Dan Rocha: No, candidate Ford doesn’t support law enforcement

I was in shock when I read Rich Ford, running for Merced County supervisor (district 4), said he supports law enforcement. This is a crock. I was a police officer in Gustine for 20 years, 14 as sergeant. Ford was a council member and mayor, and he did not support the police officers or the department.

We were in contract negotiations and Ford was representing the city council. When our union representative said the Police Officers Association would like a 5 percent pay increase, Ford stood up, knocking his chair over, and said “these officers are overpaid as it is.” Then Ford walked out.

Our officers association had a vote of “no confidence” in a chief hired by the council. Ford would not listen and supported this chief even after his arrest for drunken driving. Saying supports law enforcement is a lie; Ford only supports his friends.

I read Ford’s comment during the candidate forum where he said, “We can do it, but the question is going to be ‘Who among these candidates up here do you trust to negotiate with; who will give you a fair shake?” Well, he’s right. And the one to trust is not Rich Ford.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 1:49 PM with the headline "Dan Rocha: No, candidate Ford doesn’t support law enforcement."