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Main Page SPAM endorses anti-police mayor
(Click here to view the original thread on the MassCops Message Board)

Posted by: Delta784

I thought the good men & women of the MSP should know that they've been sold out by their union, who have endorsed incumbent Quincy Mayor William Phelan. This was after they were asked to stay neutral by the Quincy Police Patrol Officers' Association who have endorsed the mayor's opponent Tom Koch.

Besides it being completely inappropriate for a state police union to involve itself in local politics, the members of SPAM should know this;

1) Mayor Phelan treats the police budget as his own personal slush fund, demanding that a certain amount be returned every year so he can show a surplus.

2) While raiding the OT budget, police sector cars in Quincy regularly go unstaffed because of no manpower, which results in police officers responding to dangerous calls alone with no backup.

3) Mayor Phelan has allowed the QPD K-9 unit to dwindle down to one dog which is almost 10 years old. When he retires, that's the end of the K-9 program, which will further tax the resources of other police agencies (including the MSP) when we have to call them for a K-9.

4) Mayor Phelan uses the campaign mantra of Quincy being the second-safest city in Massachusetts using out-of-date, skewed crime data and against the advice of the FBI.

I'd especially like to give a big "FUCK YOU" to SPAM President John Coflesky. I'd love to tell him that in-person or over the phone, but the coward refuses to take or return my phone calls, including three calls today alone. Someday soon, I'm driving out to Marlboro and planting myself in the SPAM office until he answers my questions or I'm escorted out by the Marlboro PD.

We have an excellent relationship with the troopers who live and work in Quincy (all of whom are as upset about this as we are), and that will continue.

When it comes to SPAM as a unit, we have very long memories. Whatever they were promised in return for this endorsement, I hope it was worth it.

Posted by: SinePari

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta784

I thought the good men & women of the MSP should know that they've been sold out by their union, who have endorsed incumbent Quincy Mayor William Phelan.

Who endorsed Phelan, the E-Board, Coflesky, or the entire membership? I guarantee you that 99% of the job couldn't tell you who Phelen or Koch are, or would even care about an election unless they live there.

I'll put money on Troopers who live in Quincy would follow your endorsement of Koch. If you haven't done so you should personally reach out to them, not SPAM. They're the only ones who vote so I wouldn't worry about a public endorsement from SPAM.

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by SinePari

I don't know the inner workings of SPAM, but I'd bet it was a vote of the E-Board, which is 4 people out of what.....2,000 or so?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SinePari

I'll put money on Troopers who live in Quincy would follow your endorsement of Koch. If you haven't done so you should personally reach out to them, not SPAM. They're the only ones who vote so I wouldn't worry about a public endorsement from SPAM.

The troopers who live & work in Quincy know how we feel and from what I've heard, they are as upset about this as we are.

This is hack politics at its worst....we specifically asked SPAM to stay neutral, but they betrayed another police union. It's not something we'll ever forget, and every once in awhile David does face Goliath.

Posted by: Pacman

All future involvements should read as follows.

Trooper: Hey Guys
QPD: You lost?
Trooper: No why?
QPD(pointing): The highway is that way Troopa
Trooper: Why are you acting like this?
QPD: You can thank SPAM, now fuck off.

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacman

All future involvements should read as follows.

Trooper: Hey Guys
QPD: You lost?
Trooper: No why?
QPD(pointing): The highway is that way Troopa
Trooper: Why are you acting like this?
QPD: You can thank SPAM, now fuck off.

I'm not that childish; the troopers who live in work in Quincy are solidly behind us. It would be counterproductive to blame the troops for their leadership.

I actually just got off the phone with John Coflesky. He couldn't give me one single reason why SPAM made this endorsement, other than Phelan asked for it.

I told him that if someone called the QPPOA asking for their endorsement to be the next colonel of the state police;

1) We most likely wouldn't get involved since it doesn't concern us.

2) If we decided to get involved, the first thing I'd do is call him to find out what SPAM's position was. If they don't like the guy, he doesn't get the endorsement.

