Fagan clarifies position

Wow. The July 16 candidate feature, “Candidates make their pitches,” really distorted my position on the matter of equal rights and pay. The article states “He (Fagan) thinks allowing women to become cops or Marines is a lowering of standards.” Not even close, folks.

Over the last several years, in the public, on the council dais and on my radio talk show, my position on equal rights and pay has always been equal pay for equal work. What appeared in the paper is the beginning and end of a discussion the reporter and I had. My concern arises when we consider and follow through with the lowering of qualification and hiring standards in order to satisfy the goals of this social justice and equity movement. I believe that if not done correctly, it would lead to profiling and quotas being established.

I used the examples of the recent coverage on the Marine combat infantry officer course and the New York Fire Department academy. Both are considering or have already lowered their standards, thereby contributing to a potential public safety issue, not only for the recruit, but for the public they serve as well.

Mike Fagan

Spokane