GLAA thanks Ambrose for police reform efforts
The Honorable Sharon Ambrose
Council of the District of Columbia
One Judiciary Square
Washington, D.C. 20001
Dear Councilmember Ambrose:
As we enter the next phase of reform efforts at the Metropolitan Police Department, I want to thank and commend you for your strong leadership in holding the MPD to account. Your tough grilling of Chief Soulsby was a welcome change from the sucking up that we have witnessed all too often in past oversight hearings. Mr. Harlan of the Control Board, who persisted in defending Mr. Soulsby and even warned you to back off from your calls for the Chief's resignation, has well-deserved egg on his face today.
After Soulsby's inept management of homicide investigations, "zero tolerance" policing, and special investigations (whose head has now himself been indicted for embezzlement and extortion), his improper perk of a cheap apartment rental seems almost trivial by comparison. But if this "distraction" (as one of your colleagues inappropriately insists on putting the former chief's problems) is the straw that it took to break the camel's back, so be it.
As you are painfully aware, we have hardly begun to get our government back on track with the kind of serious management reforms that will change the prevailing corporate culture of cleptocracy. This being the case, it is encouraging to know that we have such a staunch and longstanding ally on the Council representing Ward 6.
Here's wishing your staff and family a joyous and bountiful Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Rick Rosendall
President
Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance of Washington, DC
cc: The Washington Blade
