One Syracuse common councilor says she might be willing to change her vote and oppose controversial changes to the Citizen Review Board. Patrona Jones-Rowser was the only councilor to attend the mayor’s public hearing last week on the local law that gives the council and city clerk more oversight of the board that investigates complaints of police misconduct. Jones-Rowser was among the councilors who approved the measure 5 to 4 last month after allowing no public input. She pushed back against opponents who say the changes were rushed, saying city lawyers sent a letter to the CRB last year attempting to address operational shortfalls.
“A lot of this stuff is not hastily done. Notifications have been done," Joners-Rowser said. "Conversations have been had. More conversation can be had. I will agree with that. So I just wanted to acknowledge that I am here. I am listening. Yes, I did vote for it that that could possibly change, but I do think that there there can be another layer of oversight.”
Most who spoke at the hearing say additional oversight interferes with the board’s independence and objectivity. Mayor Walsh has not indicated whether he will sign or veto the amendments. The council would need at least one more yes vote to override a veto.
