to First Selectman Thomas Scarpati confirming his decision.

He said there are two main reasons for his decision.

"One is in terms of the functioning of the commission," Heaney said. "At the beginning of last year they put four new people on, all Republicans. No one has any experience on a public body, and only one (retired police Officer Michael Rollinson) has significant experience in police matters."

Heaney, who practiced law for 25 years, spent 20 years as a municipal prosecutor in New Jersey.

Heaney said he sees Chairman Emile Geisenheimer less as a moderator or mediator but "like a CEO running a meeting of his staff."

He said Geisenheimer does not allow much discussion, particularly from Heaney himself, and he believes the chairman does not handle matters such as meeting schedules, agendas and correspondence in an appropriate manner.

Heaney said he also has philosophical differences with the majority on issues such as staffing levels, supervision, and correcting poor performance within the Police Department.

"I’m very frustrated," he said. "This is not serving the public interest."

Geisenheimer could not be reached for comment Wednesday or Thursday. Scarpati, also a Republican, said Thursday that he received Heaney’s e-mail, but has not spoken to him. Scarpati said he does not believe this is an indication of a systemic problem within the commission.

"I know it can be frustrating, being the lone minority on the board," Scarpati said. "I can’t tell you whether or not that frustration is behind this. Mr. Heaney cares about the department and he cares about the town. But if he feels this way, perhaps it’s best that he steps down."

Michael Gannon can be reached at mgannon@nhregister.com or 458-5757.