New Castle County introduces four nominees for Police Accountability Board; votes deferred

Four nominees for the New Castle County Police Accountability Board introduced themselves to the Boards and Commissions Subcommittee on March 17 and outlined their qualifications; the council did not vote on the nominations at this meeting. Chair Dee Durham said the formal votes will occur next week.

Maria Ussery said, "My name is Maria Ussery, and I am a citizen of Newcastle County," and described her work in the nonprofit sector and as a pastor, saying she wants to "bridge the gap between the public safety and the community and the citizens that we serve." Council members asked Ussery about her background and her views on criminal-justice reform; she cited nonprofit work and community engagement as central to her motivation.

Margie Lopez Waite, introduced by the chair, described 35 years in New Castle County and an education background that includes founding a dual-language immersion charter school, which she identified as Azpida Academy. She said she hopes to bring her education and community perspective to the board.

The agenda listed "Doctor Christopher Curry," but the speaker who addressed the committee self-identified as "Chris Curiel, pastor of the [church]," and outlined roughly 27 years in Delaware and work in higher education on preventing school violence. Curiel emphasized a commitment to accountability for both community members and police, saying he is "very big on holding the community accountable as well as the police department."

Leslie Palladino spoke about leading a statewide nonprofit street-outreach team that combats overdoses and helps connect people with diversion programs. Palladino said she is in long-term recovery herself and described that involvement with the criminal-justice system as formative: "Being involved in the criminal justice system is what saved my life." Council members welcomed her lived experience and discussed how the board can function effectively, including encouraging new members to report impediments to board operations.

Council members repeatedly noted that the Police Accountability Board has seen turnover and that new members should help restore the board’s capacity to provide actionable recommendations to the county police. The subcommittee did not take formal action; staff will follow up with nominees after next week’s vote.