No answer for that one.

Posted by: Sniper

Speechless.........

Posted by: 94c

The answer lies behind the motive.

The hard part is finding it out.

Posted by: MARINECOP

[media]http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/marinecop/matthughes-disappointed.gif[/media]

Posted by: Dr.Magoo

Posted by: BrickCop

I've never heard of them endorsing a local mayor/candidate before(?) There has to be more to the story, I doubt they gave the endorsement after simply being asked. They were either sending a message or were promised something, damned if I know.

What I do know is that SPAM, knowing full well the problems their Quincy PD brethren have been having, openly sided with "management". I didn't think a union would screw over another so blatantly but that's just me. That's almost akin to crossing a picket line.

Posted by: dave7336

I would hope that the members of SPAM would be screaming at their leadership for going against the Quincy Police Union...All the leadership did was make it difficult for the members to interact with the locals who hear about it...I understand that it is not the membership body that did it and it should not be this way, but let's deal with reality...some locals are going to be pissed off that the union put its nose in where it really doesn't belong..and they may start to wonder if the LEADERSHIP of SPAM will do the same thing to them and their town...

Again, I agree that it is not the troopers who did it, but until they force the leadership of their union (who work for them by the way) to retract the endorsement, it just doesn't seem to be that good of a situation for anyone involved..the only person winning is the mayor

Posted by: lawdog671

Trooper: Hey Guys
QPD: You lost?
Trooper: No why?
QPD(pointing): The highway is that way Troopa

One word comes to mind....DOUCHEBAG!!..

The rank and file troopers don't vote on every single event that comes across SPAM's desk. Most of us have no idea who those two are, and would never support someone who's screwing other cops. I don't agree with 100% of everything that the union does, can anyone of you say that you do with yours? If this thread wasn't posted I personally never would have known about endorsing this guy and I definately don't agree with it. BUT to treat a fellow cop like that who probably has no idea what you're talking about is just plain wrong. I love it when people say the troopers are the ones who foster poor relations between locals and MSP after I read this kind of horsesh*t. And your profile says you teach?...that's great..

Posted by: Deuce

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawdog671

The rank and file troopers don't vote on every single event that comes across SPAM's desk. Most of us have no idea who those two are, and would never support someone who's screwing other cops. I don't agree with 100% of everything that the union does, can anyone of you say that you do with yours?

You're absolutley right. Our E-Board just endorsed some politcal hacks and we heard nada about it until it hit the papers. Our E-Board continually does shit in the "interest", or on behalf of our union that leaves us shaking our heads.

Posted by: alphadog1

Quote:

Deuce
You're absolutley right. Our E-Board just endorsed some politcal hacks and we heard nada about it until it hit the papers. Our E-Board continually does shit in the "interest", or on behalf of our union that leaves us shaking our heads.

Time to vote out the president and E-Board.

Posted by: Sircopalot

Apparently the State Police IA has contacted Quincy PD about threats of physical harm to the SPAM President. Dont know if they came from this board or not....Be careful what you say...

Posted by: Motorcop

So is SPAM going to do the right thing and reciend the endorsement????

Posted by: mpd61

For a long time Housing Cop called me an "MSP Bootlicker". Well, I have had many dealings with troopers over the years. I've been helped, assisted, and treated respectfully by the folks with "boots on the ground".

SPAM is a political beast. I worked on #2132 with folks from around the state, and the house subcommittees, MADD, and everybody endorsed this bill. SPAM came at it with a hammer. When I called SPAM officials, the nice woman told me "We've never even heard of this bill, let me get back to you." Later it was "well...SPAM has no position either for or against this bill."
A few days later at Senator Pachecos office, this same woman seemed a little embarassed sitting across from me with the EOPS folks and everyones concern was "extraneous or expanded jurisdiction". A certain esteemed representative from Lee or Westfield area was determined to let the bill die and SPAM had his ear until the end. Well Pacheco had the clout to win the battle but it did show one thing...

