Resident Ed Nelson was among the most vocal supporters of the police officers, noting that amid all of the talk about salaries, they are generous for a reason. "It's the job these guys do," Nelson said, contending that that while gang and drug problems are serious issues in other Long Island communities, they are almost nonexistent in Long Beach. "It's not by accident," Nelson added. "It's the job they do. That's lost in all this. This probably is the safest community on Long Island."

Others, including Boodman, questioned the propriety of council President Tom Sofield Jr. voting on a contract that would benefit his father, Police Commissioner Tom Sofield Sr. — as Sofield Jr. did with the previous contract, which was ratified in 2005. "It's not a conflict of interest," Sofield said.

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