Fix SAPD

In a surprisingly close election Saturday, a proposal to repeal the San Antonio Police Officers Association’s right to collective bargaining fell short by a couple percentage points.

Proposition B is on the On the May 1 municipal election ballot. It would repeal collective bargaining for the police union. Supporters say this would allow the public to have a say in future police contracts. Opponents claim this will make it harder for the department to recruit and maintain officers.

A modest reform item "backpedals," according to activists.

If successful the measure will repeal Chapter 174, which was originally passed in 1974 by San Antonio voters. It allows police employees to collectively bargain their contracts over healthcare, salaries, disciplinary procedures and more.

Police Chief William McManus joined the San Antonio Police Officers Association for a press conference at the city’s Public Safety Headquarters Monday as the union denounced two petitions that could amend protections and collective bargaining rights for police officers in San Antonio.