COLUMBUS — The Columbus mayor is defending his support for police and public safety following a no-confidence vote by the union representing officers in the city.
Mayor Andrew Ginther, a Democrat, says public safety is and has always been his number one priority.
The mayor notes public safety is the city’s biggest budget item annually and he’s committed to strengthening the department and hiring new officers.
City Council President Zachary Klein, also a Democrat, says his support for officers is unwavering but he also expects them to perform their duties responsibly.
“As the former Public Safety Committee Chair and now as President of Council, whenever the FOP or the Division of Police made requests that improved community and officer safety, I have always supported them, without exception,” he said. “Therefore, it appears this action is really about Officer [Zachary] Rosen.”
FOP President Jason Pappas says the union has lost confidence in officials’ ability to lead, according to a report in the Columbus Dispatch.
He says the July firing of Rosen, an officer appearing to kick a prone suspect in the head, is only one of the union’s concerns.