Sorry I have to put this in sections, but I got a whacky computer.
Letter continued:
Obviously, Councilman Torres is indicating that Hammond's Police Dept. is intimidating it's rank and file officers, which reflects badly on all copied to this letter. However, I would like to point out to the Council members that Hammond Police are among the highest paid police officers in Indiana. In fact, their union is only requesting a 2% raise for 2017. Why a councilman would offer 150% more than what they are negotiating for is beyond me.
I would also point out to Councilman Torres the following percentage raises that we have provided to HPD since I have been Mayor.
2005-3, 2006-3, 2007-4, 2008-4, 2009-3, 2010-3, 2011-4, 2012-4, 2015-2, 20016-2.
Since I have been Mayor, the Hammond Council and I have provided 36% pay raises to police officers and firefighters. Maybe because Torres has only been a councilman for 8 months, he didn't realize how generous we've been over the years.
Quite frankly, as a 14 year Mayor of the City, I don't appreciate Councilman Torres' insinuations that we retaliate or run this City through fear and intimidation. Every time I have run for Mayor, I've been endorsed by the FOP, Firefighters Union as well as the Teamsters. Why would these unions endorse me and my administration if we ruled through fear and intimidation? They wouldn't.
Last edited by Tiger1 on Tue Nov 15, 2016 9:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
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