City leaders in Stamford rejected Mayor David Martin's choice for the position of the city's next police chief.

The Board of Representatives voted 23 to 15 Monday night against the appointment of Chris Murtha.           

Murtha is currently deputy chief in Prince George's County Police Department in Maryland.          

Opposition grew among residents who wanted the mayor to appoint a current leader in the Stamford Police Department as chief.          

Others cited a civil rights employment lawsuit filed against Murtha's current department.          

A judge recently ordered that Murtha's name be removed from the suit citing a lack of evidence.          

Mayor Martin has the option of re-submitting Murtha's name, but is expected to pick a new candidate. 

Stamford community expresses disapproval for police chief appointee