FOP puts support behind Cheryl Musgrave in Evansville mayoral race

EVANSVILLE — The local Fraternal Order of Police announced its support of Republican candidate Cheryl Musgrave in the race for Evansville mayor Thursday.

FOP Lodge 73, which has over 500 active members, will support Musgrave throughout this election cycle, which includes her primary against Natalie Rascher. If Musgrave wins the primary, the FOP would continue its support through the general where the Republican nominee will face Democratic candidate Stephanie Terry.

Terry herself is no stranger to FOP endorsements. The organization has endorsed her throughout her time as a member of the Vanderburgh County Council.

Rascher sent a statement Thursday afternoon and said she enjoyed the opportunity to speak with members of the FOP and their board.

"While I’m disappointed I did not receive an endorsement from their organization, I am still committed to backing the blue and doing everything I can as mayor to support more training opportunities, provide investment in new equipment, and increase pay and benefits," she said, "all while working hand in hand with leadership both within the department and within the FOP. They may not be backing me this time around, but I will always be backing them.”

During a news conference Thursday morning Lodge 73 vice president Mark Saltzman said Musgrave was the only candidate who showed the ability to answer tough questions.

"Only one candidate has the track record of attacking problems head on and formulating bold solutions," he said.

The bi-partisan political action committee spent about six weeks vetting candidates and looking into their records. The PAC made its unanimous recommendation, and it was "overwhelmingly" supported by FOP membership, Saltzman said.

'Evansville is facing crisis'

Endorsements of mayoral candidates are normal for the FOP, but in previous elections they've come in September. This endorsement comes before the primary, which isn't typical.

September mayoral endorsements by the FOP in recent years:

• Republican Mayor Lloyd Winnecke for re-election in 2015 when he faced Democrat Gail Riecken

• Winnecke in 2011 in his race against Democrat Rick Davis

• Democratic Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel in 2007 for a second term

• Weinzapfel over then-mayor Russ Lloyd Jr. in 2003

Saltzman said this year was different because it may be one of the most important elections in recent memory for Evansville citizens and Lodge 73 members.

"The city of Evansville is facing crisis on many levels,' he said. "Our streets have become noticeably less safe even with the men and women of the Evansville Police Department seizing guns off the street at a rate never before seen, violent crime persists."

But the police department itself is also facing crisis, with an inability to recruit and retain qualified officers and overtime at an "all time high" to meet minimum staffing levels," Saltzman said.

Officer morale is at an all-time low, Saltzman said, with pay lagging behind other departments in the state and time off out of reach.

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"Today as I speak to you the Evansville Police Department has been relegated to the status of a stepping stone," he said. "Officers are now being hired and trained for the city of Evansville only to abruptly leave and join other departments with better benefits and more supportive city administrations."

The next mayor of Evansville will be tasked with appointing the next police chief, or retaining the current one, Billy Bolin.

"Cheryl has vowed to work closely with the Evansville Police Department to insure that our officers have the tools, the training and the resources that they need to make the streets safe for all citizens," Saltzman said. "Leadership matters. The City of Evansville needs a mayor with experience, dedication and tenacity to address the host of problems we currently face."

'Our city's safety is on the line'

Musgrave said Thursday was an important day for her. The honor of being endorsed by the FOP comes with the responsibility to provide resources and tools for officers to do their jobs.

"From day one I pledge to put public safety at the core of my agenda," she said. "The FOP needs, and deserves, to be supported with full staffing, competitive pay, proper equipment, vehicles and training. Our city's safety is on the line."

Last October Musgrave voted, along with the other county commissioners, to approve a raise for Vanderburgh County sheriff deputies. The collective bargaining agreement with Lodge 73 amounted to a 33% raise in salaries over four years.

The current Vanderburgh County Commissioner said her family, and every family, deserves a safe city where its officers are valued and treated with respect.

"As the next mayor of Evansville, I'll give priority and attention, and support, from day one," she said.

Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers, who is already publicly backing Musgrave, said Evansville is in a pivotal moment as fentanyl continues to enter the community. With an increase in drugs, there is also an increase in gun violence, she said.

Moers said law enforcement must be protected with an experienced fighter in their corner.

"When dealing with these issues, empathy is the last thing that comes to mind," she said. "What Evansville needs is someone who's experienced, has a proven record of success, is willing to advocate and have tough conversations and proven to understand and support law enforcement. This describes Cheryl."

This story was updated Thursday afternoon to include comment from Natalie Rascher.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: FOP puts support behind Cheryl Musgrave in Evansville mayoral race