Boise mayoral candidate Mike Masterson secures endorsements from local police and firefighter unions

Posted by Almeda Bohannan on Thursday, May 2, 2024

Boise police and fire unions announced their endorsement of retired Boise Police Chief, Mike Masterson, for mayor Tuesday morning.

The unions endorsed former Mayor David Bieter in 2019.

Dozens of union members gathered at the Boise Firefighters Local #149 union hall to show their support for Masterson.

"We want someone who is interested in honest, open and fair collaboration for the future. Currently, none of those needs are being met," said Jason Shuey, president of Boise Firefighters Local #149. "Boise firefighters want a mayor who understands and values the work we do every day in the community. We want someone who respects us as equal partners and trusts our expertise to provide the best service to Boise citizens while maintaining a safe work environment for our brothers and sisters."

"We look forward to having the support and respect of the mayor's office and city hall once again," said Kip Paporello with the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local #486.

The unions join other prominent backers, including former Idaho Attorney General David Leroy, Democratic State Senator Maryanne Jordan, and Bieter.

"The police and fire members in our community and those who serve elsewhere are some of our most dedicated members of our community. It is a great honor to earn their trust, and it's a trust that I have to reciprocate. I will assure you that I will continue to work on public safety issues and other issues affecting the livability in our community," said Masterson.

Masterson retired as Boise Police Chief in 2015 after leading the department for 10 years.

"In the 10 years that I was police chief, my staff estimates that I dropped in offices and briefings about 4,000 times just to chat with people and I've done the same with the fire department," Masterson said.

Tony Ostrander, president of the Treasure Valley Fraternal Order of Police shared his experience serving under Masterson.

"I found him to be an honest man and one of complete integrity. I have full confidence that Masterson will lead the city of Boise in a positive and effective direction just as he did as chief of police," said Ostrander.

Mayor Lauren McLean responded to the endorsement in a statement, saying, "I want to be clear that, though I did not expect to have the support of the police and fire unions in this race, it has no impact on how we treat and take care of the first responders who bravely serve the citizens of Boise 365 days a year."

She highlighted the city's record investments in public safety, including a 16 percent raise over the next two years for Boise firefighters.

She said, "Our first responders are truly invaluable parts of both our City of Boise family and this community, and I thank them for their continued service."

Masterson sat down with CBS2 in June after announcing his campaign to discuss his vision and what he would do differently than current Mayor Lauren McLean. You can read that article here.

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