'This tragic chapter ... is closed'
BURGE | CPD closes book on ugly chapter
The Chicago Police Department on Wednesday closed one of the ugliest chapters in its history -- and began a new chapter with great expectations.
With new Police Supt. Jody Weis watching from the VIP box, the City Council unanimously agreed to pay $19.8 million to four alleged torture victims of former Area 2 Cmdr. Jon Burge.
Without the agreement to compensate former Death Row inmates Aaron Patterson, Leroy Orange, Stanley Howard and Madison Hobley, Weis would have had a tough time re-establishing trust between citizens and police in neighborhoods most victimized by crime and police brutality.
With the settlement, the dialogue can now begin to heal a deep wound in the African-American community.
"Now, this tragic chapter in our city's history is closed. ... At the same time, we must learn from this experience," said Mayor Daley, who served as state's attorney during much of Burge's alleged reign of terror.
"I don't know if it's too much. I have a feeling it's probably not enough. But we need closure," said Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th).
"This definitely is a black eye on the City of Chicago -- and this is not the end. ... We still have many Jon Burges running around in each of our police [districts] -- particularly in my neck of the woods, and that has to stop. I'm hoping that today is the first step," said Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th).
Ald. Ed Smith (28th) demanded that the city explore legal avenues to justify cutting off Burge's pension and legal defense.
"Jon Burge is still walking around in Florida, spending the city's money. ... We should pursue this the way we pursued this case and not allow this man to continuously live off the fat of this city while he bathes in the sun. It's a disgrace," Smith said.
Daley acknowledged that it's "galling to everybody" that Burge is still collecting his city pension. But city Corporation Counsel Mara Georges has told aldermen she has researched the issue extensively and was unable to "find a viable cause of action" against Burge.
City Council confirmation of Weis was equally historic. He's the first outsider in nearly 50 years to serve as Chicago Police superintendent.
The only "no" vote was cast by Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd), who cited Weis' vague answers at his confirmation hearing, his failure to identify his first deputy and concerns that there is no justification for paying the new superintendent $310,000 a year.
"We're paying you a lot of money -- and I guarantee you're going to earn every penny of it," Smith said.
"I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt until you prove otherwise," said Ald. Sharon Denise Dixon (24th).
Weis applauded Dowell for "voting her conscience," adding, "She has some viable concerns. She's going to be one of the first people I reach out for to let her know I'm here for the community, I'm here for the department, and I'm here for her."