Politics is a dirty, deviant, disheartening business that hardly ever benefits the masses that are supposed to be represented. Unions and Politicians are bedfellows by necessity, but it makes for some unbelievable twists and turns.
Remember...This is MASSACHUSETTS

Posted by: dcs2244

Delta,

Those who have been swanning around this board for a while know that I am very critical of SPAM (the union, not the tinned meat product...I LOVE that!). They also know that I support you and the QPD union. I do not understand how anyone who has taken the time to peruse your site and see how you guys have been treated by your so-called chief and mayor can endorse their actions.

Oh, that's right...they probably haven't taken the time to learn what is happening in Quincy...they merely fellate whatever political "god" is currently in power AND are feathering their own nest, union members be damned. This was demonstrated during the last contract vote: you know, the one where SPAM gave up the negotiated health insurance percentage in the contract. They stated that a "law" abrogated the contract and that we should just vote to affirm the contract because it was the law and we had no choice. I repeatedly asked the "leadership" what the law was, chapter and verse, so that I could read it for myself. They gave me double-talk and dodged the question (if anybody has the law, link it or STFU).

Unfortunately, "Big Union" devolves into a soviet-style model where the elites rule the masses. This was best illustrated when the worthless f&ck Regan lead MSP through the "consolidation", and those who have been around here for a while already know my thoughts on that debacle. I kinda got the feeling for the gestalt of SPAM when the president was making the rounds of the barracks to sell the consolidation. I brought up some valid points concerning the situation and was actually yelled at by said president, "...you're just a boot...what do you know...shut up!". I may have been "just a boot", but I was a dues paying member, paying the same money as the most senior guy!

Bruce, I just wanted you to know that I stand four-square against SPAM on this issue: I stand with the men and women of Quincy PD. It's time for a change at SPAM and I support that, too.

My 'puter essed the bed and I haven't been around...sad to say I received a link to this thread via email...I apologize for being late to the call.

Edit: Sorry, Jeff, I edited this post to let you know that I think whatever defense of SPAM in this matter you are going to suggest is BS.

Posted by: futureMSP

Wow, I wonder what purpose a State agencie's union supporting a local mayor will serve.

Posted by: dcs2244

Unknown, Future...it must be a back-east thing.

Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcs2244

They stated that a "law" abrogated the contract and that we should just vote to affirm the contract because it was the law and we had no choice. I repeatedly asked the "leadership" what the law was, chapter and verse, so that I could read it for myself. They gave me double-talk and dodged the question (if anybody has the law, link it or STFU).

ANY state law trumps a contract. You can negotiate any Health Care percentage you like. If the Legislature chooses to raise it via legislation, your contract ain't worth the paper it was written on.

I wonder, if SPAM rescinds the endorsement, are all the local police unions going to stand with SPAM and disavow the LEC's, stop partnering with Sheriffs and grabbing at MSP properties and authority?

I'm all for supporting fellow cops, but I have seen ZERO turn around with locals supporting SPAM. In fact, SPAM has been forced to fight endless amounts of "Statewide Authority" and attempted power transfer bills. Where were all the voices crying out for solidarity then? I never saw a single voice on this board from a local PD calling another local PD names for not supporting SPAM.

Where do you think the Quinn Bill and Details would be if SPAM didn't fight for them?

SPAM's job is to provide for their members. If a candidate ran for Governor and had a decidedly anti-MSP attitude, do you think for a second that any local union would not endorse him in the face of benefits promised?

I think there is a whole lot of naivete being expressed here. Bruce is smarter than that. He knows how the game is played.

Posted by: dcs2244

I reckon you missed the STFU part of my post: name the law, chapter and verse, or go away, as you failed to identify the law.

I am sick of the "supreme soviet" dictating to the membership. Name your line and shift and I will be happy to show up in person and discuss it with you, running dog.

In the garage.

Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcs2244

I reckon you missed the STFU part of my post: name the law, chapter and verse, or go away, as you failed to identify the law.

I am sick of the "supreme soviet" dictating to the membership. Name your line and shift and I will be happy to show up in person and discuss it with you, union shill.

