In late February, following the release of a surreptitiously taped conversation in which Gov. Scott Walker admitted having "thought about" planting troublemakers at Capitol protests, Madison Police Chief Noble Wray issued a statement, which read in part:
"I would like to hear more of an explanation from Gov. Walker as to what exactly was being considered, and to what degree it was discussed by his cabinet members. I find it very unsettling and troubling that anyone would consider creating safety risks for our citizens and law enforcement officers."
Wray tells Isthmus his request has gone unanswered, to his chagrin: "I was very disappointed in not getting a response and probably more disappointed in the governor not giving a response to the state of Wisconsin."
The chief says Walker's response at the time -- that "people have brought up all sorts of different options" and in this case "we shot that down" -- is "inadequate," since it did not provide specifics or address his concerns.
"I didn't come out and accuse him of anything," notes Wray. "I came out and said how the comment sounded and asked for more clarity." He'd like Walker to make a "clear affirmative statement" that such tactics are unacceptable.
Cullen Werwie, the governor's spokesman, did not respond to a detailed email explaining Wray's concern and seeking comment.
