Council appoints Joshua Dolan to Community Police Board amid objections
June 03, 2026 | Ithaca City, Tompkins County, New York
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The Ithaca Common Council on June 3 voted 8–2 to appoint Joshua Dolan to the Community Police Board after a contentious debate in which several members and a public commenter opposed the nomination.
Resident Zachary Win told council he opposed Dolan’s appointment and provided links to livestreams and social-media posts he said showed Dolan participating in roadblocks and confrontations with police, arguing that history would undermine Dolan’s ability to be impartial. "I request you to take the time to review the materials I sent you before deciding on if you should appoint Mr. Dolan to the board until 2028," Win said.
Several councilmembers said they shared concerns about the nominee’s activism and potential to make police less willing to engage with board processes. "I was concerned when I read this ... and I feel like it's very targeted," Alderperson Keel said during debate, adding he would vote against the appointment.
Other councilmembers defended the nominee’s community engagement. Alderperson Trumbull said he had known Dolan in protest contexts and characterized him as safety-minded and calm, arguing those qualities suit review-board work.
Council voted to appoint Dolan. The motion carried 8–2.
Why it matters: The Community Police Board is charged by city charter with reviewing police practices and recommending bylaws and regulations to improve policing oversight. Appointments to the board shape how citizens’ complaints and departmental practices will be reviewed.
What happens next: With the appointment passed, the board moves closer to quorum and to performing review work; council members said they hope the board will be effective at case review and in recommending improvements to the department.
Resident Zachary Win told council he opposed Dolan’s appointment and provided links to livestreams and social-media posts he said showed Dolan participating in roadblocks and confrontations with police, arguing that history would undermine Dolan’s ability to be impartial. "I request you to take the time to review the materials I sent you before deciding on if you should appoint Mr. Dolan to the board until 2028," Win said.
Several councilmembers said they shared concerns about the nominee’s activism and potential to make police less willing to engage with board processes. "I was concerned when I read this ... and I feel like it's very targeted," Alderperson Keel said during debate, adding he would vote against the appointment.
Other councilmembers defended the nominee’s community engagement. Alderperson Trumbull said he had known Dolan in protest contexts and characterized him as safety-minded and calm, arguing those qualities suit review-board work.
Council voted to appoint Dolan. The motion carried 8–2.
Why it matters: The Community Police Board is charged by city charter with reviewing police practices and recommending bylaws and regulations to improve policing oversight. Appointments to the board shape how citizens’ complaints and departmental practices will be reviewed.
What happens next: With the appointment passed, the board moves closer to quorum and to performing review work; council members said they hope the board will be effective at case review and in recommending improvements to the department.
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