Dom’s Recent Blog Post – 23 Feb 10
This and that, from our monthly board meeting…..
We all knew this day would come, our LDF rates may increase substantially. There is no nice way to put it. First off, for the new people, look at LDF as an insurance policy. No one would own a home or a car without an insurance policy, well ….most people. Currently we pay $38 dollars a month per member, quick math that’s $456 bucks a year. In today’s world I don’t know what’s more important, wearing our bullet proof vests or LDF coverage. To me, an Oakland cop, must have LDF coverage.
In January, Barry Donelan, Renee Hassna and I met with LDF Executive Director Ed Fishman (Matt Hornung’s attorney) and LDF trustee Dede Torres. He explained that since 1999, we have used more LDF resources than we paid in. In fact, we are the biggest user in the entire 29 states that LDF covers. Yep #1. This leads to the next conversation, “Rates”. He told us that our $38 dollar monthly rate is looking to jump significantly, and Ed stated that would just “stop the bleeding”. Meaning paying for what we use; not building a fund for future battles. Like any good Oakland Cop, I used every trick in the book to talk him down, however he advised that I would have to address the LDF Board.
On Friday February 5, Barry and I made a presentation to the board. In our presentation we spoke about adjusting the culture of LDF usage and our current IA system, OPOA ownership of LDF and Structure change in our usage. I explained that throwing money at a problem will not solve the problem. I explained to the board that ALL police officers face the same dangers in the job, but in Oakland, we face the danger and more.
I am not talking about changing any NSA guidelines, so the folks trying to read into my words pound salt and keep reading your liberal mags, I’m talking about the LDF within the IA process. One reason members frequently use LDF is because of our past experiences with the IA system. I am not trying to offend anyone here, but we are law enforcement, we are not going to make everyone happy and we may make mistakes. Seems like to me, minor stuff is always blown out of proportion, sometimes people are lazy or over worked, yet they are called liars. Give me a break. The men and women of this police department are the finest in our society. Our members have to pass a rigorous background and 100s of test to get into the Job, they are great people. But like any human beings we sometimes make mistakes, discipline should be about improving ourselves and learning.
The OPOA needs to take ownership and a more active approach in dealing with LDF usage. If you need a lawyer, you will get a lawyer, but sometimes the experience of our board may suffice and may even be better. The OPOA needs to analyze who, what and when we are using LDF and look for trends. By the end of February the entire OPOA board will have received training to help our members out with any questions or problems in this area they may have.
The structure of the LDF process must be looked into. Using labor reps are cheaper and could be more effective. Labor reps are not attorneys, however are dispatched out of a law firm and this maintains attorney client privileges. Labor reps are normally retired police officers. The command staff and members of this department need to be trained on whatever comprehensive plan we implement. I asked Ed Fishman to sit with the leadership of the OPOA and provide us a road map that will lower our overall usage, without putting members at risk.
As of today 2-21-2010, I have not heard any decision on a rate increase. I was told our presentation was excellent and compelling. We will be awaiting the results and will let you know.
The Holiday Pay Grievance is still looming, however we have given the city until 3-16-2010, then we will move this matter to arbitration.
It is political season, may candidates will be vying for various council seats and the mayor spot. Please forward all who are seeking endorsements to me. This is a touchy subject, do not get yourself sucked into a candidate placing you in a bad situation there is a fine line between what you say and do on duty. Trust me, I know.
By now all members should have received all of your vacation for the year. What is important is that you sign the vacation form that came with it. This form says that you acknowledge you must pay back some of the balances if you separate from service midyear. This must be signed to retain this benefit.
Don’t forget member benefits day. March 8th and 10th at the OPOA. I strongly urge all members to go.
There will be a memorial BBQ at the OPOA on 3-21-2010. Please mark your calendars.
If you need anything or have any comments you can email me at arotzarena@opoa.org or call me at the association 510-834-9670.
I’m still working on the kegorator!!!
Dom Arotzarena
OPOA President
