I have known Mayor Mark Myers for over 35 years and have worked with and for him for over 20 years. My observations are based on my firsthand knowledge, not speculation or rumors.
I served the City of Greenwood as a police officer for 33 years. I led the department from 2012 until my retirement in 2020. I have patrolled streets, investigated crimes, created budgets and implemented training and procedures. I am not an armchair pundit. Greenwood public safety was my life for over three decades.
There has been much noise about public safety on social media; most of it posted by people who have never served a day as a police officer. Myers was a Greenwood police officer for 14 years. As mayor, he has been a strong and effective advocate for public safety. The police force and the police budget has grown by leaps and bounds. Today a rookie officer makes more than I did as chief in 2012.
These are the facts:
- From 2013 to 2023 the number of officers funded increased 40% from 55 to 77;
- The total budget increased 65% from $6,775,279 to $11,186,572;
- The starting salary increased 34% from $52,170 to $70,006;
- Compensation with health insurance and pension increased 34% from $76,146 to $102,353.
I personally worked with the mayor and city controller on the budgeting that made these advances possible. Greenwood works with much less money than other cities of its size. When the mayor fought to obtain more funds for public safety from the legislature, former State Rep. Woody Burton criticized him and blocked legislation that would have increased funding. City Councilors Brad Pendleton and Michael Williams, have developed a recent interest in public safety, have never taken a meeting or even made a call to me or my successor to discuss police department needs. Their mayoral candidate is criticizing the legislation which made the most recent public safety enhancement possible.
I support Myers. He and his team have improved the quality of life and safety immensely over the last 12 years. I encourage voters to support smart and effective government and return him to the office on May 2.
John Laut
Greenwood
