That said, I hope the City Council recognizes that the issue here involves something much more important than either my power and authority or theirs. What it involves and what of course must be addressed, is the interest that ALL of us want a very effective, highly professional, and properly accountable Police Department. It goes without saying that is what Springfield deserves.
That is my objective. It always has been and it always will be, and I am committed to work with anyone and everyone in our community to insure it.
In the final analysis, we will abide by the final decision of the courts.”