Daley Responds To Obama Security Criticism, Weis' Misstep

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Nov 19, 2008 5:45PM

Yesterday, we looked at the Chicago Police Department's efforts with President-Elect Barack Obama's security team and the cost (covered by the federal government) of the extra man hours. Looking to deflect the whisperings of criticism, Mayor Daley took to the press to defend the work being done to protect Obama and the benefit to Chicago. As usual, we can't do his words justice so we'll let him speak for himself:

This is a great honor…We’re excited about him being here. This is his transition. He could go to Washington, D.C…He’s not going to buy right into Washington. He’s here and he has people from all walks of life coming here. It is putting us on a global map more than anything else...

In Washington, D.C., the Secret Service [would] be doing most of this — even outside the buildings. We’ve taken that responsibility and they’re going to reimburse us for that…We’ll utilize resources from headquarters and the training academy until next week. [After that], off-duty officers will be compensated at time-and-a- half, to be paid by the federal government. This is a temporary measure that does not take any officers off Chicago streets.

That was...surprisingly coherent.

At another press conference, Daley also looked to clarify a statement previously made by Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis. It seems while speaking to the City Club of Chicago recently, Weis talked about turning the city's crime problem around and said, “If a gang is dealing drugs and not killing anyone…that’s not on our priority list.” Oh, really? Daley reacted to the statement by saying:

Gang activity and drug activity and gun activity is all together. It’s drugs and guns. That has become a major issue in this country — not just in Chicago but in the suburban area, collar counties. It’s destroying another generation of young people...Especially in an economy where it gets tough, people will go to a lot of substance abuse….So, you have to be very careful because you want to really protect a lot of people who are in dire straits….A lot of people take this real personal…when they lose their jobs and lose their home…They’ll go to alcohol and drugs.

Okay, that's a little more Daley-esque. Daley promised that gang-related drug dealing remains a high priority for the city. CPD spokeswoman Monique Bond defended Weis' comments, saying, “His statement was directed in the context of prioritization--not importance. Both are equally important for police response and both contribute to violence." Whatever he intended, Weis, who's already on a very short leash, is not doing himself any favors these days.

Photo of Daley and Obama by Marcus Gilmer