You probably know that in political campaigns--as in life in general--there are desperate, dishonest people who will say and do desperate, dishonest things to gain an advantage. But personally, I've found that honesty is always the best policy. I don't agree with everyone on every issue, but even people who strongly disagree with my opinions will generally grant that I tell the truth. For members of the Police and Fire Rescue departments who don't know know me personally, ask someone in your department who either knows me personally, or who has observed me over the years, what my reputation for honesty has been.

A particularly mean and untrue rumor was recently circulated about me. It was contained in an email blast originating with a union official who should have checked his facts AND called me before the email was sent to the four corners of the world. The email said in part:

We have learned that a story that will be published in [a local daily newspaper] in a few days will say that our current Mayor, Tom Truex, has set abolition of the police and fire pensions as his first goal upon reelection. He also wishes to freeze our contract and not give us the next two raises that are contained in it.

Please note the following:

1. No such newspaper article will ever appear because the rumor is false. I've given your leadership of both the police and firefighters unions the names and phone numbers of the individuals at the newspaper in question, so that they can independently confirm the rumor is not true.
2. I do not favor abolishing police and fire pensions. The concept of abolishing pensions is asinine. Most of Davie's police and fire-rescue personnel are hard working and dedicated. You deserve the certainty of a pension in your retirement. And such an idea would never be seriously considered by anyone in Town Hall, even if it was suggested.
3. It's therefore not my first goal, or even a goal at all.
4. I do not want to "freeze" approved raises in existing contracts. I doubt it would be legal. And I do not promote breaking contracts.
5. If plans such as these were even remotely being considered, there would be a "contingency plan" for these savings in the ongoing budget process for fiscal year 2009-2010. There is no such plan or possibility of such a plan. No one is even considering it as a possibility.

This is my position on the status of Davie's union contracts: "They are not sustainable in the long term." I've used almost the exact words in public meetings and in private, for years. If we continue on the path we are following, at some point in the not too distant future, the Town will -- together with most other local municipalities -- reach a budget crisis. Revenues in future years simply will not continue to skyrocket as in years past. Decisions reached in a crisis atmosphere generally involve selecting from a menu of bad choices. Politicians are famous for ignoring problems until they become a crisis. I'd rather solve problems before they become a crisis.

There are several key factors in resolving contract issues before we face a budget meltdown:

1. Cooperation between the unions, Town Administration, and Town Council in future contract negotiations. I've purposely avoided putting forth "my plan" for a solution, because all parties need to work on a solution together.
2. Reasonableness and fairness, recognizing both current economic reality, and the tremendous service of our police and fire-rescue personnel.
3. A transition, so that no one has the rules of the game drastically changed just before retirement.

I am not the Town's negotiator for contract discussions. I am otherwise available, now or after the election, to discuss your concerns.

Regards,

Mayor Tom Truex