Monrovia dispute gets heated
Star-News reporter Melissa Pamer slices open the simmering feud between the Monrovia Police Officer's Association and the City Council with an in depth look at the state of negotiations between the two sides:
Supporters of the debate, including Robert CJ Parry continue to lay out their side of the argument on the Foothill Cities blog.
The debate has taken on prominence since the union more than two weeks ago put up two dramatic billboards that portray Monrovia as a crime-plagued city with reduced police patrols.
"It's more the talk of the town than anything," said Clarence Shaw, a Monrovia Unified School District board member. "I was in support of (the union). But this last tactic that they've used, I can't go along with that. The tide has turned."
About 25 protestors turned out Friday evening for a rally in front of the police station, urging the Monrovia Police Officers' Association to take down the billboards. A larger turnout had been hoped for, said organizer Debbie Elliott-Penzer, who added that she supports the police but not their tactics.
"Everybody needs a raise, but don't go about it this way," she said. "We don't do business like that in the city of Monrovia."
A good portion of the debate there centers on comments posted on the blog, which Pamer points to:
The MPOA has found especially fierce backers on local political blogs, where discussion recently has focused on Ochoa's compensation package and accusations that someone in Councilman Tom Adam's real estate office posted crude, anonymous comments critical of police officers and the union.On the FCB, Parry says this about that:
Both Ochoa and Adams have spoken out against the MPOA's tactics.
To reiterate, HBB (associated with a City Councilman's office) has asserted the MPD officers..
- Are lazy
- Harass people
- Write bogus tickets
- Steal money using their guns
- Lack manners from years of carrying guns
- and, of course, the last one to be injured ate too many donuts (need I remind you, he was nearly murdered).
In the meantime, both sides are scheduled to meet again this week, Pamer writes.
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
It great to see somebody has got the courage to state the truth about the "gastopo" monrovia cops and there tatics
Mr. Ochoa responded to my email of 4,003 questions. He was kind enough to respond to three of my craziest. See the blig.
Remember, if you make enemies of your friends, you better start making friends of your enemies.