Milwaukee Mayor Barrett on FPC changes after Morales decision [WTMJ interview]

Controversy abounded after the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission’s moved to demote then-Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales to captain. Mayor Tom Barrett was most critical about the process by which they came to the decision.

Barrett says, however, the process to create an improved FPC began with the decision to replace chairman Steven DeVougas with Nelson Soler.

“One of the things that I wanted to see was a change in leadership of the Fire and Police Commission. That occurred right after that took place, where we now have a new chairman,” Barrett said to WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi on Wednesday.

“I believe in process and fairness. Throughout this whole period, I think that has not been present at the level that I think is important for our city and that I think our residents deserve.”

The city is beginning what the Mayor calls a “wide open process” to find a new executive director to replace Griselda Aldrete.

Barrett also addressed the demotion of Morales, and the legal issues that could unfold should the former Chief taking legal action in an attempt to get his job back.

“I don’t know what is going to happen…about Chief Morales’ lawyer,” said Barrett. “I don’t know what he’s going to do.”

Barrett this morning joining acting Chief Michael Brunson to announce a new community policing effort called Rewaukee.

“I have to move forward. I’m going to be supportive of Chief Brunson, because we have issues in the city that we have to deal with,” said the Mayor.

Those issues include what Barrett calls a “very troubling” increase in violent crime, including a 90 percent rise in murders.