In the garage.

You know damn well where I work.

And what I am telling, you and if you were reading for comprehension, is that the Legislature controls the percentage. There doesn't have to be a current law, they would merely have to pass a law setting all state employees rates at 25% or whatever they please.

Posted by: j809

LECs are a product of police chiefs, not unions. Most officers on many PDs are not happy withe LECs or the way some chiefs assign guys to the LECs. I think no matter what PD we work we should stick together now more than ever and deal with the detail issue and other important issues.

Posted by: 94c

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbelichick

I wonder, if SPAM rescinds the endorsement, are all the local police unions going to stand with SPAM and disavow the LEC's, stop partnering with Sheriffs and grabbing at MSP properties and authority?

I'm sure they'll be some support. Have they asked?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbelichick

I'm all for supporting fellow cops, but I have seen ZERO turn around with locals supporting SPAM. In fact, SPAM has been forced to fight endless amounts of "Statewide Authority" and attempted power transfer bills. Where were all the voices crying out for solidarity then? I never saw a single voice on this board from a local PD calling another local PD names for not supporting SPAM.

Again, has SPAM asked for union support and were they rejected?

I know a few good sized unions that have no use for LEC's and Deputies. We have no problem fighting that battle and have done quite well so far.

Quote:

Originally Posted by j809

LECs are a product of police chiefs, not unions. Most officers on many PDs are not happy withe LECs or the way some chiefs assign guys to the LECs. I think no matter what PD we work we should stick together now more than ever and deal with the detail issue and other important issues.

you stole my next point

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbelichick

SPAM's job is to provide for their members. If a candidate ran for Governor and had a decidedly anti-MSP attitude, do you think for a second that any local union would not endorse him in the face of benefits promised?

I think there is a whole lot of naivete being expressed here. Bruce is smarter than that. He knows how the game is played.

Does "providing for their members" also mean supporting someone who tried their level best to get one of their members fired and sent to jail?

I was dispatching back in 1994-95 the night an off-duty trooper got into an altercation in a Quincy barroom, which escalated when a belligerant drunk sprayed the trooper in the face with mace. This started a foot chase which ended when the trooper and a friend caught the guy in front of another bar. The suspect ended up with serious facial injuries in the struggle that followed.

The trooper ended up being charged (by MSP not us) with numerous crimes, and ended up taking a CWOF on simple A&B just to save his job, although I don't think he did anything wrong (and neither did any QPD people on-scene that night). The trooper got a one year suspension.

That wasn't good enough for the drunk's lawyer, who railed and screamed in every newspaper that would listen that the trooper should be fired and sent to prison. The incident was so acrimonious, to this day that lawyer can't even have a civil conversation with SPAM Attorney Tim Burke.

The name of this trooper-hating attorney?

Mayor William Phelan.

If you don't believe this story, ask Tim Burke about it, or I can PM you the trooper's name. I believe he works in Middleboro now.

Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94c

I'm sure they'll be some support. Have they asked?

Again, has SPAM asked for union support and were they rejected?

Yep. BPD said they would stand with SPAM, and then disappeared.

Instead, SPAM has to spend a ton of resources fighting the bills forwarded every year attempting to give local police statewide authority. SPAM endorsed Kerry Healey, and that didn't stop many of the local unions from endorsing Deval Patrick.

Posted by: 94c

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbelichick

Are you talking local police or LEC's? Because to some of us there is a major difference. It wouldn't be right to lump all of us into that category.

Case law already gives us more authority outside of our jurisdictions than we need to have to do the job.

Posted by: MM1799

http://www.votemayorphelan.org/creat...pageType=endor
EDIT: (The picture isn't working when I click it but if I copy/paste into a new browser it works.. go figure)

Is there anyone.. ANYONE who can read that letter without absolutely feeling sick to their stomach and/or laughing out loud? Pathetic.
I understand the reps point of view (whether reading it or talking in person, both of which I've done) but this Quincy police/mayor/chief debacle is going to cost a POs life. I cant, for the life of me, understand how an an endorsement could be given to someone who practically plays god with our brothers' (and sisters') lives. You dont have to support Koch either. It's a local issue. Stay nuetral and worry about things pertaining to YOUR membership.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta784

I believe he works in Middleboro now.

