City Police union endorses Ravenstahl

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_623120.html 

City police union endorses Ravenstahl

By Jill King Greenwood,

TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Friday, May 1, 2009

Two years after snubbing their boss, members of the city police union Thursday endorsed Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl for re-election in the May 19 primary. 

Chuck Hanlon, vice president of Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge No. 1, said Ravenstahl's commitment to improving the police bureau, including updating the vehicle fleet, was one reason for the endorsement. Hanlon also cited the mayor's "unwavering support" in the wake of the April 4 shooting deaths of three officers. 

"Our relationship with the mayor started out a little bit rocky, but over the past two years, we have seen leadership in the mayor that will enhance not only the police department but the city of Pittsburgh," Hanlon said. "And after the tragedy on April 4, he was on scene before the gunfire ended, and he hasn't left our side since." 

The union did not endorse Ravenstahl in the 2007 special election and instead threw the support of its 1,950 active and retired officers behind his Republican challenger, Mark DeSantis. 

"I'm honored and humbled by the support of the FOP, particularly because two years ago, that wasn't the case," Ravenstahl said. "I think I began to earn the respect of the FOP when I wasn't endorsed, and I still worked hard for public safety. It would have been easy for me to turn my back on them because they endorsed my opponent, but public safety is too important." 

Ravenstahl is running for the Democratic nomination against Carmen Robinson, a former city police sergeant, and city Councilman Patrick Dowd. Robinson said she isn't offended the FOP didn't endorse her candidacy. 

"It's the year that the police union is negotiating a new contract, and I believe they think the mayor will work with them to meet their needs under the contract," Robinson said. "I understand that. The contract and their families and health care is more important than my political career. I think I'm a better candidate for mayor, but because I was an officer, I support any decision they make." 

Dowd did not respond to a request for comment. 

Retired police Sgt. Jim Malloy, past president of the FOP, said a seven-member political action committee that includes current and retired officers of all ranks makes the decision on endorsements. 

"What it comes down to, is we support the people who support the police," Malloy said.