Mayor Cara Spencer and the St. Louis Police Union are at odds over a conversation at an officer's memorial service.
Police Union President Martin Garcia slammed Spencer in a public statement, calling it disrespectful and inappropriate for her to survey officers about pay and benefits while they were grieving a colleague, writing it is quote "beneath the person holding the position of Mayor."
Mayor Spencer is pushing back, saying the union is twisting a genuine, respectful moment with new graduates into political fodder.
"I was honored to speak to three young men who recently graduated from academy with the officer and was grateful for the time they shared with me. I was deeply moved by the stories they shared, hearing about where they are from, the districts they serve, the honorable way they show up in uniform for our community, and what motivates them to do this important and dangerous work. Compensation is often part of motivation and I was grateful they shared their perspective on this matter."
She called claims that she held an impromptu debate on benefits "deeply and dangerously inaccurate."