He does.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcs2244

I am very critical of SPAM (the union, not the tinned meat product...I LOVE that!).

I know you're out West but c'mon. I'll happily send REAL food (via pony express of course) to you.. just say the word!

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by MM1799

You dont have to support Koch either. It's a local issue. Stay nuetral and worry about things pertaining to YOUR membership.

That's all we asked....just stay neutral.

If anything good can come of this, this endorsement is backfiring for the Phelan campaign. Some troopers who live in Quincy who were formerly ambivalent about the election have apparently seen the light.

Posted by: Deuce

Quote:

Originally Posted by alphadog1

Time to vote out the president and E-Board.

Think bigger....

Posted by: Sniper

Posted by: kwflatbed

Is this the one ?????????

Posted by: MARINECOP

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sniper

[media]http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/marinecop/Fedor_thumbsdown1.gif[/media]

Posted by: mtc

What will Koch, once elected, be able to do with the police chief? Will he be able to appoint another chief or will QPD still have to deal with the same tyrant? Does he have a contracted end date or does he serve at the pleasure of the mayor?
Will there be an end to the regime or just an end to the city hall support?

Posted by: nirtallica

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARINECOP

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...humbsdown1.gif

Here we go----STAND BY!!!!!!!

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtc

What will Koch, once elected, be able to do with the police chief? Will he be able to appoint another chief or will QPD still have to deal with the same tyrant? Does he have a contracted end date or does he serve at the pleasure of the mayor?
Will there be an end to the regime or just an end to the city hall support?

If elected, I have no idea what Koch WILL do; we've received no promises or guarantees of any sort.

What he CAN do is fire his ass. The "strong chief" law means nothing more than he has the same civil service protection as every other sworn member of the department; nothing more, and nothing less. Patrol officers have been fired for A LOT less.

Crowley has a clear and convincing track record that he's not suited to be police chief. I can't see civil service overturning the termination if it ever came to that.

Posted by: mtc

That's good - Koch will be able to do something with him. Better than being bound by a contract.

Good luck Tuesday Quincy!

Posted by: Edmizer1

I think some people here do not realize whta is SPAM is about. SPAM protects the jobs of the state police. Local police are the enemy of SPAM. The stronger the local polcie are, the worse off SPAM is. I know we "all work together" and the state pd are "great guys" but at the end of the day, SPAM is out for 1 thing - troopers. Some one posted that soon Quincy will have to rely on the state pd for a K9. That is what SPAM wants. The more mayors that want to reduce their local pd is better for SPAM. The ultimate enemy of SPAM is the LECs. There was apost earlier about an expanded jurisdiction bill in the legislature which was killed by SPAM who told the locals that tey had no position on it until the end. The same thing happened to me about 10 years ago when I worked at a campus and was working with other campus unions on a basic ecpanded jurisdiction bill. The legislators on the public safety committee were all for the bill and we were told by SPAM that they would not publically support the bill but that they wouldn't fight it either. The bill died hard at the committee level. When we asked a legislator on the committee what happened he told us that SPAM fought it hard behind the scenes. SPAM lied to us. I understand that they were ultimately looking out for their members and that by staying neutral publically they avoided public relation problems. It boils down to this folks, even though the troopers might be great guys and good to work with, SPAM is not a friend of local police.

