LEXINGTON, Ky. — Improving public safety has been one of Lexington mayor Linda Gorton’s primary talking points on the campaign trail. After winning her election for a second term, she apparently means to deliver on her promise. Gorton has asked Lexington city council members to approve a salary raise for police and emergency workers.

“Public safety is my top priority,” Gorton said. “Our goal is to make public safety salaries more competitive so we can attract new hires. We are investing to keep our public safety divisions strong,” Gorton said. According to Gorton, firefighters and corrections personnel can also expect raises soon.

Gorton has also suggested the city rehire veteran police officers who have retired to help with meeting staffing goals. It’s a plan the police union has given a green light to. In order for the proposal to become a reality, however, the Kentucky legislature would need to give its seal of approval.

“Cities across the country are facing challenges in hiring public safety staff. We studied the market, and these salary increases will help our hiring efforts,” Gorton said. “People know when they come to Lexington they will have the very best training and equipment, in addition to highly competitive salaries.”

Under Gorton’s plan, police officers and sergeants would each receive an $8,000 raise to their annual pay. Lieutenants and above would receive a $5,000 raise.

E-911 telecommunicators, telecommunicator seniors, supervisors, managers and radio/electronics specialists would each receive a $4,000 increase.