Blog
Barry’s blog__June 2010
Pension History…not the Fairytale
We’ve all heard it and read it. It forms part of any written or spoken discussion of Oakland’s current fiscal situation. “Cops don’t contribute to their pension”. It’s almost as if cops’ pensions caused the problem! Need I say that this is far from the truth – but to understand the Employer Paid Member Contribution (EPMC) the actual name of this issue, does need a little bit of detective work.
When it became obvious that nobody on the City Council, in the City administration or among many of our own members fully understood EPMC or its history, I sought the help of OPOA past Presidents Bob Muzar and Bob Valladon. Their memories, supplemented by a trawl through the OPOA archives, unearthed the facts.
In the early 1980s, your OPOA and the City of Oakland negotiated a multi-year contract. The contract called for a series of percentage pay increases. At that time, having the employer pay the employees’ retirement contribution was a popular issue both with Californian cities and Police Officers Associations. This system replaced straight salary increases with contributions to the officers pension fund but because of the taxation and other elements involved a swap of, say, a 5% salary increase for a 9% contribution to the pension fund could be cost-neutral or even profitable for the city. It could also save the city money on salary-related roll-ups. Ultimately, both the police officer and the City, benefited.
Fast forward to Summer 2006. The city and the OPOA are again in contract negotiations. The city negotiating team proposed unwinding this EPMC payment. The OPOA team, of which I was a member, agreed. The very next day, the city negotiator asked to rescind his EPMC proposal because over- night someone on the city side had done the math, and discovered that unwinding the existing EPMC arrangements would actually cost the city more in the long run. The proposal was removed from the table, and during the next two years of negotiations that lead to arbitration, it was never mentioned by the city side again. We then come to last year’s concession contract. At the city’s urging OPOA agreed to once again pay a portion of EPMC. This year they are back looking for more!! It seems to me that the math, bargaining history, and recent efforts by Oakland Police Officers to address and plan for the city’s financial crisis are all forgotten when the word “pension” is muttered in these turbulent times.
These turbulent times have also generated some unusual event planning at the OPOA. The OPOA is moving forward with plans for a job fair. Not a fair recruiting for Oakland’s finest but rather to find jobs for Oakland’s finest. Employers will have the opportunity to pick from our highly trained, experienced, and hard working officers. I know our Police Officers are the finest in the state and it is with heavy hearts that we seek jobs for them.
The city continues to work on our member seniority list with a view to force reduction and rank reversion. Both the city attorney and OPOA have already weighed in on the process. It appears that Police seniority is handled differently to almost every other type of job in the city. I ask your patience as we move forward with the process and city personnel comes to grips with how our seniority works.
As always, I welcome your comments on these or other issues. You can email me at barry8378@yahoo.com or call me at the Association 510-834-9670 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 510-834-9670 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
Stay safe, keep our heads up and take care of one another.
Barry Donelan
Vice President, OPOA
donelan@opoa.org
Barry’s Recent Blog Post_23 May 10
Pick a headline
June 2010:
“4th Most Dangerous City in America Lays-off 25% of its Police Officers”
November 2010:
“4th Most Dangerous City in America Lay-offs Half its Police Force”
When you read the two unbelievable headlines above, it makes you wonder what the city fathers are thinking. These are not headlines taken from the newspapers of some far away land; these relate to the new reality in our city – Oakland. The prospect of the city issuing pink slips to hard working Oakland Police Officers is very real. The choice the City Council would have the citizens of Oakland believe they have to make is: Lay-off 190 Oakland Police Officers in July 2010, or wait until November 2010 and lay-off 380 Oakland Police Officers. Never mind, that this is one of the most dangerous cities in America. Never mind, that under the command of a new Chief of Police, the crime rate is declining. And never mind, the sacrifices Oakland Police Officers have made for the citizens of Oakland.
Oakland politicians will blame you – the Oakland Police Officer – for their own mismanagement. of the City. They are very wrong because they are responsible!!. Politicians are attempting to use us as scapegoats. While you are out patrolling the streets protecting the citizens of Oakland, know the facts, and inform those citizens you meet:
> Oakland Police Officers stepped up to the plate last year to support our city by opening our closed contract and giving back to the city more than any other city union.
> The Oakland Police Officers Association was the only city union that had a closed contract. There was no obligation on us to open it, but we did so to show our commitment to the citizens of Oakland.
> Oakland Police Officers gave back more to the city in contract concessions than the sum of any two of the other city unions.
