The Eugene Police Union recently posted an ugly charicature of City Councilor Bonny Bettman on their union website, along with a counter until her last day in office (she will be replaced by George Brown, Kiva owner, who ran unopposed for her seat).

I won’t share it, since the union took it down once the Register Guard called them for comment, however the story in the RG includes more information for those who are interested.

I am very sad to see the police union’s misunderstanding of appropriate political involvement in the form of an ugly and mean spirited attack on outgoing city councilor Bonny Bettman. Of course unions should play a role in politics — it is our right to organize our labor and resources to elect leaders who will protect our right to organize and have fair working conditions.

While the Eugene police union broke no law in their clumsy ridicule of Ms. Bettman, they made a sad error of judgment. I, too, am a public employee, and I understand my union has to work with management at times to preserve the public trust in our work. When my union crosses the line, people lose trust in government and (1) oppose funding my agency and (2) fear they will be denied equal services because they may not agree with my union’s opinion (and get targeted for mean reprisals?). It is one thing to have an opinion and work to spread it through voter contact. It is quite another to use insulting and degrading words and pictures about one’s opponents.

The sad thing is I know many police officers who do not agree with their union’s actions. I hope the get involved and elect different leaders.

I understand the Eugene police union is not the first to engage in political mud slinging. I just hope that my political beliefs won’t result in worse service from them. And what about the domestic violence survivors who rely on the police to save their lives? What about the kids who should feel they can turn to the police when they run away or are lost?

Whatever happened to Officer Friendly? We need you now.