LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Des Moines Police Guild Responds To Possible Budget Cuts
Saturday morning (Dec. 5th), we received an email entitled “Response from the Men and Women of the Des Moines Police Guild, who protect our community” regarding possible budget cuts by the city, and while this is a story we’ll be covering more in-depth over the next few days, we thought it was still relevant enough to post today.
Here’s what they sent:
Between March and April of 2009 the Des Moines Police Officers Guild entered into contract concessions negotiations with the City of Des Moines. The Guild agreed to a one time surrender of a funded annual benefit, saving the City in excess of $70,000.00.
On November 12, 2009, in an unprecedented event, the City and the Mayor met with the Guild in an effort to re‐open concessions negotiations on the existing contract. The City and the Mayor believed they could save currently occupied Police Officer positions from layoff only if the Guild were to concede to an annual reoccurring cut in wages, amounting to approximately $62,000.00. The Guild countered again with a one time surrender and agreed to respond back to the City by no later than 12/03/09.
On November 19, 2009, City council, in absence of the Mayor, voted and passed a motion to eliminate four (4) currently occupied Police Officer positions, one (1) Sergeant position. In addition to the three (3) currently vacant positions which were earlier eliminated.
Their budget cutting actions were retaliatory based. Their cuts were discouraged by our Chief of Police and deeper than those proposed.
The Guild has sent an informational mailing to the public in an effort to inform them of the potential danger in a reduction of police services.
Also, here’s a poster they included:
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So, if we don’t cut parks/senior services and don’t cut police, how is the budget supposed to be balanced. More taxes?
This is what we deserve for continually reinstall incumbents! Over and over the same council is re-elected and do we relly expect a diffferent result – if so then we, as citizens, aren’t too intelligent.. One eminent council member recently described doing the same thing repeatedly with expectaions of a different result as “idiotic”. So, as you read this , “If the shoe fits, wear it”. ,Notice that Susan White did not get re-elected but, as a last good will gesture, along with Ed Pina, did what they could in support of our police! Why do we ignore the need of a secure city and let police go until the cry, “Officer Down” is followed by much hand ringing and remorse?? The time to thank our police for their meritorius service is while the are still up and about the business of supporting and protecting us. We saw so many signs and so many articles in support of out parks and recreation services and agreed that it was a good cause. A far better and more important cause, from this citizen’s viewpoint, is security and freedom from fear. Let’s show our feelings for our police force in the same strength as was elicited for our parks and recreation.
Time for the public to come forward with their suggestions on what constitutes “waste” in city spending for 2010! I’m more than willing to hear suggestions on how to close a $692,000 gap between on-going expenses and on-going revenues — without cutting filled police positions.
The reality is that we aren’t going to eliminate the Parks & Rec Department (potential savings, approx. $350k). We heard loud and clear from the public that that is not an option. Nearly every other department is down to the minimum people needed to comply with state law, barely maintain our roads and public facilities, or provide fee funded services (such as inspections, etc.).
So, what’s left? The police Department represents approximately half of our budget, and is the LAST place we looked to cut. Before looking at patrol or detective positions, I proposed cutting a Commander (we have two), and one sergeant (we have 8), and we were told by the Chief of his concerns on managing the Department if that happened. My motion failed on a 1 to 5 vote (my being the lone yes vote). After that, all we were left with were proposed cuts #3 and #4 (which eliminates positions with people in them), both put forward by the Chief, and they were adopted on a 5 to 1 vote by the Council (Ed Pina being the lone “no” vote).
Barring some sort of pot of money falling from the sky, or employees willing to give up pay INCREASES, we’re in the position of having to cut positions. Simple as that. That’s not a threat, that’s the reality of only having so many options and so much money to provide services.
P.S. — And that’s while doing everything to avoid asking for MORE taxes in this economic downturn (which I oppose).
Well Dave, your last comment demonstrates you are either a politician, misinformed or simply lying…..hmmm. The city is raising taxes: $20 car tabs, 1% to the utility tax, increases in several fees. Would you like to explain your comment on avoiding tax increases? There are several options for Parks & Rec but no one on the council seems to be willing to entertain any of the ideas or suggestions. What about a metropolitan parks district for all city parks like Normandy Park just passed, what about neighborhoods/volunteers adopting parks to maintain them, what about sports leagues participating in the maintainance or paying for their use? Bottom line….CLOSE THE PARKS AND SAVE THE POLICE!!! You make me regret my vote.