> Oakland Police Officers opened their contract and made major concessions that are saving the city money right now. These concessions amount to more than $11.4 millon this year alone, and many millions more over the life of the contract.
> Oakland Police Officers are now being rewarded for their generosity by city leaders who propose laying-off hundreds of Police Officers and ignoring any commitment to public safety in favor of less worthy projects.
Will there be lay-offs, and if so, how many? Ultimately, I do not know. The OPOA is working hard, as always, on behalf of all its members. In the event that pink slips are issued, remember the blame lies squarely with Oakland politicians and not with hard working Police Officers. When we signed on to do this job, we each knew that we could be called upon to sacrifice, but none of us expected to be unfairly treated by the city fathers. If lay-offs do occur, it will be a betrayal of Police Officers who have always stood up for the citizens of Oakland. Let us hope that we hear no more talk of lay-offs and that the members of the City Council will come to their senses before making such a short-sighted and disastrous decision.
As always, I welcome your comments on these or other issues. You can email me at donelan@opoa.org or call me at the Association 510-834-9670 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 510-834-9670 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Stay safe and take care of one another.
Barry Donelan
Vice President, OPOA
donelan@opoa.org
Barry’s Bog Post 13 Apr 10
Who is DeeDee Lunquist?
Okay, so you may not know who DeeDee Lunquist is. But let me assure you of one thing, you may not know her but she sure supports you! DeeDee Lunquist is the trustee, representing Northern California, on the Legal Defense Fund (LDF). DeeDee, like you, is a cop. Also like you, she cares about her brothers and sisters in blue. During the past few months both Dom and I have talked about our concerns regarding our LDF use and the prospect of an increase in our rates. Back in February DeeDee and the other LDF trustees and staff met at the OPOA. Subsequently, we had an opportunity to meet and address them. The LDF trustees recently made the decision to increase rates, but it is a testament to DeeDee and the other LDF trustees that they stood by their motto of “cops helping cops” in that the rate increase was modest compared to what it could have been. All the credit for this lies with the Board of Trustees and DeeDee in particular. Her tenure with LDF has been marked by an unwavering commitment to cops, and specifically the hardest working cops around, OPD.
More LDF: Retiree Firearm Coverage.
Those of you who follow the website will have noticed the recent addition of a benefit to our retirees. For PORAC Retired Associate Members (RAM) you can obtain LDF retiree firearm coverage for $48 a year. This provides coverage in three board areas:
1. Appeals for denial of a CCW – Help for you to fight a denial of a CCW
2. Criminal / Civil Coverage – Legal assistance if you have to discharge your firearm
3. HR 218 Coverage – Legal assistance to ensure you can “carry” nationwide.
This coverage is in its infancy and needs 1000 participants to make it work long term. For more details of this new benefit go back to the link on the OPOA.org site or to PORAC.org.
Vallejo
The saga in Vallejo continues. Like Oakland, Vallejo has binding arbitration. Now post bankruptcy, the Vallejo City Council is desperate to point blame at someone or something for their own mismanagement and incompetence. They came up with Measure A – the ballot measure to remove binding arbitration. This is a classic sneaky political tactic to divert public attention from the real challenges facing Vallejo, by the same elected officials that caused bankruptcy. It is a cynical effort to blame police officers and firefighters for Vallejo’s woes, while all the time, spending the taxpayers’ hard earned money on lawyers and political consultants.
The OPOA Board of Directors at its March board meeting, voted unanimously to support our Vallejo brothers and sisters in their fight against Vallejo’s Measure A. Since our board meeting San Jose POA also stepped up to the plate to help. In recent weeks, I have been to Vallejo and met members of Vallejo POA and their President, Matt Mustard. The citizens of Vallejo should be proud of their police officers, who work hard for their community, even as their numbers have grown ever smaller. I would hope all of our OPOA members who live in Vallejo vote NO on Measure A and encourage their neighbors to do the same. The election is June 8th.
I asked last month for photos of our aging fleet. I was not disappointed. Keep them coming.
As always, I welcome your comments on these or other issues. You can email me at donelan@opoa.org or call me at the Association 510-834-9670.
Stay safe and take care of one another.
