FOP officials from 8 local lodges site Abramson's poor record on dealing with the rising crime rate and his unwillingness to deal with agency morale problems.
The election for mayor of Louisville is still more than a year away but the city's police unions are already endorsing a candidate. Fraternal Order of Police chapters say they are backing Metro Council member Kelly Downard.
Kelly Downard announced last March that he is running for Mayor. Since the election is 14-months away, Thursday's FOP endorsement is very unusual. But it gave Downard a chance to stake out his top campaign issue: the need to crack down on violent crime.
Downard Gets Nod of Approval From Local FOP Leaders
Eight Louisville FOP chapters asked their active and retired members who they support in the upcoming Mayor's race. According to the local council of FOP Presidents...members' votes led to the endorsement of Kelly Downard.
Richard Dotson, who leads the Louisville Police FOP, and Tony Harris, who represents Corrections Officers, claim Mayor Abramson gives low priority to police concerns.
Harris told Fox 41 News a lack of respect is one of the big concerns of the Corrections Department. He says they have been merged now for almost three years and their badges and patches still say Jefferson County.
Despite police criticism, Mayor Abramson's public approval rating is very high and he has never lost an election.
In accepting the FOP's endorsement Downard made it clear he feels the Mayor is vulnerable on the crime issue.
Mayor Jerry Abramson is out of town today but he released a written statment from Baltimore. According to the Mayor, it is a shame Downard and Dotson, his long time FOP nemisis, have decided to play politics with public safety.
Abramson adds, just this week, progress was made toward improving the police communications system and new equipment was obtained to help the city better repond to a disaster.