The vote from the Akron Fraternal Order of Police was not very close, a majority of the 444 eligible voters rejecting the offer out of hand.
Members cited the more than $1 million in concessions they've been asked to accept, along with a wage freeze through 2011, as just part of the reasons for rejection. Union President Paul Hylinsky outlined other explanations for the vote, including... a lack of faith.
PAUL HYLINSKY: "Membership simply does not trust the mayor, or city hall. This has become a pattern of conduct, the mayor coming every year, declaring a false emergency, trying to get concessions...."
FOP members also criticized what they termed a strong-armed tactic in the tentative deal that would have required the union to support a ballot measure which would shift school funds to pay safety forces.
But neither side wants to quit - with midnight Sunday as the deadline to save 40 officers' jobs. Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic today asked retired pastor Ronald Fowler, retired Judge Marvin Shapiro, and a former Akron School Board member to serve as mediators in weekend talks.
Hylinsky says he's still open to try to come up with a deal.... within reason.
PAUL HYLINSKY: "The membership has spoken loud and clear. They're tired of the games, they're tired of the arrogance, they're tired of the end-around that city hall is trying to play all the time on the police department."
Plusquellic was not available for an interview. A press release from his office says appeals to the county board of elections and the Secretary of State are underway, seeking an extension for putting the funding issue before voters. The original deadline - was today.
Rick Jackson, 90.3.
