ANCHORAGE, Alaska—
In advance of a projected budget shortfall, the Anchorage Police Department Employees Association has unveiled a new radio advertisement. The ad warns listeners of impending police department cuts and even names one officer it says is on the chopping block.The mayor's office responded to that ad Friday saying it's inaccurate and inappropriate. Mayor Dan Sullivan points out the official 2011 budget hasn't been released yet and nothing is set in stone.
“On September 12, Anchorage Police Officer Jesus Rivera set aside his own safety to protect the public from a violent criminal," the ad says. "Officer Rivera has been recommended by his supervisors to receive a Medal of Valor. Now Mayor Sullivan is proposing cuts to the police department including the layoff of 15 officers -- one of which will be Officer Rivera.”
Derek Hsieh, APDEA's president, said that even though the budget isn't official, he knows the APD has been asked to cut a lot of money out for next year.
“About $2.5 million, and with that, the layoffs of 15 or more employees would be indicated,” Hsieh said.
According to Hsieh, union contracts make it clear that layoffs have to occur by seniority, so Officer Rivera, who was involved in this month's shooting near the Rum Runners Old Towne Bar downtown, would be one of those cuts.
“We want the public to know what's happening so they have the opportunity to voice their concerns with members of the Assembly and the mayor's office,” Hsieh said.
The mayor's office is not happy with the ad. It's formal budget for next year isn't scheduled to be released until next Friday.
“I'm very disappointed that the union would come forward even before the budget has been presented and put out bad information. It's disappointing,” Sullivan said.
“I'm disappointed to hear him say that. I understand probably from his perspective he feels it's inappropriate, but certainly from the perspective of the other employees who are going to be affected, it's entirely appropriate,” Hsieh said.
Sullivan says aside from talking hypothetically at this point, the APD Union went back on an agreement.
“Our ER department had spoken with the union earlier, and they'd agreed that until the budget is out and there are true numbers, they wouldn't engage in this kind of campaign,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan also points out something he says is false in the radio ad.
According to the ad, “The mayor's own study actually recommends hiring more officers for the safety of the community and its police force.”
“They recognized right now given our budget challenges that probably wasn't possible. And in fact they made suggestions that if we had to make cuts, where those cuts should come from,” said Sullivan.
Next Friday the mayor will detail his budget for next year -- including exactly how many APD employees are on the chopping block.
The Anchorage Assembly must then approve the budget or offer changes by the end of the year.
Contact Jason Lamb at jlamb@ktuu.com
