With today’s announcement that the city will be hiring Art Acevedo as Austin’s next police chief (see post below), that leaves acting Chief Cathy Ellison – who had applied for the position herself – to ponder her future. City Manager Toby Futrell said in today’s press conference that Ellison still has a job at the Austin Police Department, if she wants it. Ellison just released this statement:
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chief Art Acevedo on his selection as Chief of Police for the Austin Police Department. I wish Chief Acevedo the best of luck and offer my total support to him. I believe that the Austin Police Department will be in the very best of hands under Chief Acevedo’s leadership [Ellison’s italics].
“I have been honored to serve as Acting Chief of Police and my thanks to all the men and women of the Austin Police Department for their continued good work during this time of transition. Many of you are wondering about my future plans after 28 years of police service to the community. I sincerely appreciate the interest, but I can only tell you that my future plans include going home this weekend, putting my feet up, and giving it a great deal of thought.”
This article appears in June 8 • 2007.