After emotional debate at City Hall, Bill Cameron says the City Council has overwhelmingly approved the controversial new Public Safety Academy to train police, firefighters, paramedics, and other first-responders.

On a vote of 38-8, the aldermen ignored noisy protesters who wanted social programs instead.
Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa was on the protesters side: “The research shows that the best way to improve public safety is by investing more in after-school programs, job programs, education and mental health.”
But west side alderman Jason Ervin shot back with this: “Yes, we need more money for education, economic development, but the city as a whole needs to move forward to replace our antiquated facility for police, fire and OEMC!”
The academy’s local alderman, Emma Mitts, pleaded for calm. “We have to change this culture of hate!” she said. “Hate in this city!”
Alderman Carrie Austin was more blunt, saying, “We need to stop this cat fight that’s goin’ on! We need to work together so the entire City of Chicago can flourish!”

Voting “no” were Aldermen Waguespack, Garza, Maldonado, Arena, Mell, Pawar, Hairston and Rosa