Misunderstood, you’re misunderstanding. The car tabs went up a year ago (I voted against that), and there is NO proposal to increase utility taxes that the Council has approved. So I don’t know what you’re talking about regarding tax and fee increases. I suggest you actually WATCH the council meetings rather than just spouting off about potential revenue increases. Or are you just lying?
It is cold outside today and our flag is sadly draped at half staff to commemorate the recent loss of four brave souls who were sworn to protect and serve us. It is difficult to comprehend that, even with the loss of six of our fellow citizen police officers in recent history, that there is not a loud cry of indignation at the cut back of our own Des Moines police contingent. Somewhere, and read recently, it is stated that (City Leaders) “The first obligation to its citizens in the community is a guarantee of safety and security”. Roger Baker was brought to Des Moines to ascertain and ensure the tenets of this obligation. We walk our streets with impunity and need not be concerned of our surroundings. It is our chief’s determination that, cutting our police force is not a wise decision. So this brings the question, “DId we hire this highly skilled professional so that we could ignore his manpower requirements?” We can honor Officer Underwood, Officer Brenton and the four that recently fell with our voices, e-mails, and especially our participation in forth- coming elections. As, tomorrow, we “Remember Pearl Harbor”, let us also remember the actions that resulted in a reduction in our most important assets in blue. Let us use reason, not anger us we let our council feel our concerns.
Dame in Des Moines makes a good point and we do have to make cuts somewhere. It only makes sense to me the cuts would be in parks and other NON-ESSENTIAL services. If we don’t have a well trained, fully staffed police force how safe do you feel in your parks, businesses, and homes? I think everyone should call or email their council members and demand that no officers be cut. It is much easier to re-open a park when the economy improves than to try and hire 8 police officers back. I believe I heard that it takes approximately 1 1/2 years to hire, train, and have a functional officer on the street. People need to learn how to prioritize!
I encourage all citizens to watch the Council Meetings and see exactly what is being said about the proposed Police cuts, as well as other budget items being discussed. Chief Roger Baker has said that he will move around officers to cover the 5 proposed cuts to the patrol positions. This does not make me scared or feel like I cannot go out at night. I do not feel like I will be a crime victim just because 5 positions have been eliminated. In watching the videos I have learned that the Police Guild has taken no permanent cuts in 2009 while all other employees have taken a permanent reduction in their pay as well as up to 5 days off without pay. I read that the Police are giving up $70,000 in a funded benefit. But, as I understand it, it is not a cut that permanently affects their compounding cost of living increases. The bottom line is that there are no other positions left, within the City, to cut that would net the same savings. All other Departments have already lost so many of their employees, some more than 50%. It’s silly to say that any Department is more important over another. They all equally contribute to the livability of this City.
I hope you continue to maintain this opinion when you call 911 and it takes an hour or 2 for an officer to come and help you like in King County or some other cities. Also, the Chief did not say he would move people around to cover all the cuts. As I understand it, there are normally 5 officers and 1 sergeant scheduled to cover the streets in Des Moines. This will effectively reduce the number of officers on the street to 3 officers and 1 sergeant. I completely disagree with your statement that no department is more important, with out police and fire your City isn’t liveable or safe.
I will agree that the livability of a city requires competent police and fire. However, I also firmly believe that livability of a city is more than police and fire and without parks and recreation (great crime prevention by the way), I would consider this city every bit as unlivable as a city without police and fire.
Which officers are being let go? do we have names? Some have served this community for a long time.
Well “silly: is reducing our police force so that we can get mugged in the park or on the street. “Silly” is calling 911 and connecting with a graffiti “artist”. “Silly” is a lone policeman in a vehicle being targetted while we enjoy our other “more important amenities”! This needs more attention than it has been given. The general only calls for addiditonal reinforcements because he needs them. What civilian has the profound knowledge to second guess our police chief? Remember the word “SECURITY” as it is the first priority of our council to provide.
Is anyone not concerned about the crime from Pac Ridge rolling down at a high rate to the family neighborhoods in Des Moines? It has never been under control anyhow and the budget cuts send a message that crimes will not be properly addressed and prosecuted in this area. Oh well, they’ll probably plea down a misdemeanor anyhow and make a weekend stay at the new thug hotel going up in our backyards.
