It appears that Mayor Daley’s political influence remains intact. Even the so-called politically impartial arbitrator of the Chicago police contract has proven that fairness is a relative term (“A familiar look to new police pact,” Metro, Feb. 6). Arbitrator Steven Briggs was either biased toward the city from the start or thought the arbitration was between the current unacceptable leadership of the Fraternal Order of Police and the city. The membership had overwhelmingly voted the contract down by a 3-to-1 margin and had no tentative agreement with the City of Chicago at all. The FOP leadership made a tentative agreement that was not supported, approved or acceptable to the union membership. If anybody doubts the above statement, just look for one news story where anyone other than FOP President Bill Nolan or the city administration praises the new contract.
