Police officers help elect pro-public safety mayor in Stratford, Conn.

Elections are about priorities. And for the police officers in Stratford, Connecticut, their top priority has always been to protect and serve their communities.

Their jobs, which are already extremely challenging, have gotten even harder because of chronic understaffing and high turnover within the police department.

The members of Stratford Police Union Local 407 (AFSCME Council 4) are offering solutions to boost officer retention, including bringing back a defined benefit pension plan. But the incumbent town mayor, Laura Hoydick, has consistently dismissed their concerns and their ideas.

With so much at stake, these officers mobilized this election season.

Local 407 members interviewed the candidates for mayor and overwhelmingly voted to endorse Hoydick’s challenger, David Chess. They jointly made this endorsement with members of Stratford Fire Fighters Local 998.

“Instead of fixing the problems that cause officers to leave, Hoydick’s arrogant refusal to listen has only made things worse,” Local 407 President Anthony Zona said at an October press conference announcing the endorsement. “In contrast, Dr. David Chess has shown humility, respect and a genuine willingness to listen.”

Members of Local 407 campaigned alongside their fellow union members who serve as Stratford firefighters and many others in the community who believed that change is needed in town hall.

The result on election night was clear: voters decisively elected Chess, the pro-public safety candidate.

“He has met with our members, heard our concerns and demonstrated to us that he values the people who keep Stratford safe,” Zona explained.

Thanks to their determination and willingness to take collective action, Stratford public safety professionals can now look forward to working with a new administration to improve public safety in their community.