Borders get police union endorsement

By Eric Stirgus

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The union representing Atlanta’s police officers has endorsed City Council President Lisa Borders for mayor, her campaign announced Friday.

“Lisa Borders is our unanimous choice,” the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local 623, said in a press release issued by the Borders campaign.

The endorsement was heavily sought by several sought since crime and public safety has been the biggest concern many Atlantans have about the city.

Borders has proposed increasing the size of Atlanta’s police force by about 170 officers in her first term, if she’s elected. She also wants to give officers raises and wants to work with the business community on initiatives that help more police officers buy homes in the city.

“I am deeply grateful for this endorsement because it confirms the faith our city’s police officers have in my leadership. Public safety has been a top priority in this campaign for mayor. The endorsement of our first line of defense affirms what I have known all along – I have the best plan and the right message.” Borders said.

The union’s president, Scott Kreher, a sergeant in the police department, has said a five-member committee would vote on their choice for mayor. Kreher was not immediately available for comment.