Here is part of a conversation held in the blog on the Traveler's website that I felt needed it's own forum.  Someone brought up the fact that the commissioners now have badges, and have possibly used them as if they have Police authority.  Here is Patrick McDonald's response, followed by a few others as well as my own:

Patrick McDonald said... In response to the question on badges:Mayor Dotty obtained a badge (I'm not sure whether she took it upon herself to buy one or through the city) and after showing it around a few times decided that all of the commission must have one. The badge serves no purpose as commissioners have no authority. I and at least one other commissioner insisted that we did not need them, but as Mayor she chose to order them anyway. I can't remember the cost ($50-$70?) but to me it was a wasted expense. I now have a commissioner's badge sitting on top of my bureau.I am not sure, but I heard that one of the commissioners flashed their new badge representing their self as part of law enforcement. I don't know if that is true, but it would be illegal. The city commissioners are not any part of law enforcement.I hope this helps. If I can answer any further questions pertaining to commissioner's badges or anything else, feel free to write to me at pmcdonald2005@sbcglobal.netPatrick McDonaldJune 11, 2008 1:18 PMAnonymous said... Is it true one was flashed at someone parking on the sidewalk? Is it true one was flashed at a local bar?June 11, 2008 1:39 PMPatrick McDonald said... I am not certain how or why the badge was used in the particular case I heard. It was several months ago and I have forgotten the details. I have heard rumors of other instances but cannot confirm any of them.I see no purpose for these badges other than a momento of our services. They represent no authority and only possible use might be identification. Though they are not even a valid ID. Patrick McDonaldJune 11, 2008 2:11 PMAnonymous said... Sounds like a power trip for a few!June 11, 2008 2:42 PMsg said... That is an outrage!Badges are not used for ID purposes, and should not be "flashed" as a show of authority. This would be illegal, falling under the Impersonating an Officer Statute. It is ridiculous that these ami.. cough... commissioners would carry these badges around as if they have any authority at all. It speaks to how big their heads have become since they took office, and how they feel they run this town.The commission has no authority, past the ability that all citizens have, such as making a citizens arrest. As a former Police Officer, who wore a badge that actually represented something and showed authority, I am offended by these commissioners carrying these fake badges, and angered if indeed my tax money paid for them. JJ, please bring this to the attention of all your readers, as many of them don't visit this blog. Let them know what their tax money is being wasted on, and how these commissioner think they are above the rest of us.If it is true that one of them flashed their badge at someone who was parked illegally, or at a bar for whatever reason, they should be charged with impersonating an officer.Thank you Pat for bringing this to our attention, and for being smart enough not realize that these badges have zero authority. I can only assume that Joel is the other commissioner who was against getting them, as you two are the only smart ones there. June 11, 2008 2:43 PMIf anyone has any information on where or when these badges have been "Flashed", please tell us.  Better yet, if you were the one being flashed, report it to the Police Dept. and let's see if anything gets done.