Mullaney Will Not Seek Endorsements From City Unions

[thelakelander]

Very interesting.  This was just emailed to Metro Jacksonville.

MULLANEY DECLINES TO INTERVIEW FOR POLICE  UNION ENDORSEMENT:
WILL NOT SEEK ENDORSEMENTS FROM CITY UNIONS

Jacksonville, Fla., Dec. 6, 2010 â€" Rick Mullaney, Republican candidate for mayor of Jacksonville, has declined to interview for the endorsement of the city’s police union.  In a letter to Fraternal Order of Police president Nelson Cuba, Mullaney detailed the reasons for his decision and stated he would not seek the endorsement of any city unions in the mayor’s race, including the police and fire unions.

In the letter, Mullaney speaks of his great respect for police officers, particularly after having worked closely with them as a prosecutor for 10 years and later at the General Counsel’s Office. However, he goes on to say:

“Because pension reform is so critically important to our city’s future, I am not seeking the endorsement of any city unions, including the police or fire unions. I am doing this because the people of our city need to know that their mayor approaches pension reform and fixing city finances independently and as one of our city’s highest priorities. Therefore, I respectfully will not participate in Friday’s interview for the FOP endorsement.”

“…While I am not seeking your endorsement, I am seeking your ideas, open communication, and a constructive relationship and approach to our city’s future.”

Mullaney is the only major candidate in the mayor’s race not to interview for the police or fire union endorsements.

December 2, 2010

Fraternal Order of Police
Attention: Nelson Cuba, President
5530 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32207

Dear Nelson,

As you know, I have a great deal of respect for the police officers who make up
the membership of your organization. I believe we have one of the best Sheriff’s
Departments, and some of the finest officers, in the State of Florida. As a prosecutor
for 10 years, I worked side by side with many officers, often at crime scenes. As head
of the State Attorney Homicide Unit for 5 years, I often worked in the middle of the
night at homicide scenes with officers, detectives, evidence technicians and others in
law enforcement. I know firsthand the work and sacrifices officers make. I value what
officers do and the risks they take. After joining the General Counsel’s Office, I
represented officers and the Sheriff’s Office on many civil matters. For nearly 30 years,
I have seen firsthand the outstanding officers we have.

As someone who grew up in Jacksonville, and who came to Jacksonville over 50
years ago, I care deeply about the future of our City. Like other cities around the
country, Jacksonville is facing a serious economic crisis and has serious financial
challenges. Pension reform is a fundamental part of getting our city’s financial house
in order. The plan I have proposed saves over $1.3 billion over the next 35 years. It
does this by restructuring pension benefits for those hired in the future. Whatever an
officer has earned in the past is legally and morally protected. I believe my plan is in
the best interests of the city, the public, and your membership.

Because pension reform is so critically important to our city’s future, I am not
seeking the endorsement of any city unions, including the police or fire unions. I am
doing this because the people of our city need to know that their mayor approaches
pension reform and fixing city finances independently and as one of our city’s highest
priorities. Therefore, I respectfully will not participate in Friday’s interview for the FOP
endorsement.

I welcome, however, the opportunity to meet with you, the Executive Committee,
and your membership separate from the endorsement process. I look forward to
discussing with you pension reform, getting our city’s financial house in order, public
safety, and my vision for the city. I hope we can meet soon. While I am not seeking
your endorsement, I am seeking your ideas, open communication, and a constructive
relationship and approach to our city’s future. I will always have an open door.

Sincerely,

Rick Mullaney

[CS Foltz]

One of the first things that Mr Mullaney has said that I would have to agree with 100%! Time will tell if this is the prudent avenue to pursue! All of the Unions will have to get in synch with reality and come to the financial senses and this may be the shot across their bows! Something will have to be done and soon.........$58 Million Dollars in the hole next Budget cycle and we need to consider now, what will take place in the future!

[Jimmy]

This is interesting, especially, given Mayor Peyton's comments about not trusting in anyone that the unions pick this cycle.

Perhaps Mr. Mullaney is angling for his old boss's support.

[mtraininjax]

Peyton's support is like a concrete block tied around your leg. Why want it?

[mtraininjax]

Money alone will not get you elected this go around Stephen. Character will count this election.