Interviewed by the Police Union

Yesterday I was interviewed by the Police Union for the City of West Palm Beach (or Police Benevolent Association PBA). This is the union which bargains the contracts for our police officers who work in our City. (It is not the actual West Palm Beach Police Department itself.) What is important to them are the pay scales, pensions and benefits that are awarded through contracts negotiated with the City's administration, then approved by the City Commission.

In the past, they have not endorsed Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell and she continues to get the support of the people. So I am not concern should they choose to not endorse me. Besides, I didn’t go to the interview for the endorsement, I went for the introduction.

Most of those seated around the table were new faces to me.

My name might have been familiar to them, and the three minute public comments may have given them a small insight as to what I stand for, but they did not know me, private citizen Alex. So this was an opportunity to have them see me in a more personal light. I was grateful for the 30 minutes I had to answer questions and share my impressions with them. When I win, I would like to continue the dialogue we started so I can better understand the realities of the officers and how they see certain issues and positions.

Who knows who they will endorse?

(I do believe they understand I will be fair when making budgetary decisions which will impact their lives.)

We are really lucky to have dedicated police officers and a police department that has the capacity to serve us well. I was happy to learn that the department has maintained its technology to standards competative with todays tools. Their important issues were primarily their pension multipliers (which they want to be at equal levels as with the WPB Fire Department) and that their salaries be competative with similar municipalities. They also had concerns regarding the take home car policy now being imposed on employees. I was given a 28 page cost-benfit analysis of the vehicle policy in Tacoma as evidence of an economic evaluation. I promised them I would read it after I am elected. (As most know, I am all for cost -benefit determinators, when addressing the budget.)

However, more important to me and my neighbors, is the relationships we must create in order to serve our residents. The relationships that must exist between the Department and the residents is essential to ensuring an environment of safety and security. I believe with the proper leadership this can reach higher heights then now exist. I know they are willing. I know the community is willing. Now we simply need the political will to make it happen on a multitude of levels.

The Police Department, as well as other city employees, are as vested in the wellbeing of our community as we the residents are. They are ALL stakeholders as well. To not look at those who serve us as partners is wrong. To approach all their concerns as simply a dollar amount is limiting.

However, the message I left with them was this: In hard times, all under one roof must participate in the cuts and sacrifices that must be made to the good of all, so that in times of prosperity we can all benefit. This is an opportunity for them to demonstrate a willingness to act as partners in making our City healthy.

We face hard times.
We must face them together as partners, for a shared vision.
We must enter these times with open minds and an equal understanding that there will be certain areas to share the load of fiscal repair.

I believe they understand this. I also know we can arrive at a mutual understanding when it comes from a place of reason and justice.

I look forward to working with them to approach the future with mature sound reason, for the good of West Palm Beach and ALL its stakeholders.

Whether or not they endorse me…

Because the endorsement that ultimately matters is that of the voting residents of West Palm Beach.

Please endorse me to work for you,
as your City Commissioner,
on March 11th.

I know we can ALL work together
for the best interst of our City.