By Jorge Casuso
September 7, 2022 -- Santa Monica's two public safety unions -- which have traditionally endorsed the same City Council candidates and backed them with ample war chests -- will not be in lockstep this year.
After sitting out the 2020 race, the Santa Monica Police Officers Association (POA) announced Wednesday it is backing Councilmember Lana Negrete, resident activist Armen Melkonians and Recreation and Parks Commissioner Albin Gielicz in the November 8 race for three Council seats.
The announcement came five days after the Firefighters union endorsed Negrete and Melkonians, as well as Rent Board Commissioner Caroline Torosis, a front-runner in the race ("Firefighters Endorse Negrete, Melkonians, Tororis for Council," September 2, 2022). In a statement issued Wednesday, Police Union President Gerardo Leyva praised the candidates for their pro-law enforcement stances.
“We must elect policy makers that make public safety a priority, and Lana, Armen, and Albin are committed to providing the Santa Monica Police Department with the resources we need to keep our community safe,” Leyva wrote.