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SBA First Among Police Unions to Back Mayor
Sat Out '05 Election
The SBA is the first NYPD union to endorse Mr. Bloomberg; it was also the first, during the past round of bargaining, to reach a significant contract deal with his administration. That July 2007 pact provided 24-percent raises and key fringe-benefit gains over a 74-month period. Denies Contract Sealed Deal SBA President Ed Mullins, who represents 10,000 active and retired Sergeants, said the endorsement was not so startling, pointing out that he was not president during the 2001 mayoral campaign and he was never asked for an endorsement in 2005. He denied the contract influenced his decision. "I can't think of anyone better to turn things around," he said of Mr. Bloomberg. "If anyone can do it, he can do it." Mayor Bloomberg said in a statement, "New York's Finest are the true heroes of our city. In addition to keeping us safe every day, they are playing an important role in aiding our economic recovery. Neighborhoods that are safe and secure are able to prosper and create jobs." Mr. Mullins, who was also early in his endorsement of U.S. Sen. John Mc- Cain for President, said it was not a matter of being first out of the gate. "It's not about being a trendsetter," he said in a phone interview. "We are always politically active." The endorsement comes at a time when the crime rate in the city has fallen 14 percent in the first quarter of this year as the police force continues to shrink. "New York City cops are known for their integrity, their leadership, and their commitment to serving their community," Mr. Mullins said in a statement. "We're proud to support Mayor Bloomberg, a person who embodies those qualities and who has worked tirelessly to keep this city safe." Mr. Mullins said the union would help the Mayor's campaign through phone-banking or other means. "We haven't been asked for any financial support," he quipped, "but we all know Bloomberg pays his own way." |
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