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The city council has yet to vote on the ordinance, which would
expand the Community Commission for Public Safety and
Accountability. It would also give that commission negotiating
power over contracts with the Fraternal Order of Police.
Color of Change Policy Strategist Queen Adesuyi said the goal
was to have the referendum on the ballot this November.
“We’re committed to continuing the fight and seeing this through
for the next election cycle, and we have plenty of time to do
that,” Adesuyi said.
Frank Chapman is executive director of the National Alliance
Against Racist and Political Repression. Chapman said that if
anyone is responsible for holding up the referendum, it’s
Alderman Raymond Lopez.
“The referendum was in the public safety committee. It was
removed from that committee by Alderman Raymond Lopez. That’s
how it ended up in the rules committee,” Chapman said.
Adesuyi said the full council would need to pass the referendum
by Aug. 18 in order for it to have a chance to be on the
November ballot.
The current proposal requires voter approval for an ordinance
expanding the Community Commission for Public Safety and
Accountability in both size and degree of control.
Queen Adesuyi of Color of Change said Alderman Raymond Lopez is
allied with the Fraternal Order of Police and intentionally
referred the ordinance to the finance committee.
“He doesn’t support this ordinance and he doesn’t want to see
this ordinance move, so he’s invested in slowing it down,”
Adesuyi said.
The proposed referendum could get a boost from another part of
City Hall. Adesuyi said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is an
ally.
“We believe that the mayor is on the right side of history when
it comes to police accountability and that he is supportive of
this ordinance and referendum,” Adesuyi said.
While the referendum may be off the table this year, Adesuyi
said she hopes it will pass in 2025.
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