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Guild endorsement problematic

Sun., Aug. 4, 2019

Mayoral candidates should neither seek nor accept the endorsement of the Police Guild. The city and the powerful police union have a sometimes adversary relationship. The city is in fact in negotiations with the police union over employment conditions from salaries to civilian oversight.

As citizens, we expect our leaders to be independent of the police. Our interest and theirs are not always the same. It is not a good thing that Nadine Woodward has the guild endorsement. Her independence as mayor could be greatly compromised by that endorsement. That, coupled with her inexperience in city government, means she would be owned by the guild.

I support Ben Stuckart for mayor in part because he does not seek the Police Guild endorsement.

Terry Sawyer

Spokane

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