Give top cop credit for curbing Chicago’s violence
The editorial “Chicago’s priority in 2019: Keep pushing that homicide rate down” (Jan. 2) should give some of the mayoral candidates, most notably Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Gery Chico, some food for thought on firing Police Supt. Eddie Johnson.
Preckwinkle is on record saying she would fire the superintendent because he has a different opinion than she does on the so-called “code of silence” among police. In my opinion, differing opinions are not a bad thing. And in the last two years, Chicago has seen significant double-digit declines in killings and shootings. Who is leading that effort?
The editorial points out that “as we consider what’s behind the declining homicide tally in Chicago in 2018, we see proof that our city’s cops are pros. They continue to do their jobs despite pressure and criticisms — often in the service of reform, and necessary — from many sides.” Do we want to fire the man who is the leader of that effort because he has a different opinion on some issues? Chicago’s police department was in dire need of leadership when Johnson was hired, and the entire city is finally seeing some results in its fight against violence.
The next mayor would be very smart to retain the man who is at the head of that effort. The fight by no means is over, but credit should go to the man in the arena. Johnson has earned the right to continue that fight. Bob Angone, retired Chicago police lieutenant, Miramar Beach, Florida