Well, it sounds like Spencer has gotten himself in deep this time. The word is that he is being investigated by the city manager because he endorsed a city council candidate. Everyone knows that PLEA isn't allowed to endorse anyone in the Phoenix City Council races, but Spencer just couldn't help himself this time. The person he endorsed happens to be the opponent to DiCiccio. I've written about their battle before. But, basically, DiCiccio called Councilman Nowakowki on the carpet for carrying Spencer's water and trying to get Harris fired. Councilmember aren't allowed to get involved in personel matters because it is a violation of the City Charter. That didn't keep Spencer from convincing Nowakowki to push for Harris to get fired. DiCiccio blew the whistle on the whole deal and nearly took down Nowakowki. All of Nowakowki's supporters left him, including the hispanic community. You see, they didn't like the idea that Nowakowki was carrying water for an Arapio cronie.
Looks like Spencer went looking for another candidate to endorse and he found one. The thing is, he's not allowed to endorse Phoenix candidates. It's a violation of the Hatch Act. So, now he is violating federal laws. You might wonder why Spencer woudl do something so dumb. Well, his buddy Arpaio endorsed the same guy, so Spencer jumped right on board. You can read about it here:
http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/PHXBeat/56342
Everyday is a new opportunity for Spencer to do something to embarrass himself and PLEA.
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Don't expect an actual public rebuke for Spencer. As one who has filed a formal complaint against PLEA and was told just to "let it go," I think it will be ignored. Until the City gets some juevos and puts PLEA in its place, this type of nonsense will continue. Spencer is a disgrace to hard working officers. Of course his "one year in Patrol and straight to the front desk at 620" lackey, Will Buividas, is no better.
ReplyDeleteSince when as PLEA member did we get to vote to endorse this guy as the article suggest. Oh thats right it is just like when we supported Arpaio in the elections. Hmm we didn't vote on that either. Seems Mr. Spencer has a problem of assking members about how they feel on certain topics if it goes against his agenda.
ReplyDeleteWhat Mark did is a clear violation of the Hatch Act. The City of Phoenix has allowed him to violate the city charter, now we'll see if they are willing to take him to task on a clear vilation of federal law.
ReplyDeleteI always thought the Hatch Act was a bit restrictive on first amendment rights. But its not my job to determine whether the law is just or not, thats up to the courts. As police officers we have to obey the law and do it better than civi's. Imagine if I arrested someone and they told me the law was a bad law. I still have to take them in. Spencer may not agree with the Hatch Act, but as a police officer and officer representing police officers he must obey the law. Now we all look bad.
ReplyDeleteScrew if it is a good law or not. its bad enough that Spencer disses his own members to support Joe Apriao when MCSO has always tried to mess with Phoenix PD. Now he is even breaking the law to support him. Why is this guy not taking more heat for what he is doing?
ReplyDeleteIts time for the City Management to investigate Spencer for all these transgressions. i am sick and tired of hearing city management say this is not their fight. IT IS THEIR FIGHT. Officers cant do this alone. If Spencer wants to start a game of big city thuggish union politics with lies, its time for City management to step up and hit back with the truth and investigate Spencer and his band of board members.
ReplyDeleteMark doesn't care if he is breaking the law. He knows that all of the city managment are running scared.
ReplyDeleteI don't support any of the candidates that Mark supports. He has a slate full of people that are pro-Arpaio and there is nobody that has done more damage to the reputation of professional officers than Joe Arpaio.
This is another black eye for PLEA. There was a time when the organization got behind winning candidates instead of endoring the biggest wack job in the race. Looking forward, the reputation of PLEA will that we support anyone who is going to lose.
What Spencer did to Michael Nowakowski is just wrong. He used him and walked away when things got hot. I expect that Michael has a long memory nd he won't let Spencer get away with what he did.
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