Democratic Candidate Profiles: Police Commission

PETER HILL, Dem. candidate for police commission (incumbent)

Hill is currently serving as the Vice Chairman of the Police Commission and running for re-election.

He is a former trustee of Hartford Elks and a 14-year sales rep veteran.

“The Police budget is very lean. Salaries, which are contractual, represent approximately 82 percent of the budget,” said Hill. “The remaining 18 percent is spent on water, electricity, gas, repair and maintenance, new vehicles, etc. This leaves us with minimal options [for budget reductions]. Ammunition is an area that can be reduced.”

Hill said he would continue to encourage management to apply for state and federal grants.

“That being said, safety of town residents and our officers is, and always will be, my top priority,” he stated.

Hill and his family are longtime Suffield residents.

For more information on Hill, visit www.SuffieldDemocrats.com.

LINDA STEVENSON, candidate for police commission (incumbent)

Stevenson has been a Police Commissioner for eight years and is seeking re-election.

She has over 20 years business experience in the private sector and has been a town resident for 13 years. Stevenson is an active volunteer, giving more than adecade of service to the town in various capacities. Stevenson is involved with the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association.

“Chief Mazi and his staff will make the final decision on how to effectively protect the Town of Suffield within the budgetary constraints determined by the Board of Finance,” she said.

For more information on Stevenson, visit www.SuffieldDemocrats.com.

JACK QUINN, candidate for police commission (incumbent)

Quinn has served on the commission for eight years and is seeking re-election.

He has been chairman for two years. A retired State of Connecticut worker, Quinn spent 32 years with the Department of Transportation. Quinn feels that Suffield’s security and safety are the prime obligations of the police department.

“Budget constraints must be factored into the calculation to accomplish these obligations,” Quinn said. “The department management has, over the past 10 years, closely monitored its approved funding staying within the allocated budget. Attaining this result required prudent planning and coordination with the Police Commission for staffing, equipment use and replacement, personnel training,vehicle maintenance and replacement while being ever cognizant of the safety of operators.”

For more information on Quinn, visit www.SuffieldDemocrats.com.