In his last day on the job, Chicago’s longest-serving black alderman on Tuesday urged whoever wins the race for mayor to retain embattled Police Supt. Jody Weis.

“Morale is at rock-bottom because people don’t like it because he puts them out there, kicks them in the rear end and makes them do their job,” said Ald. Ed Smith (28th).

“I don’t think that, just because police are upset, it’s enough to get this man out of here. The man needs to stay in his position, let the police do their job and those [who] do not want to work, let them find another job.”
Smith was asked whether his decision to defend Weis stems from the superintendent’s decision to reallocate police resources from lower crime districts to those that need more officers.
“Of course, that’s important. But, he’s done a great job for the city [overall]. He’s a real professional,” Smith said.
“I was one of those when he first came in who was sort of concerned whether he’d be able to do the job. But, he’s proven himself to be a good guy. The next mayor would be smart to keep him on. He’s been good for the city of Chicago.”
A career FBI agent, Weis was hired in 2008 to restore public trust in a Police Department shaken by allegations of brutality, barroom brawls and a scandal in the disbanded Special Operations Section.
As the first outsider in nearly 50 years to serve as Chicago Police superintendent, Weis was viewed from suspicion from day one. From a morale standpoint, it’s been downhill ever since.
Chicago Police officers are counting down the days until Weis’ departure ­— and cheering the superintendent’s own admission that he’s a “contract employee here for a finite time.”
Ed Smith