The Mayor’s Magic Maneuver
Never underestimate Bart Peterson. The Mayor is a real smart guy. This is evidenced by his latest contract offer with the Fraternal Order of Police. The police would get a 12-percent raise by 2010, but there is no retro pay. Of course, this plan depends on the Indiana General Assembly passing the Mayor’s public safety finance plan. And that’s what make this so brilliant.
If the cops approve the pact, the Mayor can declare victory. If the police turn it down, the Mayor can say he put the best offer on the table and the cops turned it down and now they’re Frank Anderson’s problem. And if the Legislature turns down the public finance package, the Mayor can say he did his best and blame the General Assembly. So he walk away scott free.
Tactically, this is a brilliant move. It will be interesting to see if the FOP picks up on this and how they respond. Good move, Mr. Mayor. Now if only the rest of your local party could be more like you, what a wonderful county this would be.
Happy Easter.
