Thread by @sofiainchicago

Good afternoon. I will be live tweeting the Committee on Police and Fire meeting for
@CHIdocumenters #CHIdocumenters. The meeting started at 12:12 pm on June 11, 2024. Thread ⬇️

Quorum was reached. Ald. Ervin will be attending by video conference.

The first public speaker is Mr. George Blakemore, a well known Chicagoan and longtime participant in public meetings. He started by requesting his full time, and stated that police target Black people, including the police at City Hall.

Mr. Blakemore discussed the history of the historic abuses of Black people in this country, echoing comments he has made in previous meetings. More about Mr. Blakemore can be found here: people.chicagoreader.com/who/george-bla…

The next speaker questioned what the appointed board members would do for their citizens. He said they were playing "political games" with Shot Spotter, citing the fact that Shot Spotter is not everywhere, and those defending it "aren't in these meetings."

He asks: "What changes will you make?" saying that we need strong alders who will do what is best for the community.

The next speaker is Zoey Lee, who said her mother filed a police report that was never followed up, and asked the city to look into it. The next point she discusses is the undocumented population "on every corner," listing several neighborhoods.

She says that it is "not normal" that there are single mothers with several children selling candy, calling it "embarrassing." She suggests that Mayor Johnson should redirect his makeup budget to affordable housing for these immigrants.

The meeting agenda can be found here: …storagev1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/meetingattachm…

The first item is the appointment of lawyer Claudia F. Badillo as a member of the police board. She says that she is a "lifelong resident" of Chicago, and a bankruptcy lawyer who prides herself on finding creative solutions to her clients' sensitive problems.

Ms. Badillo says she looks forward to being a "neutral" and "impartial" presence on the board. More information about Ms. Badillo can be found on her website: badillolawyer.com/about-us/

Item 2 is the appointment of Justin L. Terry as member of Police Board. Raised by a CPS teacher, he grew up on the South Side and currently lives in the 3rd Ward. He says his broad work experience has given him a varied perspective on the City of Chicago.

Mr. Terry says he looks forward to being an impartial, transparent member of the police board. More information on Mr. Terry can be found here: linkedin.com/in/justinterry…

Item 3 concerns the appointment of Kathryn C. Liss as member of Police Board. She says she wants to serve the city by using her experience as a family lawyer, and wishes to maintain transparency and due process on both sides.

Specifically, she describes the skills needed to be a successful family lawyer (being impartial, reading all the facts) and relates them to skills necessary for the police board. More information on Ms. Liss can be found here: law.depaul.edu/academics/cent…

Ald. Lee asks: "What do you think your biggest challenges will be as a member of the police board?"

Ms. Badillo answers that the sheer amount of evidence in these cases will be the most challenging, as it is imperative to review all evidence, even if it may be "contentious." Ms. Badillo says she will take the time police officers have to react "into account."

Mr. Terry echoes Ms. Badillo's point of making the board work for both the police and the community, saying there will be listening and learning necessary on both sides.

Ms. Liss says the "learning curve" will be the biggest hurdle, as they have never done this before. She predicts it will become much easier in a few months after learning more about the role.

The motion to appoint Ms. Badillo was passed unanimously

The motion to appoint Mr. Terry was passed unanimously

The motion to appoint Ms. Liss was passed unanimously

The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 pm. Item 4, Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-36 by adding new Section 2-36-762 establishing policy and procedures for bereavement leave following death of uniformed service member will be heard in a Subject Matter Hearing.