LOG IN AND CLICK ON MESSAGE BOARD TO VIEW THE PROPOSED FEES.   I SENT THE FOLLOWING EMAIL TO THE MAYOR.

Mayor Becker,

 I can only imagine the time and efforts it takes to put together the Salt Lake City Corporation budget.

 I heard your budget speech and was impressed with your words regarding “taking good care” of the employees. 

Earlier yesterday Lyn Creswell briefed the representatives of the labor organizations and I was feeling good about the direction the City was heading with this years budget process.  Next week we have our first scheduled meeting regarding negotiation of wage adjustments.  I was optimistic that under your guidance Police Officers’ salaries would not suffer greatly from new health care costs.      

Unfortunately, last night at midnight I decided to read the proposed budget.  I just was shocked to see a 30% increase to the Take Home Vehicle Policy.

I was completely blindsided by this revelation.  Not only does it negatively make a huge impact on the morale and finances of the 500 Series Police Officers, even more offensive was it was never even brought to my attention.  To have this proposal placed underhanded in the budget without either the Police Department’s or Police Association’s input or knowledge is unfathomable.     

I don’t know if you recall the outcry of emotions the last time (a couple years ago) when we dealt with these fees being adjusted (raised) and vehicle usage was greatly restricted.  I attempted to bring it to your attention when during your campaign for Mayor, when we (Salt Lake Police Association) specifically placed the concern on a questionnaire sheet that we had you address in writing.   

I had high hopes of working collaboratively on issues and I am so disappointed with this new City Administration approach.   

To Police Officers this recommendation seems to fly in the face of everything you stated about “taking good care” of the employees and not “balancing the budget on the backs of the employees.”   

Sincerely,

Tom Gallegos

President

Salt Lake Police Association

Salt Lake Police Association

Annual Meeting

Tuesday April 29, 2008 @ Noon

Pioneer Precinct

Agenda

• Presidents Report
• Financial Report
• Committee Reports
• New Business
• Part-Time Job Rate Increase
• Donation to Police Memorial
• Health Insurance

Catered Lunch will be served from Noon to 1300 Hours

5 Door Prizes -$100 Gift Certificate to Sportman's Warehouse

Mayor Becker has announced his new appointment to the Civilian Review Board administration:

Welcome Rick Rasmussen   

Rick has recently retired from the local office of the F.B.I.     Many SLCPD Officers may have worked with him during some recent high profile cases, Destiny Norton comes to mind. 

I have met with Rick and was impressed with his professionalism.  He has an understanding of the issues in the past between the Police Association and the Civilian Review Board.  I took from the meeting that Police Officers will now be given an unbaised, independent and confidential investigation by the administrator of the Civilian Review Board. 

At this point I am encouraged that Mayor Becker has made a significant change to better this program.  Regardless of the individual case outcomes, preserving Police Officer rights to due process and confidential investigations will now be paramount not only to the Police Department and Police Association but by the Civilian Review Board Adminstrator as well.     

That's all we have ever asked for!!!!

2008 February Monthly Meeting Notes have been posted in the "Members Only", Meeting Minutes section.   In the event you missed the meeting you will be able to see that we covered a ton of information.  Due to its significance I attempted to go into more detail than typical meeting minutes.  

If you have any questions please don't hestitate to stop by my office and chat.   (I will provide the candy.)    

January Monthly Meeting notes posted in Meeting Minutes area.   Take note of the agenda for 2008 and 2009 projects.   If there are any issues that you want the SLPA to explore,  please comment to President Gallegos or any board member.

2008 Advisory Board Members:

Legislative:  Derek Coats

Activities:  Lisa Pascadlo 

Safety:  Chris Johnson

Membership:  Brandon Shearer