Jan. 17--WILTON MANORS -- In addition to two charter items on the Jan. 31 ballot in Wilton Manors that un-do part of the county's new ethics law, voters will tackle a third issue regarding the police department.
For the second time in five years, the city's police recently tried unsuccessfully to persuade elected officials to merge the department with the Broward Sheriff's Office.
This ballot question asks voters if they want to require a referendum before the city could "abolish and transfer" the police department. The city commission would have the final say, but could use results of a vote as a gauge of public sentiment.
After losing the latest fight over pay raises in September, the city's police union voted unanimously that the city should investigate a merger. Police officials argued it could save taxpayers money. But the commission didn't bite.
"Our residents want to see the name Wilton Manors on the side of our police cars," said John Fiore, president of the Wilton Manors East Neighborhood Association. "These are officers that understand the uniqueness and diverseness of Wilton Manors as opposed to BSO deputies who worked in Southwest Ranches yesterday and Wilton Manors today and Parkland tomorrow. Our officers know our city."
Fiore said if the referendum passes "it would be a pretty fair assessment that it would be very difficult to transfer the police department to BSO."
Fiore said when he served as mayor about 10 years ago, the merger issue was raised then, too. He said he told officers he'd be happy to write them "sterling letters" of recommendation for them to go to the Sheriff's Office. "Every time they have an impasse during the union contract negotiations they tell us they want to go to BSO. It's one of the police department ploy of negotiations."
The city is hosting a town hall meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive, to discuss the three referendum items. Mayor Gary Resnick and city staff will be available for questions.
Copyright 2012 - Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
