Watch CBS News

Alderman Blasts Lightfoot For Criticism Of Police Reform Hearings

CHICAGO (CBS) -- One of the Chicago aldermen leading public hearings on efforts to overhaul the Police Department lashed out Thursday at critics who have called their hearings a "sham."

Ald. Carrie Austin (34th) was livid that former Police Accountability Task Force chair Lori Lightfoot was quoted as saying some advocates believe this week's public hearings are a "sham." Lightfoot told the Sun-Times many people have told her they don't believe there is genuine interest in input from outside of City Hall, because the meetings didn't have a detailed agenda for topics of discussion, and were held on short notice on two work days just after the July 4th holiday.

Austin took offense to that suggestion.

"I think that the statements that are being made out in the universe in regards to these hearings are a disservice to all 50 of us. I don't understand how you could be part of a report, and then say the report is a farce," she said. "I'm insulted, because the people didn't elect me to produce farces. They elected me to do just what I'm doing this day."

Austin and Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30th) who were co-chairing the public hearings, said there will be more neighborhood hearings in the future, but Austin leveled both barrels at Lightfoot, who still heads the Chicago Police Board.

"Now to say that what we're doing now is a farce, she can go straight to Hades, and I ain't talking about the country," she said.

Podcast

Reboyras said the two public hearings this week are not enough, and there will be four more in the neighborhoods before the fall, to solicit comments and ideas on dealing with police misconduct, and making the department more accountable.

"Folks are saying right now that we're a sham. I don't see that, and to prove our case, I think we're going to make every effort along with the mayor's decision that we should bring it back to the community and have them weigh in on it future," he said.

Reboyras and Austin said the ideas solicited at public hearings will be brought back to the joint Budget and Public Safety committees, where the final police accountability ordinance will be crafted. Some aldermen believe that will take longer than planned.

Lightfoot was not at Thursday's hearing. She was out of town, and released a statement that doesn't address Austin's anger, but said they agree the process of police reform must include meaningful public engagement, and Lightfoot looks forward to working with the alderman, who she greatly admires.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.