ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Lawmakers in the City of Ithaca have different opinions on a new board member.

On June 3, the Ithaca Common Council appointed Josh Dolan to the Community Police Board. Alderperson Pat Sewell voted against the appointment.

“I’m a little concerned about this particular individual, I’ve known him for many years,” Sewell said. “He’s a very active person in the city . . . and regularly engages with the police in ways that I think may be difficult.”

Alderperson David Shapiro also opposed the appointment.

“From what I know about this individual, he hasn’t really been somebody that has demonstrated cooperation in his activities with people,” Shapiro said.

Alderperson Hannah Shvets supported the selection. She said Dolan is “engaged in democracy.”

Alderperson Robin Trumble also favored the appointment. He said Dolan isn’t an agitator.

“I’ve always seen him as someone who brings a very good sense of calm to crowds,” Trumble said. “I don’t see him as being adversarial towards police, I think he looks at them as needing accountability, and that to me is the exact idea of a community police board.”

According to the city, the Community Police Board is charged to “actively foster positive communications between police and all segments of the community.” The group hasn’t met since December 2025 because it’s lacked quorum.

With the appointment of Dolan, the board now has enough members to conduct business. The group is scheduled to gather at 4:30 p.m. today at Ithaca City Hall.