SAPOA NEWS
December 17, 2014
ARE YOUR TAX DOLLARS FUNDING A “POLL” AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY?
Anonymous “Push Poll” Scaring Residents About Contract Negotiations
SAN ANTONIO, TX— A telephone poll about police and fire negotiations was initiated on Monday, December 15, by an unknown source to San Antonio residents. The tactic, known as a “push poll,” was designed to put fear into the responding residents and solicit pre-determined negative responses against police officers and firefighters.
Several residents have reached out ‘appalled’ at the one-sided nature of the call and the blatant attempt to blame police officers and firefighters for potential property tax increases, street maintenance reductions, and budgetary shortfalls. It also calls into question the sacrifice made by first responders by asking polling questions about community support.
San Antonio resident Helen R. sent the following comments to SAPOA:
“…I don’t remember all of the questions, it was a very long poll but I felt the basic gist of it was city manager good, police and fire unions bad…It was an appalling poll and I personally felt it only gave one side of the issue, that of the city’s.”
Mike Helle, President of SAPOA, had the following comment:
“When we have taken our message to the community, we offered 100% transparency by announcing on each public outreach item that it was from SAPOA. We also told the truth and used verifiable facts. Whoever initiated this scare tactic is hiding behind a blocked caller ID number. You have to question their motive and the outcome of this poll. Every citizen in San Antonio should be concerned about a poll designed to spread misinformation and fear.”
Residents should also be concerned about public transparency and use of their tax dollars. A few questions stand out:
1. Who initiated the push poll? Were your tax dollars utilized by the City Manager to pay for this information?
2. Did the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce or members of its leadership pay for this? If so, what is their financial interest in protecting the City Manager or their City contracts?
To learn more, go to www.publicsafetyfacts.com.