When Joanne McHugh was appointed to the Hooksett Police Commission, we had hope that there would be more openness about the decisions they make and that the commission would be more responsive to the public’s concerns about the Police Department. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.

McHugh did immediately favor suspending the controversial raises for the police chief and two captains and a lieutenant, but at the March 2 Police Commission meeting allowed them to remain. As is typical with the commission, it’s not clear why.

On top of that, when McHugh asked Chief Stephen Agrafiotis how he felt the raise situation should be handled, instead of stepping up to his responsibility, he passed the buck, saying “I think you should discuss this with the staff and see what their feelings are.”

Well, chief, ask anyone what their feelings are on raises, and we can pretty much guarantee they’ll tell you giving them a raise is a great idea. How about telling the commission and the public why they and you deserve such lavish increases in your paychecks? Make a compelling argument, and maybe the public’s anger will be soothed. Problem is, there doesn’t seem to be much justification for raises, given they had raises in July and the economy is tough on the people who pay those increases. Why, Chief Agrafiotis, do you not defend your department to the commission?

We fully support the Hooksett Budget Committee’s move to slash $350,799 from the police budget. Clearly, when they have money to play with, they give unjustified raises and buy toys like the paddy wagon and a Vegas-worthy street sign. No one wants to compromise safety in town, but this department seems to focus too much on the unnecessary.

- Editorials published by Neighborhood News Inc. are written by an editorial board.

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