An endorsement for State Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) over former Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis for Mobile mayor could be a violation of city code.
The possible violation was brought up by Drummond herself during a debate Monday night.
In response to Cheriogotis speaking of endorsements from local law enforcement, such as the Police Benevolent Association and the Mobile County Law Enforcement Association, Drummond said, "Well, I too have been endorsed by the Mobile, the city of Mobile homicide unit, the ones who are solving those crimes because they're on the streets and they see the problems that are there."
The next day, Drummond posted on social media, "I'm proud to have earned the endorsement of the Mobile Police Department's Homicide Unit from Detectives Julius Nettles, Nick Crepeau, Kenyada' Kee Kee' Taylor, and Jermaine Rogers. Together, we can create a safer Mobile for ALL."
However, according to the city's Code of Conduct, employees are not to use their position to interfere or influence an election, and they cannot engage in political activity while in uniform.
"Employees are prohibited from using their position to interfere or influence any election," the code reads. "Employees may campaign or engage in political activities; however, they must not identify themselves as a COM employee and be off duty. Employees are prohibited from using any COM property for political activities. Employees are prohibited from engaging in political activity in uniform or using COM vehicles. (Level 1-4)."
When asked about the endorsement, Mobile police chief William Jackson provided the following statement:
“I’m aware that Rep. Barbara Drummond’s Mayoral Campaign has claimed an endorsement from the Mobile Police Department Homicide Unit. While individual members of MPD’s Homicide Unit may have endorsed a candidate, this is not representative of the department or the unit as a whole. Employees of the Mobile Police Department and any City of Mobile departments can personally support any political candidate they choose on their personal time and in their personal capacity. However, MPD and City of Mobile policies do not allow employees to use their official position to influence an election. Likewise, city departments or units of the Mobile Police Department cannot engage in political activity or endorse a political candidate. I’m currently attempting to get more information about this situation.”
Drummond's campaign has not responded to multiple media inquiries from 1819 News.
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