Chicago Aldermen Want to Overturn Mayor’s Decision to Cancel ShotSpotter Contract
Alderman Raymond Lopez has filed paperwork calling for a special session of the City Council to overturn Mayor Brandon Johnson’s decision to cancel the city’s contract with SoundThinking, the company behind the ShotSpotter gunshot-detection technology.
Background
The City Council has already approved the use of ShotSpotter technology in certain wards, with an expiration date set for September 22. However, Mayor Johnson has decided to cancel the contract, citing the technology’s failure to reduce gun violence.
Aldermen’s Reaction
Alderman Lopez, who represents the 15th Ward, argues that the City Council has already given its approval for the technology to continue being used in certain wards, and that the mayor has a duty to execute that will.
"We’re not asking for a new order, we’re asking him to follow the order that’s already been given," Lopez said. "Like every other order that this body gives him, he has to follow it and he’s willfully choosing to disregard the will of the body."
Mayor’s Response
Mayor Johnson, however, is standing firm in his decision to cancel the contract. He has described ShotSpotter as a "walkie talkie on a pole" and argues that the technology has failed to make a significant impact on gun violence.
"The reason why they said we needed it was to reduce gun violence," the mayor said. "It didn’t do that. So it’s incumbent upon all of us that the investments that we’re making, they have to get at the problem."
Other Aldermen Support Lopez
Aldermen Anthony Beale, Peter Chico, Marty Quinn, Silvana Tabares, Monique Scott, and Felix Cardona have all joined Lopez in calling for a special session to overturn the mayor’s decision.
"We’re going to tune in Wednesday and see exactly what happens," said Alderman Michelle Harris, 8th Ward.
Conclusion
The issue of ShotSpotter technology has become a contentious one in Chicago, with aldermen and the mayor at odds over its effectiveness. The special session of the City Council will give aldermen the opportunity to vote on whether to overturn the mayor’s decision and continue using the technology.
FAQs
Q: Why did the City Council originally approve the use of ShotSpotter technology?
A: The City Council approved the use of ShotSpotter technology in certain wards to help reduce gun violence.
Q: Why has Mayor Johnson decided to cancel the contract?
A: Mayor Johnson has decided to cancel the contract because he believes that the technology has failed to make a significant impact on gun violence.
Q: Can the City Council override the mayor’s decision?
A: The City Council can hold a special session to vote on whether to overturn the mayor’s decision. However, it is unclear whether the mayor would ultimately be bound by the City Council’s decision.
