First, I want to remind everyone about our next meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 1930 hrs at the Dive Bar on Glenwood Ave. The Chief has scheduled a meeting with us on May 8^th to discuss the future off-duty policy. Those who attend our meeting on the 6^th will have the most input on our position when we meet with Chief Dolan on the 8^th.

We have endorsed Josh Stein for NC state senate. He is running for Janet Cowell’s senate seat. Janet is running for State Treasurer and we have also endorsed her. Josh is supportive of collective bargaining and his opponent does not support our bill. It is extremely important we get him elected. He is asking for a few off-duty officers to assist him at the polls. It would only take a couple hours of your time on election day, May 6. Please if you can volunteer let me know and I will give him your name and contact information. If we really want collective bargaining we need to take the time to support those candidates that are willing to fight for it. Josh has told me that the PBA has endorsed his opponent. I have volunteered for candidates in the past and I can assure you when they get elected they do show their appreciation.

In the near future I will be asking for support from our members to attend a council meeting to get an increase for our educational incentive. This will be another important meeting to attend. We will need a large showing to get the increase passed.

Finally, our strength comes from our large membership. The more members we have the more powerful we will be. This applies not just here in Raleigh but across the state. If you know anyone interested please contact me. I want to thank Pat Kellogg who has given us a lead for Knightdale PD. We are growing very quickly and this will translate into greater success at the state level. Thanks for your support.

Rick Armstrong