Union Support Becomes the $64,000 Question

Soon after residents’ signs began popping up to generate support for the recall of Councilman Lance MacLean, the police deputies’ union began posting signs that read “NO on Recall.” Residents are asking why any organization connected with law enforcement would support a politician with a history of violence. The union is also funding TV commercials and mailers indicating that Mission Viejo will be “less safe” if MacLean is removed from office.

The deputies union isn’t the OCSD, and a union’s endorsement can be made by one person. Did one union boss make the decision to spend $63,423 to oppose MacLean’s recall? If so, what stake does the union boss have in MacLean’s position on the council?

To have a union supporting a political thug isn’t surprising, but a police organization of any kind shouldn’t be supporting MacLean, whose background includes assault and battery on a co-worker, a history of verbal abuse and a problem controlling his anger.

As a further example of MacLean’s anti-law enforcement views, take a look at his council vote against resource officers in schools: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9F97qCSM1o

On Jan. 21, Mission Viejo blogger Larry Gilbert posted an article on OrangeJuiceBlog.com, pointing to another vote by MacLean against OCSD. Gilbert reminded readers of MacLean’s 2005 vote against renaming the city’s Camino Largo Park to Sergeant Matt Davis Park. Davis died after his motorcycle crashed into a car while he was on duty. Gilbert asks why anyone associated with law enforcement or OCSD would support MacLean, referring to the union’s donation as “The $64,000 Question.”

Gilbert’s posts can be found at http://orangejuiceblog.com/