Letter to the Editor
Note: Sorry I didn't post this earlier. With days off, etc., the letter didn't make it to me until today.
As a City of Bradford tax payer and member of the Police Department I feel some facts need to be given about the current financial situation of the city and the police department. I want to stress that these facts are not meant in any way to represent the views of the Fraternal Order of Police or any other members of the department other than myself. These facts are also being stated as a tax payer with knowledge and not as a police officer.
During the last contract negotiations I along with two other representatives met with representatives of the city, one of which was John Peterson. During these negotiations the police officers agreed to concessions partially because John Peterson stated the insurance premiums were expected to raise 17 to 25% in 2008 and were expected to continue rising within those percentages. His anticipated increase fell within the range of the 23% the city received. This should have been anticipated while figuring the next budget.
When the city met with representatives of the departments on December 10th we were given the option to accept a package of three concessions which have been printed in the paper. It was asked in this meeting if the three could be voted on separately and we were informed no, it was all or nothing. I have talked with several members of the police department about the possibility of the wage freeze to help with the financial situation, this may have been acceptable.
There are many other concessions officers have made to better the police service at no cost to the tax payer. All members of the Emergency Response Team volunteered to be trained with the City of Erie S.W.A.T. and receive their Basic S.W.A.T. certificate at no additional cost to the city. Seven officers paid for their own meals, gas and lodging while being trained. Chief Close has also sent officers to other schools with no additional cost to the city to have better trained and qualified officers.
There are many other instances in which officers and the Chief have donated their time or taken compensation time in lieu of overtime.
Another point which should be made is that there are two officers in our department which are eligible for retirement but are unable to leave at this time. One of these officers expressed interest in retirement to save the job of a younger officer more capable of performing the duties. Representatives spoke with City officials and compiled figures which would have enabled one if not both of the officers to retire and keep a more productive officer on the street. These figures did show a significant savings for the city. It is my understanding that Mayor Riel understood the need for young enthusiastic officers in the department who will be an asset and worth training in specialized fields and be serving the city for years. It is also my understanding that Mayor Riel does not have the support from John Peterson or other council members.
I would like to stress that the meeting with the departments was not until December 10th, why was this not discussed earlier with the departments. John Peterson City Clerk, and Councilman Onuffer whom is in charge of Accounts and Finance should have some accountability as this should have been anticipated and the departments approached prior to the first budget reading.
Respectfully,
Michael S Simanowski
As a City of Bradford tax payer and member of the Police Department I feel some facts need to be given about the current financial situation of the city and the police department. I want to stress that these facts are not meant in any way to represent the views of the Fraternal Order of Police or any other members of the department other than myself. These facts are also being stated as a tax payer with knowledge and not as a police officer.
During the last contract negotiations I along with two other representatives met with representatives of the city, one of which was John Peterson. During these negotiations the police officers agreed to concessions partially because John Peterson stated the insurance premiums were expected to raise 17 to 25% in 2008 and were expected to continue rising within those percentages. His anticipated increase fell within the range of the 23% the city received. This should have been anticipated while figuring the next budget.
When the city met with representatives of the departments on December 10th we were given the option to accept a package of three concessions which have been printed in the paper. It was asked in this meeting if the three could be voted on separately and we were informed no, it was all or nothing. I have talked with several members of the police department about the possibility of the wage freeze to help with the financial situation, this may have been acceptable.
There are many other concessions officers have made to better the police service at no cost to the tax payer. All members of the Emergency Response Team volunteered to be trained with the City of Erie S.W.A.T. and receive their Basic S.W.A.T. certificate at no additional cost to the city. Seven officers paid for their own meals, gas and lodging while being trained. Chief Close has also sent officers to other schools with no additional cost to the city to have better trained and qualified officers.
There are many other instances in which officers and the Chief have donated their time or taken compensation time in lieu of overtime.
Another point which should be made is that there are two officers in our department which are eligible for retirement but are unable to leave at this time. One of these officers expressed interest in retirement to save the job of a younger officer more capable of performing the duties. Representatives spoke with City officials and compiled figures which would have enabled one if not both of the officers to retire and keep a more productive officer on the street. These figures did show a significant savings for the city. It is my understanding that Mayor Riel understood the need for young enthusiastic officers in the department who will be an asset and worth training in specialized fields and be serving the city for years. It is also my understanding that Mayor Riel does not have the support from John Peterson or other council members.
I would like to stress that the meeting with the departments was not until December 10th, why was this not discussed earlier with the departments. John Peterson City Clerk, and Councilman Onuffer whom is in charge of Accounts and Finance should have some accountability as this should have been anticipated and the departments approached prior to the first budget reading.
Respectfully,
Michael S Simanowski
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