New London's bravest still on chopping block

New London, Conn. (WTNH) -- New London's finest were out in full force to protect their jobs, but according to the Mayor they remain on the chopping block, even though the city council voted to save their jobs.

"No layoff notices that have been issued by the city will be rescinded and all still remain in effect," said Mayor Daryl Finizio.

Mayor Finizio made that declaration in essence ignoring the city council's vote, which would have kept the 10 police officers and 25 firefighters slated for layoffs on the force. The mayor says jobs will be saved by union concessions.

"Absolutely frustrated," said Michael Passero, City Council President. "I mean a deal's a deal, we had a deal on this budget and it's a shame the administration can't honor it's end of the agreement."

"Contrary to what other people have been saying I'm not playing politics with this budget," said Mayor Finizio.

The city council may have voted to save the 35 police and fire positions, but it also voted to eliminate five others, including the deputy police chief and the assistant city clerk.

The council also called for a significant pay cut for the finance director, chief administrative officer, and executive assistant to the Mayor, who has 10 days now to either sign the council's budget or veto it. He is hoping to get union concessions before that deadline.

"Does it seem like it's become a power struggle with the firefighters, the police, and now even the folks in your administration kind of stuck in the middle," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"I think there are some who would like to see a city manager in the city of New London still," said Mayor Finizio.

And so the struggle continues. Police officers, firefighters, and members of the mayor's administration await their fate.