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edmizer1

I think some people here do not realize whta is SPAM is about. SPAM protects the jobs of the state police. Local police are the enemy of SPAM. The stronger the local polcie are, the worse off SPAM is. I know we "all work together" and the state pd are "great guys" but at the end of the day, SPAM is out for 1 thing - troopers. Some one posted that soon Quincy will have to rely on the state pd for a K9. That is what SPAM wants. The more mayors that want to reduce their local pd is better for SPAM. The ultimate enemy of SPAM is the LECs. There was apost earlier about an expanded jurisdiction bill in the legislature which was killed by SPAM who told the locals that tey had no position on it until the end. The same thing happened to me about 10 years ago when I worked at a campus and was working with other campus unions on a basic ecpanded jurisdiction bill. The legislators on the public safety committee were all for the bill and we were told by SPAM that they would not publically support the bill but that they wouldn't fight it either. The bill died hard at the committee level. When we asked a legislator on the committee what happened he told us that SPAM fought it hard behind the scenes. SPAM lied to us. I understand that they were ultimately looking out for their members and that by staying neutral publically they avoided public relation problems. It boils down to this folks, even though the troopers might be great guys and good to work with, SPAM is not a friend of local police.

I think you're missing the point.

Anti-police politicians are the enemies of both SPAM and the local police unions. They would like nothing more than to divide and conquer us, and shame on any police union official who doesn't recognize that.

I've received more than one e-mail suggesting I write to Coupe Deval to tell him what a great idea eliminating details on highways is, as a little payback to the SPAM leadership.

Besides being childish as hell, what would that accomplish? Remember the old story;

"In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist;

And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist;

And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew;

And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up."

The election of a city mayor has nothing to do with the state police. SPAM just should have stayed out of it.

Posted by: MM1799

He didn't miss the point. He didn't want to miss an opportunity to shit stir. Edmizer nice blanket statements especially stating that local police are the enemies of SPAM. Laughable. I also enjoyed the comments about his dealings with the big bad SPAM. As if SPAM hasn't ever been lied to and f-ed over. Also that even though Quincy probably utilizes Braintree and other surrounding towns' K9 units -- as well as MSP; SPAM is celebrating the Quincy might loose their only K9.

I am not going to write an essay but I guess you're right SPAM is the bad guy. It's not like MASS COPS endorsed someone who wants to cut details.. oh wait. I guess I missed the part where SPAM fought for the Quinn Bill only if it DOESN'T apply to locals. I mean the last 3 governors, who SPAM supported, were ready to cut details.. oh wait.
I am fully aware that SPAM ruffles feathers trying to better protect it's membership -- what union (BPPA, MBTA, etc) doesn't? I also clearly dont agree with everything SPAM decides to do (see my previous post). Is SPAM perfect? No. But it sure is hell isn't the malicious union hell-bent on screwing enemi..err..locals that you portrayed.

I'm sure I'll get by usual share of PMs because I dared to defend SPAM. How dare this troopers attacks the little guy!!

Posted by: 78thrifleman

"I've received more than one e-mail suggesting I write to Coupe Deval to tell him what a great idea eliminating details on highways is, as a little payback to the SPAM leadership"

I'd love to know who had the nerve to write that. Take money out of all trooper's pockets because you're angry with a select few. To whoever wrote that: grow up.

Posted by: dcs2244

Relax, 78th, I reckon that was a "tongue-in-cheek" comment...

My point, and that of others is: who is SPAM to comment on a small (sorry Bruce) local race that has no obvious import to the SPAM membership? It certainly does not promote any current SPAM issues of which I am aware (for those of you "in-the-know", merely PM me with those issues and I will STFU). It makes one wonder what, and for whom, such an intervention by SPAM benefits.

Curiouser and curiouser. But then, politics is strange and so are the bedfellows. It is outside my knowledge at this time (and like Sergeant Schultz, thats the way I prefer it!

). I can only address the "knowns". I'll leave the unknowns to "Spooky" Mulder...the Truth is out there.

</IMG>

Posted by: 94c

There's got to be a mole inside Quincy City Hall that could shed some light behind this endorsement.

Politics and favors go hand in hand. There's got to be a favor in here somewhere.