For the record, I have lived 5 years in Pac Ridge apartments and since that cultural experiment, have moved to the “better” side of Des Moines in 2005. Unfortunately most people I know associate Des Moines with the hwy 99 corridor and they know nothing of the peaceful communities most of the residents here have worked hard to maintain. I think the necessity of law enforcement here is a serious and severe issue. If the parks budget needs cutting, it’s sad, however nobody’s lives and well being are at risk if other options have to be considered for continuing the operation.
I don’t think a neighborhood watch in lieu of LEO’s is sufficient. Most of the criminals around here pay that no attention (as being the witness to crimes in our city ranging from vandalism to murder). However with enough effort, the pride and joy of our city is the parks system and it would be much easier to band a volunteer coalition to figure out a way to raise funds and operate our parks. The parks aren’t going anywhere however decent law abiding citizens may think twice before choosing to reside here. We don’t need additional vacant housing and lowered property values. We need a less transitional community and the banding of citizens to protect what we value here: a peaceful and beautiful city.
Perhaps the Blog could do an expose’ on the wasteful spending the council has endorsed in the past? Third runway battles. Fireworks. Parades. Maoral trips to China. Maybe even a hard look at the payroll to educate the taxpayers on what those running this fair city are paid? Look closer but do not be suprised at what you find. Think hard about allowing the police to be cut! Without security, the citizens will flee Des Moines to the safer confines of White Center or South Park.
Reading some of the comments says a whole lot about our community and its interest in maintaining a viable police presence here. Finally “Get It RIght” is homing in on the nail here; that of wasteful spending’ Much of our funds were spent on unseating incumbent council members who were trying to rein in some of the waste. More was spent on resultant lawsuits which, at last look, our council is not winning. Now, it remains, as a city burden, some settlement of the lawsuits that resulted in, for example the case presented against our friend at Pete’s Towing. Now let’s get the train back on track! Watch council on TV if you can’t actually be there. Observe the actions and then think about what we, as citizens, can do to turn this situation around. Thank you, “Get it Right”!!
Dave that’s why you were re-elected, to solve the problems that you and your fellow council members helped create. I guess revenue didn’t seem so important when money was falling from the sky, and the economy was good. According to the city managers reports the crime taskforce cannot even make a felony arrest in pacific ridge. That woul make them expendable. I tell you what how about a couple of us ( unpaid) citizens go for a ride with the cops and point out drug deals and hookers, because WE SEE IT EVERY DAY AND ARE SICK OF IT! If the cops can’t control it then cut them.
It is unfair to pick on one council member who is not the leader in whatever situation we are in today. Dave Kaplan is honest and has a good grasp on what needs to be done to recover from the deep financial hole we are in. Help is what is required here. One thing that I found to be “wasteful” was the amount of money spent in fighting an obviously losing battle against the powerful giant of the FAA. We did not have a David here with a single shot sling. Had they been more wise, the council, they should have seen the snowball coming. This is, however, in the past and we need action from the new council. perhaps with a new mayor at the helm to bring us stronger leadership. Kaplan might just be the man for the job but we also have two strong, young members to council who have alreaady voiced idiaes and opinions on our current plight. Why not just wait and see how things. I would vote for a more conciliatory negotiation with our police principals to conclude with some “happy medium”. Like Robert, however, I think it is truly not the job of us citizens to bail us out; this is what our council is responsible for. As for a tax to retain our security…count me in! Paying for damages caused from a crime can be more colstly than a mere tax, as I see it. Let us all work, somehow, together to keep our police in action as we have it now.
Well Dave, your last comment demonstrates you are either a politician, misinformed or simply lying…..hmmm. The city is raising taxes: $20 car tabs, 1% to the utility tax, increases in several fees. Would you like to explain your comment on avoiding tax increases? There are several options for Parks & Rec but no one on the council seems to be willing to entertain any of the ideas or suggestions. What about a metropolitan parks district for all city parks like Normandy Park just passed, what about neighborhoods/volunteers adopting parks to maintain them, what about sports leagues participating in the maintainance or paying for their use? Bottom line….CLOSE THE PARKS AND SAVE THE POLICE!!! You make me regret my vote.
Just to make it clear I am not picking on just 1 councilmember, but merely addressing the one present. If all were present they all would be addressed.
I think it is time to get a vollunteer “de-ghettofication” committee together, becauuse this local government seems intent on prostitutes an crack for all. If you could tax the crack and hoes we would have the highest tax base of all WA cities with a population over 20k rather than the last.
I support cops