STOCKTON — An initiative on the November ballot would give residents of Stockton a say in how policemen and firefighters can negotiate their contracts with the city.
The police and firefighter unions are in favor of Measure N, but the city council opposes it. The scars of Stockton’s bankruptcy history are a big part of the debate over its public safety future.
The Stockton police union is now pointing to crime stats and officer recruitment problems in a political campaign. The Stockton firefighter union is joining too.
“Obviously, if you’re living in Stockton, you’re noticing the crime rate is still an issue,” Stockton Police Association Vice President Chris Sherman said. “The way our current staffing is formulated, we’re only averaging probably about 13 officers per shift for the entire city.”
Stockton Firefighters Local 456’s President Mario Gardea said half of the city’s fire department staff is at retirement age.