Barry Donelan
Vice President, OPOA
donelan@opoa.org
LDF Trustee DeeDee Lunquist’s email: lundquist2028@comcast.net
LDF Chairman Any Schlenker email: adschlenker@comcast.net
More information on Vallejo; Vote No on Measure A:
http://www.votenomeasurea.com
http://www.vallejopoa.com/
ENDORCED BY YOUR OPOA
Political candidate information can be found at the following links:
http://www.perata4mayor.com/
http://creightonforjudge.org/
Barry’s Blog Post 18 Mar 10
The long-delayed watch change is upon us. The new and improved shift schedule is now coming on-line. The new schedule is a product of the work of those of our members who toiled on the OPOA Shift Committee. I congratulate them on a job well done. I would also ask, if during the year you have an idea to improve the shifts for next year, that you step up. The Shift Committee is a standing OPOA committee and it will be taking suggestions during the year. You might even consider volunteering to join the committee; it is open to one and all.
The dust is still clearing in the union hall from the first ever “Member Benefits Day” earlier in the month. A lot of work went into bringing it all together and I have to admit that I was a little concerned nobody would show up. How wrong I was! For two days the hall was packed. I could never have anticipated such a huge response. All the vendors who participated were stunned (a) with the number of members who attended and (b) with the level of interest displayed. The idea originally came from our own Renee Hassna and she is to be congratulated for it. What we need now is to find out what you thought of the day. Were you looking for a benefit that was not offered? Did all the vendors meet your expectations? How could we improve the benefits fair if we did it again? Or, should we do it again? Tell us what you think – email me directly, or let a board member know.
During the benefits day, retirement was the foremost thought on many peoples’ minds. And in retirement, old habits die hard! PORAC offers a benefit in retirement the Retired Associate Membership (RAM) program. Joining RAM maintains your PORAC membership in retirement, provides access to PORAC benefits, including very soon LDF, and ensures you have an advocate protecting your CALPERS retirement check. All this for the grand sum of $24 per year! How can you beat that for a deal?
For the first time in a number of years there is going to be a judicial race in Alameda County. It is not often that candidates actually run for judge, although Superior Court Judgeships are elected offices. The race this time involves Deputy District Attorney John Creighton and a defense attorney from Hayward. On Saint Patrick’s Day your OPOA Board of Directors met and heard from both candidates. It will come as no surprise for you to hear that the OPOA board joined PORAC and the other POAs in the county in endorsing our long time friend, John Creighton. Any member who has dealt with John knows his honesty, integrity and his years of experience that will make him a great judge. I would encourage all our members to vote for John Creighton for Alameda County Superior Court Judge on 8 June next.
Staying on the subject of elective office, I put out a call last month to forward the names of political candidates seeking OPOA endorsements to your Board of Directors. I am pleased to say that I have already had a few takers. I will continue to keep you posted on what candidates, if any, are endorsed by the OPOA and your continued feedback will help shape those endorsements.
Our aging fleet of police cars is becoming more and more of a concern. I ask that you send me photos of any in service vehicles that are far below stellar. Photos might include unique application of buggy cord or duck tape, or that unusual seat lumbar support etc.
As always, I welcome your comments on these or other issues. You can email me at donelan@opoa.org or call me at the Association 510-834-9670.
Stay safe and take care of one another.
Barry Donelan
Vice President, OPOA
donelan@opoa.org
ENDORSED BY YOUR OPOA
Political candidate information can be found at the following links:
Barry Donelan Blog Post – 22 Feb 10
As we are fast approaching March 8th and 10th, preparations for the OPOA’s first ever “Member Benefit Day” is in full swing. The number of vendors pledging to attend seems to be growing by the week. I have spoken at a couple of line-ups and sent out a bunch of emails advertising the event but I still need your help in getting the message across to all our members. The opportunity to meet your insurance, financial, retirement and benefits partners under one roof during the course of a day should not be missed. Here’s an opportunity to learn more about the benefits available to you and I hope you will avail of it. I look forward to a large turnout of members.
Does anyone see a problem with the combination of felons and body armor? Well I guess most cops would but, the Second Appellate Court didn’t see a problem. In a recent case, the Court struck down a California law that prohibited ex-felons from possessing body armor. That decision just makes you shake your head. I am pleased to say that, as usual, common sense resides within the ranks of law enforcement because, both PORAC and California Attorney General Jerry Brown weighed in very early on the issue. Attorney General Brown and PORAC petitioned the Court to “review” this ridiculous decision. Let’s see what happens. By chance the OPOA Board of directors is set to interview two candidates for Superior Court Judge in March. Guess what question will be first on the agenda?
