Quincy police chief, captain receive no-confidence vote
Raquel Munoz, wife of Ramiro Munoz Jr. who was murdered in September 2011, addressed the Quincy City Council Tuesday night
QUINCY - The Quincy City Council raised concerns about the city's police chief and captain during Tuesday's meeting.
Councilmember Adam Roduner motioned for a vote of no confidence in Police Chief Richard Ackerman and Capt. Gene Fretheim. The council voted 5-2 in support of his motion.
Around 40 people filled Quincy's city hall, some even had to stand in the lobby.
The council didn't discuss the motion, however Mayor Jim Hemberry allowed for public comment.
Martin Dickson, a volunteer at the Quincy Police Department to help them become accredited, challenged Roduner to provide evidence to support his motion.
"You put this motion in front of the council and the public on what basis? Where's the evidence to justify the type of statement to request a vote of no confidence?" Dickson said.
Roduner then asked if he had read the paper or had listened to the citizens.
"That's not proof," Dickson said. "I'm looking for evidence."
Roduner stated he didn't want to discuss that subject at the meeting.
Raquel Munoz, the wife of Ramiro Munoz Jr., who was murdered in September 2011, supported the council's motion.
"I stand behind the council 110 percent," she said.
Raquel started the Stop Gang Violence Movement after her husband was killed by alleged gang members.
Marcelina Alvarez told the council she has lived in Quincy since she was born in 1968 and believes that crime has gone up. Her house was reportedly broken into in December, as well as other homes in her neighborhood.
"I work hard for my stuff and when I call for answers 'No, no, nothing, nothing,'" Alvarez said.
Alvarez also said when her nephew was shot she wished there would have been support from the police department in the courtroom.
Library board member Phil Anderson supported the council's motion and wants to see more patrols around the library.
Roduner along with councilmembers Jose Saldana, Manuel Guerrero, Paul Worley and Scott Lybbert supported the motion. Councilmembers Jeremy McCreary and Tom Harris were opposed.