Wicked Local
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said she first learned about a gun shop planning to open at 709 Washington St. about two weeks before city councilors, according to an email she sent April 29.
Many members of the City Council, including President Susan Albright, said they only found out about the firearms dealer after receiving emails from worried constituents about rumors they had heard.
“During the week of March 29, NPD [Newton Police Department] moved forward the paperwork on the application and I first learned that a gun store was proposed for Washington Street,” she said in the email. “Internal discussions began focused on the approval process for firearm sales licenses and what powers and options we have as a city.”
Wicked Local
During a very challenging era for policing, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller on Thursday said the city had found “the right person at the right time” to become the department’s new leader: Current Walpole Police Chief John F. Carmichael Jr.
If the City Council agrees with the mayor’s choice, Carmichael will take over for Interim Chief Howard Mintz in June.
“I’m very big on transparency,” said the 53-year-old father of two regarding his communication style with the community and media.
During a press conference at the police station, Fuller praised Carmichael, an East Walpole resident, for being a good listener, a collaborative manager and someone who leads with compassion and integrity, she said.