The monumental task of organizing the OPD contingents attending this year’s Police Week memorials in Sacramento and Washington DC is moving into full gear. This OPD expedition has a lot of moving parts. I would ask all members involved in either, or both memorials for a prompt response to any requests or questions from the organizing committee, and their patience, as we put this all together. The OPOA point person for this project is, of course, our own Renee Hassna and the Chief has assigned Captain Downing as OPD liaison.
On the same topic, to support our trip to Washington, members of the District Attorney’s Office recently held a poker tournament at the Warehouse. At the most recent OPOA Board Meeting Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley was on hand to present the $5,000 raised in that tournament to the Association. Big Dom graciously accepted the donation and we thank our friends at the DA’s Office for their generosity.
For those of you, and you know who you are, who have described my picture on the website as unflattering, help is at hand. Our own Michele Gribi took new and improved photos of our entire Board of Directors this month. Soon the new, somewhat easier on the eye, photos will be displayed in all their glory. We even have Dom in a shirt and tie. Thank you Michele for coming to our rescue!
As always, I welcome your comments on these or other issues. You can email me at donelan@opoa.org or call me at the association 510-834-9670.
Stay safe and take care of one another.
Barry Donelan
Vice President, OPOA
ENDORCED BY YOUR OPOA
Political candidate information can be found at the following links:
Barry’s Bog Entry 22 Jan 10
Welcome to a New Year and our new and improved website. A lot of work has been put into this new face of the OPOA on the web and, for it to succeed, we need your feedback. So navigate the site, consider improvements or changes and let us have your suggestions. In the long run, this site will only be as good as the effort we all put into it.
One project on which the OPOA has been working, and is about to become reality, is a Membership Benefits Day. What is that? You ask. Well, the plan is that in early March we will have two days when you (our OPOA members) can come to the OPOA and meet all the OPOA benefits vendors in one place. You will be able to meet our insurance, financial, retirement and benefits partners all under one roof during the course of a day. This provides you with an opportunity to ask questions, update your information, even sign up for benefits – all at the same time and in the same place. Thus far, we have received commitments from half a dozen different vendors who have agreed to attend. Stay tuned, as the dates will be well advertised in advance, or alternatively, just ask a board member.
As you are no doubt aware, 2010 is an election year. During every election cycle, candidates approach your Association looking for endorsements. This year is no exception. Endorsements are important because the outcome of the various races affects us all, both in our work lives and at home. Arguably, one of the most important elective offices for us is that of Mayor of Oakland. Knowing that a track record of experience and proven leadership is needed during this difficult time, your Association has endorsed our long-time ally Don Perata for Mayor. Don’s record with regard to law enforcement in the State Senate is beyond reproach. He knows that he will have his work cut out for him here in Oakland, but he is clearly the best man for the job.
Don is not the only supporter of Oakland police officers the Association has endorsed in the coming elections. Nancy O’Malley, a career prosecutor with a solid track record of fighting crime, is running for Alameda County District Attorney – a position she currently holds. The OPOA is proud to endorse her for DA. Her record of successful prosecutions and support for cops speaks for itself. Since receiving our endorsement, she has gone on to garner endorsements from PORAC and from almost every law enforcement association in the county. With Nancy at the helm in the DA’s office, the future looks bright for our officers being backed up by prosecutors in the fight against crime.
The OPOA has also weighed in on State races. State Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico from Fremont is running for California State Attorney General, and we are proud to stand with PORAC, and Associations up and down the State, in endorsing his bid for the State’s top law enforcement job. Alberto comes from a law enforcement family, and has been a leader in Sacramento in standing up for police officers. He has also fought off attacks by the Governor on our pensions and has always supported public safety. He is also endorsed by the firefighter unions, but we won’t hold that against him.
On occasion, you might be approached by an individual running for office looking for a police endorsement. Never hesitate to refer these folks to your Association.
As always, I welcome your comments on these or other issues. You can email me at donelan@opoa.org or call me at the Association 510-834-9670.
Stay safe and take care of one another.
Barry Donelan
Vice President, OPOA
donelan@opoa.org
Further candidate information can be found at the following links:
Berry Donelan – Vice President
Our hearts still grieve with somber tears for our own fallen officers, and now the anguish of another deadly killing of police officers adds to our sadness. Four hardworking and valiant cops of Lakewood, Washington were mercilessly gunned down by another dreg of our society. We salute in silent vigil Sgt. Mark Renninger, Officer Ronald Owens, Officer Tina Griswald and Officer Greg Richards.
