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KOPOUT
President's Message - July 2010
It seems there is never a dull moment around the FPOA. Whether it is the proposed side letter of agreement, the City budget, the Fire and Police Retirement System, the Wellness Program, the Labor Management Act, department re-organization, media issues, or PAC issues such as the controversial press conference hosted at the FPOA for Senator Boxer, the FPOA leadership has been swamped to say the very least. I want to highlight a few of these issues.
As most of you know the City sent the FPOA a letter that they are no longer going to pursue the side letter of agreement that was approved by our membership back in April. Essentially they wish to take their poison now rather than later. This means they no longer want to pursue short term solutions hoping the economy will turn around, and now want to pursue what they hope will be long term solutions. We believe the $3 million in savings from the side letter is realistically $4.5 million in savings the city needs to find now. Keep in mind that the City also must ensure the commercial solid waste contract goes through to receive $1.5 million and come up with money to payback themselves for the parking project funding which could be $2 million to $3.5 million. So don’t think for a minute they won’t be back in November looking for budget help.
We have received several questions regarding the holiday time account. Effective October 1st you may begin cashing out up to 96 hours of holiday time per pay period. However the time bank cap remains at 230 for the basic unit, so you will not be automatically paid down until you exceed 230 hours in your time bank.
Councilmember Lee Brand has been poking at the City of Fresno pension system, the Police Wellness Program, and soliciting support for the Labor Management Act through what feels like weekly appearances on KMJ or in the Fresno Bee. With no balance being offered by KMJ or the Fresno Bee, a very distorted and one-sided view has been portrayed about the City of Fresno Retirement System, the Wellness Program, and the Labor Management Act.
FYI, the Labor Management Act (LMA) was passed by the City Council 07-22-10 with members Xiong, Borgeas, Brand, and Westerlund supporting the document. The LMA was billed as a policy between the Council and the City Manager’s office that will increase communication and transparency. The document also includes language intended to regulate the collective bargaining process. The FPOA had no objections to the language that increased communication and transparency, however we cannot support language that limits our right to meet with our elected officials during negotiations, language that allows the city to declare a fiscal emergency and our MOU is automatically open, and language that requires a super majority vote by the council to approve negotiated MOU’s that have a certain percentage gain over the last contract. The Super Majority language was removed at the council meeting, however it appears legal action will be necessary to remove additional language.
As many of you have already concluded, Councilmember Brand seems to have a passion for everything the FPOA doesn’t support. I’m sure his passion was enhanced after the media called the FPOA on 07-20-10 asking the FPOA what we knew about Councilmember Brand’s vehicle being towed and the FPOA holding a press conference on 07-21-10 to report what we had found out. Councilmember Brand stated this was political payback on the eve of the vote for the LMA. Unfortunately, it was the media who brought the story forward, not the FPOA. A story was going to come from the media like it or not. The FPOA researched the issue and simply chose to be transparent.
As you can see, politics is ugly. Unfortunately it is very necessary to be politically involved. You have all witnessed over the past couple of years that the public’s view of government employees has greatly shifted from tolerating us to almost hating us. There was a time when police officers and fire fighters were greatly appreciated by city, county, and state leaders. Now we are more of a pawn to be used for their political careers. Without engaging in politics and supporting candidates who you hope understand both law enforcement and law enforcement labor, we would have no voice at the table. Yes it is ugly, yes it can be nasty, and yes, sometimes you have to hold your nose, but this is the system that we have to work within. We are either heard or we are silent! For the record, the FPOA has not endorsed Senator Boxer. We hosted the press conference because she has strongly supported federal grant programs that have brought in more than $44 million dollars in law enforcement related money to Fresno County. Many of you, including yours truly, are here today because of that grant money.
Ladies and gentleman I said this last article, “times are tough and it’s time to cowboy up”. As you put on your uniform pants and boots and prepare yourselves mentally and physically for the challenges you will face at work, do not take lightly the violent trends toward law enforcement officers. Your safety, your partner’s safety, and the safety of the community will face challenges likely compared to the mid-to-late 80’s here in Fresno. The FPOA is monitoring and reviewing department changes that we know about. We are doing our best to ensure that any change that occurs complies with the MOU. We need your help to notify us of any changes that are occurring in your unit. Don’t assume we are aware of all the changes.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. USING POWER TO BENEFIT THE COMMON GOOD IS LEADERSHIP! Thank you and stay safe!
Please do not use the department email or voice mail to contact me. Email me at fpoapres@pacbell.net or call 442-3762.