San Diego Police Endorse Nathan Fletcher

Mayoral candidate Nathan Fletcher received a major endorsement Thursday when the San Diego Police Officers Association (POA) announced they were backing him in the special election.

The endorsement is an important one in the race to become the next mayor of San Diego. The POA represents the city of San Diego’s sworn officers, who say they support Fletcher’s commitment to addressing the shortage of local police officers.

POA president Brian Marvel, also an SDPD officer, released the following statement regarding the endorsement:

“The problems our city faces demand strong leadership and the ability to bring people together to solve tough problems. The public safety crisis that has been long-neglected by our city’s leaders demands a solution—and we believe Nathan is the candidate best equipped to provide it. Nathan is deeply committed to this city and its future.”

Marvel cited Fletcher’s authorship of legislation designed to improve public safety, most notably Chelsea’s Law, which includes a one-strike provision for sexual predators who attack children.

For his part, Fletcher said he was honored to receive the important endorsement.

“It’s my honor to be the candidate for the 1,800 men and women who put on the uniform, who put on the badge, who go out there every single day to protect us,” said Fletcher. “It is also my honor to be the candidate for San Diegans who are most concerned about having a community that’s safe.”

“Public safety is a basic city service and should be a top priority for any city leader. I’m committed to making sure our neighborhoods have adequate patrols and that our officers are properly trained and equipped to protect San Diego’s citizens,” he added.

With the POA’s endorsement Thursday, Fletcher now has the support of all of the organizations representing San Diego’s public safety workers. In September, San Diego firefighters and lifeguards endorsed the mayoral candidate.

Fletcher cited his time serving in the Marine Corps as one of the reasons he understands and deeply respects those who put their lives on the line to protect citizens.

The mayoral special election is set for Nov. 19. Other top contenders facing Fletcher in the race include San Diego Councilmembers David Alvarez and Kevin Faulconer, who have secured important endorsement of their own.

Faulconer’s campaign spokesman, Tony Manolatos, released this statement, in part, following the POA’s endorsement of Fletcher:

"Kevin Faulconer is committed to rebuilding the Police Department with savings from pension reform and other fiscal reforms he led on. If voters elect Kevin they will see across-the-board increases in street repairs and other neighborhood services, starting in San Diego's most neglected communities.”

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