Democratic mayoral candidate Jim King discussed his Fraternal Order of Police endorsement at last week’s Louisville Forum. Today, even though it was expected, the FOP made their Republican Primary endorsement, giving the nod to Hal Heiner.
The FOP and the Abramson administration have clashed over a few issues, including officers’ take-home city cars. (Heiner drafted a resolution in the council asking the administration to stop the legal battle over the cars) These endorsements (obviously) boost the candidates’ public safety credentials, and they also give Heiner and King–both Metro Council members–an extra degree of separation from the current administration’s sometimes contentious relationship with the police union.
From the Heiner campaign:
…the state’s largest Fraternal Order of Police, River City Lodge 614, voted to endorse Councilman Hal Heiner in the Louisville Republican Primary for Mayor. The River City FOP represents over 2,000 sworn and retired officers. “I am humbled and honored to receive what I view as the most important endorsement in this mayoral race,” stated Councilman Heiner. “These officers operate on the front lines and put their lives in danger to keep us all safe, for that I am grateful. I look forward to working alongside Metro Police to pursue even higher goals for safety in our community within a close relationship of respect between the Mayor’s office and our officers.”
FOP President Sgt. Dave Mutchler issued the following statement in support of Heiner. “Councilman Heiner is a veteran public servant with the experience and qualifications necessary to effectively lead and manage our city. He is dedicated to addressing the issues facing our community and those issues important to the members of the River City FOP, who are charged with protecting our great citizens.”
