Perhaps you have thought that the Santa Clara Police Department became the highest-paid police force in California because they are absolutely stellar. Or, maybe you believe they are the best trained, best equipped and more responsive than any police force in the state.

While all of the above could be possible, their salaries have little or nothing to do with their skills, talent or training.

Their compensation was a political trade-off with the police union arranged by none other than Mayor Lisa Gillmor. It’s less about the skills of the officers and more about the political know-how of the Santa Clara Police Officers’ Association and mayor.

The POA and Gillmor know that personal contact made at a resident’s home increases the chances of that candidate being elected. Most of the candidates running for city council can’t afford to personally cover the city. In addition, it’s financially demanding to send mailers and/or post yard signs throughout the city.

However, if Mayor Gillmor could convince potential candidates to run and win by having an army of “volunteers” working for the candidate, making house calls, passing out election materials favoring the candidate, would they run? Absolutely!

The city council sets police compensation, but to get on the council, you need the votes. For the contract year Mayor Gillmor took office, 2016-2018, the police got a cumulative 11% raise that included a retroactive 5% pay bump. Three Gillmor supporters along with Gillmor, all of whom received the support of the Police Officers Association PAC were in office at the time: Debi Davis, Teresa O’Neill and Kathy Watanabe. The previous contract (2015-2016) was a simple 3% raise.

In 2016, the police union PAC increased its campaign spending by nearly 2,500%, with $102,000 supplied by developers.

Coincidence? Doubtful. Legal? Apparently. Ethical? Questionable. Good for the public image of SCPD? Unlikely.

During the coming elections, you may be visited by an off-duty SCPD affiliate promoting one of Mayor Gillmor’s selected candidates. Before you vote, ask yourself why.

Previous Milestones:
Milestones – Now What? – Opinion
Milestones – Well Done Santa Clara – Opinion
Milestones – “Money Talks” and Levi’s Stadium Makes the Case – Opinion
Milestones – Mayor, Mayor in the Hall – Opinion