March 30, 2026

Items Recommended for Full Council

Ashley Catatao – Promotion to Police Sergeant – Recommended 5-0

Detective Catatao, a 15-year veteran of the Somerville Police Department currently serving in the Special Investigations Unit, was recommended for promotion to sergeant. Chief Shumeane Benford highlighted her bachelor's degree and multiple master's degrees, her advocacy for mental health counseling, and her strong performance on the promotional exam. Catatao spoke about her deep roots in Somerville as a first-generation college graduate from a Portuguese immigrant family, saying she treats every community interaction as she would want her own family treated. The committee entered executive session to review confidential personnel matters before voting in open session.

Courtney Reece – Promotion to Police Sergeant – Recommended 5-0

Detective Reece, an 11-year SPD veteran currently assigned as a property crime detective, was recommended for promotion. Chief Benford noted her bachelor's in psychology and master's in criminal justice. Reece emphasized community policing, encouraging officers to get out of cruisers and build familiarity with residents, and stressed leading by example and holding officers accountable. She also described sharing her training resume with newer officers to encourage professional development. The committee reviewed her candidacy in executive session before voting.

Chief Benford noted that both promotions together represent a 200% increase in female officers at the supervisory rank — a point the committee praised as reflecting the future of policing in Somerville.

James Plotkin – Municipal Hearing Officer – Recommended 5-0

Plotkin was appointed to hear appeals of non-criminal ticket violations (trash, snow, overgrowth — not traffic/parking). City Clerk Kimberly Wells explained the position reports to the city attorney but works most closely with the clerk's office. Plotkin has served as a hearing officer in various capacities since 2001 and previously practiced in New York City. He emphasized treating respondents with respect and compassion, noting that hearings are often people's only interaction with government. Councilor Ewen-Campen asked about handling angry residents; Plotkin described using pastoral training techniques to mirror people's language and ensure they feel heard. Councilor Link recommended Plotkin connect with the Office of Immigrant Affairs for translation services.

Jessica Smith – Public Financing of Campaigns Committee – Recommended 4-0

Smith, taken out of order to accommodate her schedule, was appointed to the new Public Financing of Campaigns Committee. She described her experience as a campaign treasurer and budget manager for local candidates, including current sitting councilors, giving her familiarity with OCPF reporting requirements and the financial barriers to running for office. She expressed support for investigating how public funds could lower barriers to entry for working community members while noting that any public campaign funds would be subject to the same scrutiny as donated or self-funded campaign money. Councilor Link was not yet present for this vote.

Crystal Huff – Ranked Choice Voting Committee – Recommended 5-0

Huff, a Ward 5 resident and regular attendee of council meetings, was appointed to the new Ranked Choice Voting Committee created by the recent city charter. Huff described academic work on co-governance and group decision-making, including a workshop comparing ranked choice voting, approval voting, and first-past-the-post systems. They also discussed their community engagement through mutual aid work (MAMAs and community fridges). Councilor Link, who will serve as the council's representative on the RCV committee, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.

James Leo Bedard – Ranked Choice Voting Committee – Recommended 5-0

Bedard was not present at the meeting. City Clerk Wells noted staff is working to determine if the candidate can attend a future meeting. The committee voted to recommend approval alongside Huff's appointment.

Committee Discussion

Council President McLaughlin offered a notable comment on ranked choice voting, noting that when RCV was on the statewide ballot and failed but passed overwhelmingly in Somerville, the ballot question excluded multi-seat races (like the at-large council race). He expressed his personal view that RCV makes the most sense for single-seat races (ward councilors, mayor, state rep) and flagged concerns about Cambridge's multi-candidate ranked choice system, saying he wanted to state this preference now rather than "meddle with the committee when the time comes."

What's Next

• All six items head to the full council for final confirmation votes at the next regular meeting.

• The two police sergeant promotions will become official upon full council approval.

• The Ranked Choice Voting Committee and Public Financing of Campaigns Committee will begin their work once members are confirmed.