Moseley Braun Steps Out On Limb With Weis Comments

By Chuck Sudo in News on Dec 29, 2010 9:45PM

Today must have been the day where Carol Moseley Braun decided to scorch the earth with her mouth. First, there was her (needless?) warning to Bill Clinton regarding the mayoral race she has no chance of winning. Now, she said that Police Superintendent Jody Weis should be replaced because he hasn't connected to the rank-and-file.

Braun made her comments today during a news conference announcing public safety initiatives, burnishing her comments by stating that she is the sister of an active police officer, comes from a police family, and said that morale is as low as she's ever seen.

Then she said of Weis, "Nothing personal."

Weis responded by releasing a statement that basically said, "look at the scoreboard." The statement touted a 40-year low in the homicide rate, changes instituted during his tenure including a new work schedule, and updated equipment and weapons for officers.

"Nothing speaks to morale like results: the men and women of the Chicago Police Department, including their supervisors and command staff, have delivered amazing results in challenging times and I have been both honored and privileged to lead them."

There's been speculation that Weis will not seek a second term as Superintendent when his contract is up early next year. Which, to many rank-and-file officers, would be no sweat off their brow. And to them, it's personal.