Law enforcement veteran Michael Letts believes that the mayor needs to stick with the “social contract” that was put in place, and for good reason.
At a time when police are trying to obtain additional funding to boost their ranks in the midst of a growing crime wave across the U.S., Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot continues to be a thorn in the side of her local police.
A new report from Fox News reports that the Mayor is withholding money for COVID-19-related benefits to police officers, stating that she is “directing city representatives to offer minimal disability pay and benefits.”
Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza spoke up against Lightfoot, stating how her brother, an officer, was denied “duty disability” compensation by the city after being infected with the virus and suffering multiple strokes.
Her office vehemently denied the charges, stating, “What the mayor has urged of the city representatives across all pension boards is that those pension boards consult outside medical experts to advise the boards on COVID-related disability claims and be transparent with claimants about the standards that must be met to have consideration for full or partial disability.”
However, Eugene “Gene” Roy, a retired Chicago police chief, sees it much differently. He called this response a “tacit admission” and refuses to award benefits where needed, even with a so-called “social contract” in place. “Police officers, firefighters and paramedics have the terms of their salary and working conditions outlined in written contracts. But there is a much more important contract between first responders and their employers,” he said.
So where does it end? Will Lightfoot eventually fold, or will things continue to get worse for the Chicago Police? Here to discuss this further is Michael Letts, a law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience under his belt. Letts is president, founder and CEO for InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. His expertise is welcome in this matter.
Q&A:
- So why do you think Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot continues to be at odds with her own police department? Do you believe she still may be swayed by the whole “defund the police” argument?
- She’s already at odds with the police, having to schedule remaining officers for overtime in the midst of several taking their own lives last year. Don’t you think she should’ve come up with a plan to take better care of them now? Or is she trying to focus on bigger things? Possibly surrounding herself?
- Do you think she’s simply not “holding up her end” because of the idea of a “social contract” being in place? Why do you think she’s refusing to honor it, despite any promises that should have been made?
- Where do you see things going with the Chicago Police in the months ahead? Will the situation get better before it gets worse? Will Lightfoot continue to make crucial mistakes in her office?
- Do you think once Congress eventually passes its ongoing “fund the police” bill, it’ll motivate Lightfoot to change her tune and help her fellow officers? Or no?
- You’re the creator of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. Tell us more about that, and why support for fellow officers is so important right now.
- We understand that InVest USA is also actively involved with Twitter. Where can interested parties learn more?
Those interested in what I do on Twitter can do so on the official Invest USA account.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
