Salem City Council voted 5-4 Dec. 8 to reappoint a Community Police Review Board member despite recent concerns raised over his past criminal conviction.
The council’s vote went against the recommendation made by the Boards and Commissions Appointments Committee. The committee voted Dec. 3 to recommend not reappointing Kyle Hedquist to the police board and leave the position open.
When the issue came before council, Councilor Mai Vang made an amendment to reappoint Hedquist. She said Hedquist’s positive work in the community, not his past, should lead to him remaining on the board…