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Mayor defends offering Mohawks a security choice, cites administration steps for police support
Summary
The speaker identifying as Mayor argued the proposed code change offered the Mohawks a choice and described prior administration steps—overtime, pay increases, equipment—to support policing while urging the council to distinguish urgent claims from those not supported by facts.
During the council debate on the proposed amendment to section 167-4(g), the speaker who self-identified as the mayor argued the administration has worked to support police through better pay for recruits, overtime at events and investments in equipment.
"We are the administration that created more overtime at city events in response to the safety of your police force and the safety of our city," the mayor said, adding that officials must "tell the difference and make policy accordingly" when weighing safety claims. The mayor framed the ordinance not as removing safety protections outright but as providing the Mohawks with a choice about contracting for security.
The mayor acknowledged the PBA's concerns but said the administration's record demonstrates attention to officer safety; council members who opposed the ordinance said they wanted to preserve consistent, on-the-books protections for officers and the public.