Posted by: spdawg0734

I have pm Delta, and I am placing it public to let everyone know that Troopers do not vote on these issues. I did not agree with this and I made my opinions clear within our union. I will always rather stand with a fellow police officer than with a politician. I will not defend their position for I strongly disagree with it, I can not apologize for something I had nothing to do with. I can only offer my friends on QPD and their brothers my support and my sincere hope that their candidate gets elected and they achive what they need to improve their working conditions. I speak only for myself, but I know of many other Troopers and Sgts who feel the same way. I do not begrudge our union looking out for its members, but I feel that is a shallow response on this issue. What sets us apart in the northeast from most of the country is the way in which police officers treat each other as equals on the street and how the word brother officer has a true meaning. As such I firmly believe that you should always stand with your brother officer first and that is where you will find me. I would hate to see that be fade in anyway.
Stay Safe

Posted by: Sircopalot

I think I heard the request for SPAM's endorsement came from Rep. Tobin? Just read the letter and from all the talk on this board I thought SPAM had bought a 60 second ad during the Super Bowl for the Mayor. Say what you want, but SPAM is very strong, probably because of this stuff. I think SPAM has bargained for something like an 120% increase in pay since 1992. You can bitch all you want but I wish I had union like SPAM...

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sircopalot

I think I heard the request for SPAM's endorsement came from Rep. Tobin? Just read the letter and from all the talk on this board I thought SPAM had bought a 60 second ad during the Super Bowl for the Mayor.

If not for all the negative publicity generated by the Quincy PD union, that may well have happened. We were able to limit the damage with an aggressive counter-attack to the point that Phelan never mentioned the SPAM endorsement during a public safety debate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sircopalot

Say what you want, but SPAM is very strong, probably because of this stuff. I think SPAM has bargained for something like an 120% increase in pay since 1992. You can bitch all you want but I wish I had union like SPAM...

SPAM is strong because they're the largest police union in New England, not because their current leadership sold-out another police union in an election campaign where they should have stayed neutral.

Posted by: kwflatbed

Patriot ledger Poll 11:45 AM

Who did you vote for in the Quincy mayor's race today?

William Phelan 42% (167 votes) Thomas Koch 58% (230 votes)

Total Votes: 397

Posted by: Killjoy

SPAM's job is to look out for the interests of its members, not the interests of all police. Politics is a dirty game, and when push comes to shove, who ultimately approves the budgets and protects SPAM's interests? The QPD union? No, its the legislature, and like it or not, political favors are what drives the system. Any of you who think different has their head in the clouds.

I can't say that I'm happy about SPAM's position, but I can say that that SPAM is merely doing the best it can to protect the interests of its members. You don't have to agree with every facet of a political party to still support it. While I am registered independent, I generally support the republicans. Do I agree with everything the republicans say and do? Hell no! On many issues I completely disagree with them, but I still support them in a general sense, because I feel they protect the interests of this nation, and myself, better than the other guys.

Hard decisions have to made, and SPAM has to do the best job it can to protect and support its members. While I can't say that I'm pleased with this particular decision, I can say that I 100% support SPAM and believe that without SPAM the MSP would be in much poorer condition. Without a strong union voice, you can kiss Quinn Bill, details, new cruisers, decent pay, patrol rifles, and protection from an unfettered management goodbye. If you think managment is really going to represent the rank-and-file's best interests, you are either a blithering idiot or a naive fool.

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killjoy

SPAM's job is to look out for the interests of its members, not the interests of all police.

If the SPAM President could have given me one reason why they endorsed him......just ONE.....I could have accepted that. He couldn't give me one.

I didn't even get into the fact that Phelan tried to get a trooper fired and sent to prison in his other life.

Posted by: kwflatbed

Ledger Poll 2:50 PM

Who did you vote for in the Quincy mayor's race today?

William Phelan 51% (560 votes)

Thomas Koch 49% (530 votes)

Total Votes: 1090

Posted by: Motorcop

The rank and file troopers don't vote on every single event that comes across SPAM's desk. Most of us have no idea who those two are, and would never support someone who's screwing other cops. I don't agree with 100% of everything that the union does, can anyone of you say that you do with yours? If this thread wasn't posted I personally never would have known about endorsing this guy and I definately don't agree with it. BUT to treat a fellow cop like that who probably has no idea what you're talking about is just plain wrong. I love it when people say the troopers are the ones who foster poor relations between locals and MSP after I read this kind of horsesh*t. And your profile says you teach?...that's great..

