San Bernardino officials debate role of union money in decision-making

◼ As the public battle rages over how the city developed a $45 million deficit, much of the attention has focused on union contracts - and the blame for those contracts has included some explicit claims. - sbsun.com

"There are some members of this council who are bought by the unions,"

Mayor Pat Morris has said several times, using a phrase that has also been used by other City Council members.

They point to campaign contributions by the San Bernardino Police Officers Association and San Bernardino Professional Firefighters that in some cases paid for nearly all of a successful campaign, saying it's impossible to expect independent decisions from elected officials who depend on unions for their election.

But there's nothing inappropriate about accepting money from people who share your values - that's how campaigns are always funded, said Councilman Robert Jenkins.

"I received union support because I strongly believe the role of government is to provide protection for its residents," Jenkins said.

"Every single labor group that I have spoken to has encouraged me to do what's best for the city, and that is what I'm doing."