2012 saw the retirements of key individuals from the POA. I also will retire this year. The importance for younger members to become involved in this organization cannot be over emphasized. The challenges facing this organization in the next three years are significant. The need for qualified, experienced leadership will never be more critical.
The departures of Steve Johnson and Kevin Martin have left a void that will be difficult to fill. Kevin and Steve were the go-to guys on matters related to representation, grievances, and discipline. Their ability to run an effective system of representation gave me the time to concentrate on the daily challenges of the union, those being the community, alliances, public relations, and politics. We have temporarily re-adjusted the tasks of the executive board to cover the representation. But, it is definitely a full-time position, and we are working to fill it ASAP.
My retirement June of 2013 is mandatory under the parameters of DROP. The POA By-Laws will also mandate my resignation from the POA presidency. My departure will present even more challenges to the current executive board.
Over the years, the POA has evolved from a simple fraternal society into one of the most powerful employee organizations in the city. The organization operates on a $3.4 million annual budget, represents more than 2,000 members, and is the recognized bargaining agent for all ranks. Not only must we be intelligent when meeting the challenges that confront, but we must also be savvy in how we maintain our financial stability. We have close to $12 million in assets. That has been accomplished through wise investment strategy and spending restraints. That level of corporate organization requires sophisticated leadership.
The POA executive board must also accomplished at negotiating contracts. Nothing is more important then maintaining or advancing the wages, benefits, and working conditions of our members. This includes researching the status of comparable police contracts up and down the state, as well as maneuvering through the complicated bureaucracy of city government. In order to accomplish our goals, we must maintain a trusting and positive relationship with the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors, and the Human Resources Division. Without positive interaction with all three entities, a successful negotiation is unlikely.
Our strategy to fight Prop C last November allowed us to get out in front of the pension-slashing issues that most departments are still fighting. Now, we are at the precipice of a health care crisis, but we have the knowledge and experience to come up with potential solutions for this vital issue. Our voice was heard at city hall, and now there will be 18 academy classes over the next six years. I can say it unabashedly; we have drag at City Hall.
The ability to communicate effectively with the media is also an important aspect of this job. Working with the media requires mutual respect and understanding, as well as a bit of tit-for-tat..
Representation and defense of our members is always a demanding priority. When an accusation is leveled against one of our members, the first thing we must do is determine the right fit between the member and an attorney we hand pick to handle his or her case. We provide top shelf Bay Area attorneys, so we must also budget those costs pragmatically.
We also must appear at the Police Commission and maintain a positive relationship with as many commissioners as possible. In addition, we represent our members at OCC, DABOR, and Chief’s Hearings.
Daily interaction with the Chief is also a big part of the job. Chief Suhr and I have a respectful relationship, and I can't tell you how important that is when a brief phone conversation can settle any number of minor issues. That sort of cooperative interaction saves us time and money.
The challenges facing this organization in the coming years are many. Unfortunately, there are fewer members interested in union involvement. The days when members attending a regular monthly board meeting outnumbered the elected rep’s at the table are long gone. Today, many members cannot even name the two rep’s at their unit, and a sizable portion of the membership have never set foot inside the POA building.
Employee representation is a vital and important function of modern government. That is certainly true in the SFPD. Believe me, when City Hall wants a concession, they don't ask the Chief; they come to the union. Get involved and become interested in your association. We must remain smart, strong, and unified if we wish to continue our success and look to enjoy a prosperous future.
