SAN ANTONIO – District 7 Councilman Cris Medina issued the following statement regarding the City Council's approval of a new collective bargaining contract with the San Antonio Police Officers Association:
"Today I was proud to join an overwhelming majority of Mayor Taylor and my colleagues in passing the police contract, not because it was the easy thing to do, but because it was the right thing to do.
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After two years of negotiation, we have finalized an agreement that will ensure our city continues to have the best police officers in the state.
The most immediate impact of the decision we made today will result in the hiring of new officers. Through the years, officers have retired and moved on from their service, but have not been replaced. It was imperative for us to arrive at an agreement to ensure the ongoing protection of the men, women and children of San Antonio. This contract solidifies that protection.
Our men and women in blue risk their lives every day to serve and protect us. The contract we approved today includes a well-deserved increase in compensation and improved health benefits in line with the work they do for our community. This contract is within our city's budget and satisfies the needs of our police officers.
San Antonio has one of the finest reputations between our public safety officers and the members of our community. We also realize that there are challenges that need to be addressed. Now it's time for us to roll up our sleeves and move forward, working diligently with the San Antonio Police Department and members of our community to address your concerns and ensure the ongoing protection of our citizens.
To this end, my office will always be available to hear and take action upon the issues you bring to us.
Public safety has always been one of my primary concerns as your councilman. I have heard the residents of District 7 emphasize public safety as their top priority and I will continue to make it my priority as we move forward."