Union group asks Obama to pull Castro nomination

Letter calls mayor a 'disappointment' to police officers

SAN ANTONIO – The president of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas sent a letter to President Obama asking him to withdraw San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro's nomination for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Speaking on behalf of the San Antonio Police Officer's Association, Todd Harrison writes that union members in San Antonio have, "suffered back here at home in silence while San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro is paraded in front of you and the leaders of the free world as a strong leader, decision maker and problem solver."

The letter comes as the city and police union are locked in heated collective bargaining negotiations. The two sides have reached an impasse over active duty healthcare benefits.

City negotiators want uniformed personnel to switch to civilian health plans. Union representatives have proposed managing a healthcare fund for active duty officers.

Harrison writes that the union has made concessions while, "the mayor's attack dogs have continued to demand more and more and more."

He also accuses the mayor of wasting money to push his social agenda and to pay for "pet projects" that "will help his political image."

We reached out to the mayor's office and the San Antonio police union for comment but both sides were unavailable.

Click here to read the letter.