Print

Hartford Police Union Defends Segarra

By Jenna Carlesso

April 21, 2011

The Hartford Police Union has issued the following release regarding the controversy surrounding Mayor Pedro Segarra and his ethics disclosures (for background on the topic, click here):

PRESS RELEASE

HARTFORD POLICE UNION

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

Sent Via E-mail only

In recent days the leadership of the City of Hartford has again been thrown into question with the allegations of potential conflict of interest of our Mayor Pedro Segarra and his spouse. At a time when the City is attempting to recover from a protracted criminal prosecution of former Mayor Eddie Perez this is not something that will stabilize our City in the interest of its residents and/or taxpayers or potential investors.

Our current Mayor has attempted to eliminate a perception of corruption and lack of transparency in City government, while pursuing the securing of funding options and cost savings through his staff for a City with many needs. This politically motivated allegation could have been more appropriately handled by a phone call to the Mayor to voice a fellow political representatives concern in the interest of the citizens. That representative through his supporters chose another route in his interest not the citizen's interest. The Mayor has indicated that this possible ethics filing requirement failure was an oversight on his part. We see no reason or evidence to doubt his integrity.

We urge the citizens, employees and taxpayers of Hartford not to be fooled by orchestrated uses of the media, which inevitably damage and hinder the work of those working to improve and lead our City. It is so easy to attempt to tarnish the image and reputation of those in the public eye for personal or professional gain, as our membership knows all too well.

We see a true dedication and caring from Mayor Segarra to the residents, workers and property owners of the City. He has exhibited a willingness to explore all options for solutions to the many challenges faced by City government not just today, but in the future. Although we may not always agree, we respect this. It is time to move forward in the recovery of this City in extremely challenging times in the interest of all stakeholders, not play politics as usual.

We stand in support of Mayor Segarra.

Hartford Police Union

Richard Holton, President

For further comment contact 860-548-1435 / 860-982-5304.