Shawnee voters side with city in contract dispute

By Ann Kelley

Published: April 1, 2008

SHAWNEE — Shawnee voters Tuesday favored a police union contract that gives the police chief greater management control of his officers.

Voters settled the contract dispute between the city and police union, siding with the city with 64.5 percent approval. The vote was 1,317 in favor of the city's version, 726 in favor of the police union's version.

"I think this is a big indication that people in this community want to see changes in their police department and see it progress," Police Chief Bill Mathis said.

The sticking points in the contract had nothing to do with pay raises, but with management style.

The dispute was primarily over changes Mathis wanted in the police officers' bill of rights. There also were differences over incentive pay tied to firearm testing, health insurance negotiations, policy on take-home vehicles and policy on police officer advancement to corporal.

Mathis was asking to change items that had been in the contract for more than a decade. He said even with the changes, officers are getting a fair employment agreement and a 7 percent raise.

"I've always said this whole thing has been over control and power within our organization," Mathis said. "I think some union members weren't willing to give up some of that control, even if it was for the betterment of the department."

Union President Ken King said as far as police officers are concerned the issues are strictly about the items in the contract, and not over departmental control.

"People weren't voting for or against a police chief, like their campaign made it seem," King said.

King said officers appreciate the support from those who voted with them, and won't allow losing the election to affect their job performance.

"We're going to continue to protect and serve the citizens at the same level of quality as we always have," King said.

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