|
According to a recent article in the Daily Dispatch newspaper, the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police is suing for the right to get political contributions through city payroll deductions. The Fraternal Order of Police already has influence politically in the way that other organizations and agencies have as well. But that influence is relegated to endorsements that provide political candidates a chance to stand on stage with uniformed cops to project a "tough on crime," image.
But in the nitty gritty world of modern politics it's all about money.
And since 1951, a city charter has forbid police officers from making political contributions to anyone.
A federal court ruling lifted that restriction for firefighters and the cops now want the same rights as their fellow first responders.
In 2006, the Philadelphia City Council enacted bills giving both police officers and firefighters the right to have payroll deductions to support their union political committees. But the city refused to implement the program for cops because of the charter restriction.
The FOP went to federal court to get the prohibition overturned.
The FOP suit says the city and the Ethics Board are denying police officers their rights to political expression and freedom of association.
The Ethics Board filed a response on behalf of the city, saying that the charter's language is clear and will remain in effect.
The 1951 charter preventing political deductions form payroll was designed to address the perceived need to keep public safety departments free of political influence.
Many of the charter's restrictions on political activity have since been criticized as out of date by courts. Some of the restrictions have even been found to be unconstitutional.
The biggest spending political committee in Pennsylvania is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98, funded by payroll deductions from the union's 4,000 members.
Lodge 5 of the FOP, which represents Philadelphia police officers, has more than 6,000 uniformed officers as members.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites        
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed