Ald. Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, 5th District, lead sponsor of the measure, said the review committee’s work was not intended to be divisive. She said it was meant to highlight the good work officers do and point out areas that need improvement.

Koval said in a blog post on Sunday he has no objections to an independent review, but questioned the price tag attached to the study for a department that he said regularly receives praise for its practices and policies.

The post was also critical of council members, who Koval said showed little support for a police department that is used as a “political punching bag.”

“The ‘perpetually offended’ of Madison who use their small but vocal numbers to dictate agendas has an incredible grip on this City,” Koval wrote. “No one dares to raise a voice lest they be marginalized in the PC world of Madison.”

Ald. Mark Clear, 19th District, said Koval’s comments were “very hurtful” and riled up the public. Other council members were also critical and hurt by the post, drawing some to tears.

Koval stood up to leave following Clear’s statements. In a heated conversation with several council members, Koval said he did not want to stay and listen to editorial statements. But Koval ended up staying for the rest of the meeting.