EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — By an overwhelming majority, members of the Connecticut State Police Union have approved a vote of no confidence in Gov. Ned Lamont, Commissioner James Rovella, and Lt. Col. John Eckersley.
Three separate questions were asked of union members, each for Lamont, Rovella, and Eckersley. Out of 707 ballots, 687 voted no confidence in Lamont; 681 voted no confidence in Rovella, and 682 voted no confidence in Eckersley.
The union said 84.5% of the 850 members voted. The vote was certified Monday evening at 11 pm. This was only the second time in the Unions 39 year history that they casted such a ballot. Although, representatives at Connecticut State Police Headquarters say the vote won't change anything.
"It doesn’t affect any citizen in the state's public safety. It doesn’t affect the bravery. It affects absolutely nothing," said Brian Foley, the Executive Assistant of the Department of Emergency Service and Public Protection.
Foley claimed the vote was politically motivated and the claims made against Commissioner Rovella were not true.
"The union has no idea what the commissioner did or didn’t do behind closed doors," said Foley. "In fact, they had a meeting set up with the union about what they would like him to do. The union blew the meeting off.
The State Police Union says that they never got a call to sit down and discuss the Police Accountability Bill with the Commissioner. The recently passed Legislation was the main motivation behind the vote. Union Representatives say Rovella stayed silent when they needed him most.
"He failed to speak out publicly or invading defense of his troopers. He made no comments to defend the good names of his troopers," said Andy Matthews, the Executive Director of the Connecticut State Police Union.
In August, the Connecticut State Police Union asked a federal judge to declare parts of the state’s new police accountability law unconstitutional. The union says sections pertaining to the public disclosure of troopers’ personnel files and internal affairs investigations violates records law exemptions in the troopers' contract.
The union said it filed for an injunction that would force state officials to comply with the contract. At the time, Attorney General William Tong's office said it is reviewing the filing and will respond in court.
Foley defended the bill that he says won’t put officers in harm's way. He says it was passed with the intent to create systematic change among the police force and union leadership that he says lacks diversity.
"Let me describe them for you," said Foley. "Shaved heads, tattoos on the arms, dark sunglasses. Look who is out in front of the governor’s residence that day. It’s not the most inclusive organization."
"Because we dare to speak up for our troopers that we are somehow racist," said Matthews. "That’s what he’s suggesting to you without saying it. That’s offensive."
State Police say they expected the vote to come following the passing of the bill. Foley also said members of the union may have been pressured to vote no.
"I don’t know how many votes of no confidence Brian Foley’s been a part of but this isn't Hartford Police," said Matthews. "This is the state police. We take things seriously."
Bith the Union and State police made it clear that this vote is not a reflection of their service to the community. While they sort internal issues out amongst themselves, your safety will not be jeopardized.
"Their safety, their best interest, and the citizens best interest are at the top of our list," said Foley.
The Governors's office had no comment on the vote against him.