It's Memorial Day weekend, and it hasn't escaped me that because of our heroes in the military - and law enforcement - that my right to speak freely is guaranteed. I may sometimes take it for granted, but thank you. I am so proud of those of you who've taken time to write Madison alders about the proposed resolution that would essentially give a majority of the common council power to revoke Police & Fire Commission (PFC) decisions. (Heck, if the council wants veto power over committees, then what's the purpose of even having committees? And why the single focus on PFC's decisions? ) It means a lot that you've shared your letters (and alders' responses) with me. You are rock stars - I'm talking Pete Townshend & Jimmy Page type of rock stars. (Yeah, I'm in my 50s and still love the stuff.) Since I published the post two days ago, the following alders (in addition to Bidar-Sielaff & Kemble) have signed on as sponsors: Cheeks, Kemble, DeMarb, Palm, Phair, Zellers. Here's the original: https://www.change.org/p/support-madison-police-department-stop-the-public-attacks/u/20365181 And here's Alder Phair's terse response to me. He's not my alder, by the way - I have not yet heard back from my own alder, Cheeks. "Paula, You obviously didn't read the resolution correctly if that is what you believe. Save the false narrative for Vicki McKenna. Matt" Ummm, I did read it, Alder Phair. I not only read the proposal but between the lines, as well. And I'm not sure what the reference to Vicki McKenna means since I've never been on her show. Here's an internal memo an insider friend shared with me. It's from Alder Bidar-Sielaff. As you're reading, I'd like you to focus on #3. "Dear colleagues, I am introducing the ordinance linked below at our June 6 meeting with referrals to FC and CCEC. The intent is to clarify our previous resolution language and to provide for reimbursement of legal fees for residents whose complaints before the PFC are sustained or discipline imposed. Please let Debbie know if you would like to cosponsor. Thank you, Shiva https://madison.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3056188&GUID=6ACFD118-3890-433E-B18E-D68451FDF2B3&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=47423&FullText=1 Quick summary: 1) It provides for reimbursement of legal fees by the City when a member of either the police or fire department successfully defends a complaint before the PFC, and establishes standards for determining success in the proceeding. 2) It provides that private persons who successfully prosecute actions before the PFC will have their fees reimbursed by the City. It similarly sets standards for measuring a successful prosecution. 3) It provides that the Council may make adjustments in the fees to be paid if some claims are successful and others are not, including if the PFC finds a violation of standards but imposes no punishment. 4) The ordinance does not affect reimbursement provisions in any agreements the City has with police or fire unions or employee associations, and it does not generally apply to court proceedings. " It may sound matter-of-fact on the surface, but please re-read #3. "It provides that the Council may make adjustments in the fees to be paid if some claims are successful and others are not, including if the PFC finds a violation of standards but imposes no punishment. " I mis-read this, Alder Phair? Then enlighten me. In sharing your letters to the alders, some of you asked what I thought about some of their responses. I think as I thought yesterday and the day before - that this council doesn't tolerate dissent very well. I also think they may *say* they're not targeting MPD, but that their actions speak crystal clearly. From where I sit, it looks like they're setting traps & landmines for Chief Koval & MPD, trying to impede their work. They *should* be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with law enforcement to combat crime - not finding ways to impede their work. Cops are *not* the enemy. Despite manipulative headlines. Policing is at a crossroads - both here & nationally - and if we don't stand up and fight back, we may lose the only barrier we have from anarchy. Please share your thoughts below, or email me at paula@pjpublications.com All the best, --Paula Fitzsimmons