Councilor Kate Toomey Defends Public Safety Committee Against Criticism, Addresses DOJ Report and Community Concerns

Worcester City Councilor Kate Toomey, as Chair of the City Council Public Safety Committee, calls into the Talk of the Commonwealth to push back on claims that her committee is “impotent.” Toomey said she put out a press release to make clear the role of the committee, what they can and cannot do. She said she took a step back after the comments were made by Councilor Khrystian King on the floor of the council and that she didn’t want to respond in the moment. Toomey said the council should take a step back and look at the committees. That the Public Safety Committee met seven times last year and that all items on the committee’s agenda were dealt with. When issues such as shot spotter or drones need to be discussed the committee will meet more often. They are scheduled for twelve meetings this year. Toomey also responded to criticism in the community that she is to “cozy” with the police department. Toomey laughed at the suggestion and said she gets along with the WPD the same way she gets along with the DPW or any other city department. She said that when contacted by constituents over personnel matters she has properly communicated with the City Manager and/or the Police Chief. She says the committee also deals with fire and other departments not just the WPD. On the DOJ report, Toomey said there is a lot to be learned from it. That any officer involved in wrongdoing should be punished.

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