COPA chief nomination left in limbo after Chicago City Council decides not to move forward with vote
CHICAGO - In a rebuke to Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the City Council's Public Safety Committee has decided to not move forward with a vote on her pick to lead the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.
Interim COPA chief Andrea Kersten came under fire last year after publishing a report recommending a three-day suspension for slain police officer Ella French.
The report was written months before French’s death. But nevertheless, Kersten apologized for her decision at a hearing on Friday.
There is truly no greater act of service than laying down one's life for the city they serve as Officer Ella French did. She's to be honored and remembered as a hero. I have profound sadness that the work of our agency has in any way hurt the French family and those who mourn her," Kersten said.
Kersten's apology failed to win over her opposition, so the committee chairman opted not to hold a vote on whether to recommend her to the full council, leaving her nomination in limbo.