Huntington Police Merit Support, Raise

* I am writing in support of Huntington Beach police officers who put their lives on the line every day trying to protect the safety of those of us who work and live in Huntington Beach. Fighting crime and protecting the public safety is just too important an issue for our City Council and our city’s police officers in order to maintain our No. 1 safest city rating.

The city and the Huntington Beach Police Officers Assn. should negotiate in good faith and present the officers a contract that recognizes the important sacrifices we ask from law enforcement: to protect us, our children, our homes and our businesses.

I was saddened by the events that transpired at last week’s City Council meeting. At future meetings, let’s avoid personal attacks and stick to the issues. Law enforcement should be our city’s top priority, and to that end we should make sure that the police officers who protect us understand that we appreciate their commitment.

Let’s stop the games, negotiate a good faith contract and continue to make public safety our city’s No. 1 priority!

HAYDEE V. TILLOTSON

Huntington Beach

* The Huntington Beach police officers deserve a raise. Without equitable salaries the city will begin to lose officers to other cities with higher pay or to early retirement. The years of experience that would be lost are invaluable to the residents and to the city.

Huntington Beach police do an excellent job for which they should be rewarded. Not granting a raise is penny-wise and pound-foolish.

SAM PINTERPE

Huntington Beach