The Fort Worth Police Officers Association stepped up its campaign to at least stop Tuesday’s City Council vote on pension cuts, with a robocall and mailer over the weekend.
In the robocall, Sgt. Steve Hall, association president (pictured left), says the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce wants the pension cuts so more money is available in the city budget for tax abatements to business.
"The chamber's plan tells police that tax abatements are more important than law enforcement," the glossy mailer says.
"The Fort Worth Chamber's proposal to cut our line of duty glossy pension benefits is a direct order to police officers to not take RISKS when protecting our citizens."
The letter also says “the Fort Worth Chamber is telling police officers to not risk their lives saving citizens.”
The robocall asks citizens to contact Mayor Betsy Price. The mailer asks citizens to contact Price and their council members.
A group of business leaders affiliated with the chamber has been pressing the city for pension cuts, arguing it’s the only way to bring the city’s unfunded pension liability under control.
The city's proposed pension cuts would be for future service, but not affect benetits already accrued, which is barred by state constitution. The police association argues that cutting current officers' future benefits is the same as cutting vested ones and is unconstitutional.
Here's Sunday's print story in the Star-Telegram on the pension: "Fort Worth city employees seek delay in pension vote"
Here's some recent Star-Telegram print coverage:
"PR campaign gains steam as Fort Worth city pension vote draws near"
"Fort Worth council members wrestle over proposed pension changes"
"Fort Worth Police vote to hike pension contributions in exchange for keeping benefits formula"
"Fort Worth Council starts clock ticking on pension changes"
- Scott Nishimura, Star-Telegram Fort Worth City Hall reporter
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