Huffington Magazine Issue 26 | Page 45

OUT OF TOWN COPS a transcript of comments provided by the governor’s office. “I think this should be a wave of the future in places that are challenged like this, and so we’re certainly going to be full partners in it,” Christie said. According to Keashen, the county spokesman, the governor’s office is currently in negotiations to provide about $5 million in start-up funds for the new metro agency. Those negotiations are in HUFFINGTON 12.09.12 their final stages, he says. As the plan grows nearer to reality, any chance for a smooth transition between the two agencies appears increasingly dim. The Camden Fraternal Order of Police, the city’s police union, is fiercely resisting the creation of the metro agency. Its president, John Williamson, continues to blast city and county leaders for what he calls a shameless attempt to crush the union and strip away rights earned through decades of collective bargaining. “Would you buy a car sight un- John Williamson, president of the Camden Fraternal Order of Police, meets with community leaders and the NAACP.