Concerns raised over lack of diversity in Wauwatosa after naming of new police chief

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Wauwatosa's naming of a police chief is prompting mixed reaction. Retired Milwaukee Police Captain James MacGillis will be the next head of the Wauwatosa Police Department.

"Thank you for entrusting me with this crucial responsibility, "MacGillis said during the Police and Fire Commission meeting Thursday night. 

The Police and Fire Commission voted 4-1 to make him the city's top cop. Wauwatosa's 7th District Alderman Mike Morgan supports the choice.

"I think we should be very pleased with our new chief and he's chosen from a fine field of candidates," Morgan said. 

"I'm hoping this will be a good, fresh start for the Wauwatosa Police Department, which has had a lot of problems," Attorney Kimberly Motley said. She represents families of victims gunned down by former Wauwatosa officer Joseph Mensah. 

"I hope this police chief understands the importance of the three families, of the Alvin Cole family, the Jay Anderson family and the Antonio Gonzalez family," Motley said. "As a police chief, I would hope he would want to sit down and talk to those families."

Some people are concerned about the lack of diversity in Wauwatosa leadership.

"Look at the make-up of Wauwatosa as far as the leadership is concerned, all of our elected officials are basically white," John Larry said. He is the former chairman of the Wauwatosa Government Affairs Ad-Hoc Committee. John Larry says he's not happy with the choice. 

"Surprise, they went with the candidate that more so fit the methods of operations here in Wauwatosa," he said. 

Alderman Morgan says he just wants the city to focus on the future.

"We've had our obvious challenges, but we have to look forward and I think people are ready to do that."

MacGillis is expected to start the job July 26.