Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP Michael Pedersen, a state representative from Nashua's Ward 5 and a leader of the Citizens for Local Control initiative, speaks to people gathered outside City Hall Thursday afternoon ahead of the first meeting of the work study committee on the Police Commission appointment process. (Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP)

NASHUA — Calling the newly organized work study committee charged with analyzing the Police Commission appointment process a “bogus committee” designed to mislead Nashuans, roughly a dozen residents pushing for “local control” of the process gathered at City Hall Thursday afternoon, about two hours ahead of the committee’s inaugural meeting.

Members of the work study group include: Alderwoman at Large Shoshanna Kelly, chairwoman; Ward 2 Alderman Rick Dowd, vice chairman; Nick Dahl, clerk; Deb Novotny, Nick Dahl, Mary Lou Blaisdell, Mark Brave, Kendra Smith, and Kerry Baxter.

Board of Aldermen president Lori Wilshire assembled the committee in mid-August, shortly after the Board of Aldermen rejected by an 8-6 vote a proposal to put the so-called “local control” question on the Nov. 2 ballot for voters to decide.

But proponents of the change succeeded in getting the question on the Nov. 2 ballot by circulating a petition that garnered more than 2,000 signatures, of which 1,830 — nearly 300 more than the minimum 1,539 required — were verified by city officials.

A full story, including brief bios on the work study committee members, will appear in The Sunday Telegraph and on www.nashuatelegraph.com.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.