THIS IS WHY DAN TURCO SHOULD BE YOUR PRESIDENT! HE GET THINGS DONE & DOSEN"T KISS THE PRESIDENT'S ASS!

Posted by: Wolfman

Turco voted for the endorsement.

Posted by: kwflatbed

Ledger Poll 6:38 PM

Who did you vote for in the Quincy mayor's race today?

William Phelan 47% (904 votes)

Thomas Koch 53% (1003 votes)

Total Votes: 1907

Posted by: BrickCop

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killjoy

Hard decisions have to made, and SPAM has to do the best job it can to protect and support its members. While I can't say that I'm pleased with this particular decision, I can say that I 100% support SPAM and believe that without SPAM the MSP would be in much poorer condition. Without a strong union voice, you can kiss Quinn Bill, details, new cruisers, decent pay, patrol rifles, and protection from an unfettered management goodbye. If you think managment is really going to represent the rank-and-file's best interests, you are either a blithering idiot or a naive fool.

Killjoy,

No one can deny the importance that all unions have in keeping the other side in check. What folks have a problem with is that there is no clear (or articulated) benefit for the troopers with this endorsement. SPAM is not required to give their reasons but from a respect standpoint it would have been the classy thing to do in consideration of the animosity between the mayor and QPD union.

I remain curious as to why SPAM is so secretive about disclosing the reasons for the endorsement. The simple "he asked for it" is perplexing. If Lyndon LaRouche is the first individual to ask for a SPAM Presidential endorsement will he get it? Granted that is hyperbole but you get my point.

Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Turco voted for the endorsement.

And he's not even running for President...who is this rocket scientist, anyway??

Posted by: mtc

Congrats Quincy !!

You all must be feeling at least a little optimistic now....

And I really hope the rank and file Quincy resident troopahs voted in uniform, then went out and shook Koch's peoples hands!
In front of newscameras.

Posted by: Delta784

Koch kicked Phelan's ass, the margin of victory (2000+) surprised even me.

Hopefully something good can come out of this thread, and perhaps the SPAM e-board will now at least check with the local police union before endorsing a local candidate.

Now it's time to celebrate.

Posted by: Sniper

Congrats Delta7913745873018364982027464

Posted by: Sircopalot

[quote=Delta784]If the SPAM President could have given me one reason why they endorsed him......just ONE.....I could have accepted that. He couldn't give me one.

What did you expect him to say, "Yeah, we had to do this because we needed a favor from State Rep."

We all know that Massachusetts goverment is run like a corrupt third world country. It is what it is and not likely to change anytime soon. Maybe SPAM should should be pissed at all the unions that supported Deval as it appears he is starting a push to get rid of details, something SPAM predicted he would do....Who did the Quincy union endorse for Gov.? This is alot of grumblings for such a small letter.

Posted by: mpd61

like I said before...SPAM is a BEAST (politically) that represents a large group of professionals. The E-board should just try to be more aware of what they are planting their flag in

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sircopalot

Who did the Quincy union endorse for Gov.?

We didn't endorse anyone; we requested position papers on details & the Quinn Bill from every campaign and received nothing, so we stayed out of it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sircopalot

This is alot of grumblings for such a small letter.

A declaration of war is also a "small letter", isn't it?

When the largest police union in New England endorses an anti-police mayor AFTER they were specifically asked to stay neutral by the local police union, citing several reasons that included policies of the mayor that jeopardizes officer safety, that deserves "alot (sp) of grumblings" and then some.

Posted by: Wolfman

RE: deleted messages: Rather clean up a small mess now than a huge one later.

Posted by: D421

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbelichick

If you are going to single out the BPPA, I will assume that is what you meant, please tell the board the context of your gripe. Thank you.

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