The Irvine Police Association Supports D but Can’t Explain Why
Hello everyone.
Recently, I have received large mailers stating that measure D is endorsed by the Irvine Police Association (IPA) and the local Firefighters Union. Some reasons like safety and no taxes are stated on the mailer.
On the Firefighter mailer, it provides the following quote by the Union Board Member Todd Baldbridge:
“Measure D is a lockbox – it makes sure that there is accountability for fees owed to the city – funds that help ensure the safety of our Irvine Community.”
On the IPA mailer, it states the following by the Association’s President:
“Measure D is a lockbox – it makes sure that there is accountability for fees owed to the city – funds that help ensure the safety of our Irvine Community.”
No typo. Exactly the same statement. Suspicious.
For clarification on these mailers, I contacted the IPA for whether they are endorsing measure D. Within a few days, I was answered by Peter Mitchell – Executive Director of the Orange County Coalition of Police and Sheriffs. He was polite and told me the IPA carefully considers such issues and endorsed the measure and urged me and all residents to vote Yes. But no reason was given. So, I emailed him back on May 8th to explain the reasons. He never wrote back.
I also contacted the local Firefighters Union asking why they endorsed measure D. Again, the response was quick and very polite – from Cynthia Monreal, the Office Manager for the Union. On May 22, she copied her response to Mr. Todd Baldridge so he would answer my question. He never wrote back either.
To find the reasons for these endorsements or at least confirmation of these quotes, I have looked online for any evidence including these groups’ websites. I found two things: nothing and nothing. From the emails, the entire web and publications, the only evidence are two quotes that are EXACTLY the same. It seems they support the measure with some generic statement attributed as a reason but will not go on record to explain why.
In the battle royale over measure B, measure D has gotten far less attention. But my research tells me it will remove our right to petition to stop building projects – despite the quick speed of construction and the traffic and the overcrowding effects. This has little to do with taxes or safety or accountability or a lockbox.
Thank you for your attention.
