Jim Billy Barnes Memorial Lodge 71

301 E. Gadsden Street * Pensacola, Florida * 32501

July 5, 2012 Mayor Ashton Hayward City of Pensacola 222 West Main Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Dear Mayor Hayward, On June 5, 2012, the majority of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 71, voted NO CONFIDENCE in your chief of staff, John Asmar. Mr. Asmar has acted as a liaison between your office and the lodge. Based on the no confidence vote, I respectfully request that you appoint another member of your staff to act as a liaison. When Mr. Asmar was appointed your chief of staff, we were hopeful that he had overcome the adversities he faced while working in other government administrations. During your political campaign and the early part of your term, it seemed Mr. Asmar was committed to fostering a healthy relationship between the police officers and the City of Pensacola. However, communication has deteriorated and Mr. Asmar has become a wedge between the lodge and your staff. During your term as mayor, we have witnessed a division among the members of the lodge, city staff, and city council. Our members believe that this division is a direct result of Mr. Asmars behavior. Lodge 71 has enjoyed a mutually respective relationship with the City since the lodge was formed in 1969. The level of mutual respect has declined within the past year. My members have spoken loud and clear. Mr. Asmar is the reason that your police officers feel the City lacks respect for them. I look forward to working with you to repair and rebuild the relationship between police officers and the City. Respectfully,

Erik Goss, President FOP Lodge 71