Today the Police union hand delivered a flyer to residents warning everyone that I and the Commissioners are putting public safety “at risk”, had mismanaged the town’s budget  and inviting everyone to our regular Commission meeting Monday night. I too urge all to attend.

This flyer is disappointing on a number of fronts. First: I met with the entire Police Department to tell them of the Woodlynne issues and of the budget struggles the Borough has been experiencing. I told them they could contact me at any time, at my law office or at home, by email or phone – we even joked that they all know I walk the dog at 6am and they could speak with me then. They have refused to meet with me. As recently as 9pm on last night (Friday) I offered to meet to discuss the situation anytime over the weekend. They were not interested.

For 20 years I have been steadfast in my support, and in this Borough’s support, of our Police Department. When I have been criticized on this issue, it has been that I am too supportive and have not tightened belts enough. As we now experience budget problems, Joan, Mike and I continue to be steadfast in that support. We expected at least an opportunity to meet. Other towns react with standard FOP flyers that the town fathers are putting public safety “at risk” in Collingswood, we at least talk once.

I do not like responding to these allegations and scare tactics but believe I must.

The police union wants to influence our decisions by scaring residents that we have all of a sudden changed our priorities. I was open with them about the issues in Woodlynne. I was open with them about the borough’s budget issues. Their only response thus far has been the flyer they handed out today.

Contrast this with the response from the firefighters union. When the firefighters were presented with the likelihood of layoff in the Department, we asked them if they had any other solutions. (Just as we have asked the police union.)  The firefighters made a proposal to reopen their collective bargaining agreement to make concessions on tuition reimbursement, giveback of holidays and giveback of certain uniform allowances. These givebacks have allowed us to avoid a layoff in the Fire Department.

The police union’s response has been the flyer. They have offered not one possible solution.

So please come to the meeting Monday night so we can discuss the Borough’s condition today and our plans for tomorrow. You are all welcome.