FOP Lodge #9 formally withdraws endorsement of Kevin Bacon over SB5

I don’t normally post press releases in their entirety but this one seems worth the time. The FOP lodge representing Franklin County police officers, for the first time in their history, is . They go on to claim that Kevin Bacon lied to their members about collective bargaining and binding arbitration.

Press Release:

March 9, 2011

The Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 is announcing that it has formally withdrawn its prior endorsement of Senator Kevin Bacon (Republican) of the Ohio 3rd Senate District. We hold our endorsed elected officials accountable for their statements to our members, especially when it comes to public safety and our law enforcement officer’s safety. His support of and public statements on Senate Bill 5 and the negative impact it has upon our ability to bargain issues of safety demonstrates he is no longer worthy of the support of our organization.

When Senator Bacon appeared before our membership, he represented that he supported collective bargaining and binding arbitration. His actions demonstrate otherwise. It now appears that Senator Bacon was not forthcoming with his true beliefs when he sought our endorsement. This is the first time that the lodge has taken this kind of action in rescinding a political endorsement. This important decision demonstrates that the men and woman of law enforcement hold our endorsed officials accountable when they serve the citizens of Ohio.

Jim Gilbert
President