Alderman Nicholas Sposato 38th Ward Update

Dear Friend,

On Wednesday, the Chicago City Council voted to create a new agency, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, to replace the Independent Police Review Authority and create a new Depuity Inspector General for public safety to audit police practices. This new agency was approved on a vote of 39-8. I joined Aldermen Leslie Hairston (5th), Marty Quinn (13th), Matt O'Shea (19th), Michael Zalewski (23rd), Roberto Maldonado (26th), Christopher Taliaferro (29th), and Anthony Napolitano (41st) in voting against this ordinance.

The ordinance that passed yesterday came after months of meetings with community organizations and other stake holders but fell short of including every voice in the negotiations. I chose to vote NO after speaking with police officers and leadership from the Fraternal Order of Police who felt that this new agency was created without sufficient input from the rank and file police. If the goal of this ordinance is to repair the strained relationship between the community and the police force we must listen to the men and women who are on the job every day.

In addition to the creation of the new COPA office, the Mayor has stated he plans to introduce an ordinance to create a Civilian Review Board. With my vote yesterday I have made it clear that the voice of the CPD must be heard and I will continue to work to ensure that as we move forward they are included in the process.

Also this week, City Council approved $25 Million dollars in borrowing to purchase new vehicles for the Chicago Police Department. I supported this plan both in committee and with my vote in the full City Council. The new vehicles that this $25 million dollars will pay for are needed to allow the 1000 new police officers, that the Mayor has announced he will be hiring over the next two years, to effectively protect our neighborhoods. The new vehicles will be built at the Chicago Ford Assembly Plant.

Congratulations to the 2016 Lambert Tree and Carter Harrison Award Winners:

Alderman Nicholas Sposato & Superintendent Eddie Johnson picture with 2016 Lambert Tree Award Winners Police Officer Jacek Leja & Police Officer Justin Raether