The union for Massachusetts State Police has responded after a candidate for governor accused them of possible illegal activity.
On Saturday, Mike Minogue posted to social media concerning a State Police contract and their endorsement of Maura Healey as governor.
“The real reform we need- a new kind of Governor. Maura Healey – did you cut a deal with the State Troopers for an endorsement as Governor? (New contract 6% x 3 = 18%) Is this new contract funded in the supplemental budget? If so- exchanging a political endorsement for a taxpayer contract and withholding announcement until after election is illegal. Media- force her to make a statement on if a deal has been reached for an endorsement and announcement is on hold. Corruption.”
The State Police union issued a response to the allegations on Sunday.
“Mike Minogue’s allegation that the State Police Association of Massachusetts exchanged its endorsement for a contract is categorically false. Accusing our members of corruption without evidence is reckless, and we will not allow their integrity or the contract they earned to be smeared for political gain.
“Our contract was negotiated by the Association’s Bargaining Team and the Commonwealth through a process that included mediation, fact finding and arbitration. A mutual agreement followed the release of an independent fact finder’s report, which is publicly available. The agreement provides raises totaling 11% over three years, consistent with what other state unions received. Mr. Minogue’s claim of 18% is wrong.
“Our members earned this contract through their service and sacrifice. They find missing children, investigate homicides, respond to dangerous emergencies and put their lives on the line to protect people they have never met. Their compensation should not become a political weapon for a candidate seeking to attack the governor.
“We proudly stand by our endorsement of Governor Maura Healey, alongside the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association and MassCOP. That endorsement reflects her demonstrated commitment to law enforcement and the firsthand experience of our union leadership. Our support is earned through actions and a working relationship built on respect.
Mr. Minogue is free to disagree with our endorsement. 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬.”
