HAMILTON, Mass. — Candidate for governor Mike Minogue today called on Maura Healey to apologize to the Massachusetts State Police and to put the facts in writing about the timing of the new trooper contract and the union’s endorsement of her campaign.
Minogue said the timing of the Massachusetts State Police union’s endorsement, alongside contract negotiations just weeks before an election, raises serious questions about transparency and the appearance of political influence.
“Law enforcement is woven into the fabric of my family. My grandfather, uncle, godfather, and cousin all served. I have always supported the men and women who wear the badge, and that will never change,” said Minogue. “Current and retired State Troopers have shared their frustration and concerns with me about this endorsement.”
Minogue emphasized that his concerns are directed at Maura Healey, not at the troopers themselves.
“Let me be clear: Our State Troopers deserve a fair contract, competitive compensation, and our full support and respect,” Minogue said. “What they don’t deserve is the perception that their contract could be tied to a political endorsement.”
Minogue said Healey owes the troopers an apology for allowing circumstances to arise that put their integrity and professionalism in question.
“These men and women deserve better,” said Minogue.
Minogue also called on Healey to issue an official statement – under penalty of perjury – confirming whether anyone in her administration or campaign discussed or implied a connection between the contract and the endorsement. He said the statement should be subject to full disclosure of all communications, conversations, texts, and emails between the governor’s negotiation team and state police union representatives, so voters can see the facts for themselves.
“The people of Massachusetts deserve transparency, and our State Troopers deserve to have their integrity protected,” Minogue said.
Minogue’s call follows his recent social media post asking whether the contract was funded in the supplemental budget and whether an endorsement was exchanged for a taxpayer-funded agreement. On September 11, Healey picked up four police union endorsements.
“To every State Trooper serving with honor: I will always stand behind you, respect your service, and fight to eliminate even the appearance of corruption in government,” said Minogue. “Supporting law enforcement and demanding government accountability go hand in hand.”