SAN ANTONIO – District 4 Councilman Rey Saldana issued the following statement regarding the City Council's approval of a new collective bargaining contract with the San Antonio Police Officers Association:
"I stand here disappointed with the result of today's vote. The passing of an incomplete contract that lacks common-sense measures of accountability and transparency is a decision that we will have to live with for the next five years.
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The residents of San Antonio deserve nothing less than our best, especially when it comes to their safety and their livelihoods.
However, it is clear that this contract does not represent our best efforts.
While our well-deserving officers will be properly compensated and receive healthcare benefits, our city has lost an opportunity to further strengthen our police department and improve police-community relations.
The voices of our community asked for this change but our leadership did not deliver.
Five years from now, council will not be able to plead ignorance on this issue.
Our efforts have marked the start of a discussion that I hope will continue and eventually lead to the inclusion of accountability and transparency measures in future public safety contracts."