Post by Logan on Apr 12, 2016 20:43:14 GMT -6
Five black Democrats walk out over Indy police diversity proposal, throwing caucus into turmoil
Five black Democrats staged a walkout at Monday night’s City-County Council meeting after a proposal to reshape the Police Merit Board was gutted by a majority of the council — a decision they saw as a critical setback in their pursuit of a more diverse police force.
They returned later in the meeting only to vote against two proposals championed by Democratic Mayor Joe Hogsett, bucking council leadership and openly revolting against the leaders of their party just four months into the new term. They voted against the two most significant proposals of Hogsett's time so far as mayor: a restructuring of the Department of Public Safety, and an ethics reform package that was a hallmark of his campaign.
The police proposal sought to dramatically alter the makeup of the Police Merit Board, imposing term limits and adding two new positions that proponents believed would help reverse recent hiring trends and promote diversity within police ranks. The board oversees a number of police personnel matters, including hiring, promotions and terminations.
Republicans said the changes would bring the city out of compliance with state law, while some Democrats had reservations with a handful of provisions. Democratic Councilman Jared Evans said he attempted to strike a compromise, offering a deal that would have implemented term limits, but kept the board at seven members, instead of nine. The compromise also would have eliminated a provision making the police chief the deciding vote in case of ties.
Read more: www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2016/04/12/five-black-democrats-walk-out-over-indy-police-diversity-proposal-throwing-caucus-into-turmoil/82923282/
Five black Democrats staged a walkout at Monday night’s City-County Council meeting after a proposal to reshape the Police Merit Board was gutted by a majority of the council — a decision they saw as a critical setback in their pursuit of a more diverse police force.
They returned later in the meeting only to vote against two proposals championed by Democratic Mayor Joe Hogsett, bucking council leadership and openly revolting against the leaders of their party just four months into the new term. They voted against the two most significant proposals of Hogsett's time so far as mayor: a restructuring of the Department of Public Safety, and an ethics reform package that was a hallmark of his campaign.
The police proposal sought to dramatically alter the makeup of the Police Merit Board, imposing term limits and adding two new positions that proponents believed would help reverse recent hiring trends and promote diversity within police ranks. The board oversees a number of police personnel matters, including hiring, promotions and terminations.
Republicans said the changes would bring the city out of compliance with state law, while some Democrats had reservations with a handful of provisions. Democratic Councilman Jared Evans said he attempted to strike a compromise, offering a deal that would have implemented term limits, but kept the board at seven members, instead of nine. The compromise also would have eliminated a provision making the police chief the deciding vote in case of ties.
Read more: www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2016/04/12/five-black-democrats-walk-out-over-indy-police-diversity-proposal-throwing-caucus-into-turmoil/82923282/