In its latest endorsements, the International Brotherhood of Police Officers local #673 is backing Peter Murphy, Ken Smith and Tom Tomisek for City Council.
The group said concerning the District 9 race, "Mr. Murphy has led the council with his strong support of law enforcement in our region and has a proven track record as the chair of the legal, legislative and safety committee.
"His efforts have gone above and beyond to provide officers with not only the needed tools to do their job but equipment to make sure they return home each night safely.
The work that Councilman Murphy has done has contributed immensely to the massive reduction in crime since he took office after his predecessor. Our city is safer with the leadership he has demonstrated."
Concerning Mr. Tomisek in District 4, it said, "Mr. Tomisek has vowed to assist police in their efforts to reduce crime in Chattanooga and provide them with the needed tools to accomplish this. Mr Tomisek has always held a strong view that if our police department is adequately funded and supported then they will be more effective in making this city safer.
"He has campaigned for a safer community and will tirelessly work to eliminate gangs and gang related crime in Chattanooga. He understands that open communication with the officers on the street is imperative to succeeding on these fronts. Mr Tomisek has the honest desire and leadership ability to accomplish these goals and the IBPO supports him completely."
In District 3, the IBPO said, "Ken Smith pledges to help his district as well as work with other council members and the mayor’s office to insure that Chattanooga becomes a safer city. Mr. Smith recognizes the amount of gang violence and violent crimes occurring while some city leaders continue to take away necessary tools like cars and precincts, reduce benefits, threaten the pension, delay funding academies, and downplay violent crimes.
"Specifically, he would take the police department off the backburner to help officers get the tools they need in order to accomplish the job the citizens of Chattanooga trust them to do."