Letter to the Editor: Why can’t Quincy do for its police officers what Pekin did for its police officers?

An article recently published by the Peoria Journal-Star describes the City of Pekin removing its residency requirement for its police union, fire union and chauffeurs/helpers union.

The Pekin City Manager is quoted in the article as saying, “We believe that in order to remain competitive and ensure that we are able to attract quality talent, we need to eliminate potential barriers and make the city more attractive to young professionals.”

What insight! A purely intelligent decision coming from a city administrator. 

Then-Police Benevolent & Protection Association Unit No. 12 union president and current vice president Nick Eddy wrote a letter to the editor that was published by Muddy River News on Aug. 17. Nick explained how doing exactly what Pekin, Ill., has done will help the City of Quincy with its current police department staffing issues. 

So I ask why? Why is the City of Quincy administration not doing anything to make the City of Quincy more attractive for potential new hires or lateral transfers to QPD?

Robert MeGee 130
PB&PA Unit No. 12
Union President 
Quincy Police Department