Gimbel isn’t the bad guy here
Attorney Frank Gimbel has worked tirelessly all of his legal life (which has been long) in defense of those whose rights have been imperiled regardless of race, religion, gender or ethnicity. To call him racist is an injustice to him as well as simply bad reporting “(Gimbel comments called inaccurate, racist,” Dec. 26).
His comments regarding the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission selection process perhaps could have been stated more tactfully, but the message he was conveying is justified . There are few on that commission capable of the responsibility. The proof is in their actions. Just think of the mess they created with the abrupt and unfair removal of former Police Chief Alfonso Morales.
They have had a revolving door of administrative leads. For example, the most recent executive director appointed by Mayor Tom Barrett was Griselda Aldrete. Aldrete is a young educated woman who earned her master’s and law degrees. But her professional experience as CEO of Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee and a short stint as a part-time teacher at the Milwaukee Area Technical College certainly didn’t prepare her to lead such a contentious and ill-equipped group. Anyone who reads this newspaper is aware of the controversies surrounding Steven Devougas, who remains on the FPC.
If you want to move people to action, then move Barrett to recall all Fire and Police Commission members and request a conscientious, thorough vetting of anyone he wants to appoint.
Gimbel isn’t the bad guy here.
Barbara J. Velez
Shorewood