Earlier this evening it was announced that the City of Miami (Fl) police officers will lead the effort to recall Mayor Tomas Regalado. I believe it's not only a good move, it's the only option to keep Miami from once again becoming the poster child for what's wrong with politics.
Last week the Executive Board of the Miami Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #20 voted to hold an election of the city's law enforcement personnel to determine if the FOP should lead an effort to recall the mayor. The vote was held today and the results were 432 Yes, 16 No. Other city employees are considering joining in the effort.
Because I am a Florida State Lodge Executive Officer I am a member of Lodge #20 Executive Board. I voted last week to take this action, it was not a decision I made lightly but it is necessary. When the mayor was first asked about the Executive Board's action he said this was all about pay, the unions wanted him to raise taxes so they can keep their high salaries.
The mayor's response demonstrates the problem, he knows that is not the truth but he would rather repeat a negative stereotype of public employees. He also remembers that the county's mayor was recalled over raising taxes and giving raises. The mayor would rather use the new playbook and attack his employees instead of the problem, it's a lot less work.
A few weeks ago I wrote about the next steps public employees should take, a recall wasn't explored because it's not an easy process, it's labor intensive, costly and should be a option of last resort. If that's the case why did I support this action in Miami? Miami's employees have made sacrifices over the past year and a half in order to help the city, and it's not the first time. Miami has been in contract negotiations with it's employees but instead of negotiating in good faith the city has either refused to meet, or when they do meet can't or won't consider proposals.
Out of respect for the process I won't list details so no one can accuse the FOP of trying to circumvent the negotiation process. What I will say is that contrary to what the mayor and city administration claimed in public the police offered concessions, as well as solutions. After the negotiator at the time agreed they would return and demand more. Now with the latest "crisis" the police have attempted to present the city with proposals that would have millions, real savings, and the city is refusing to listen.
Now the mayor has gone back on his word and is proposing additional sacrifices from the rank and file. The employees are at a point that someone needs to stand up to the mayor and let him know that not everyone is afraid of him. Regardless if the recall is successful it will send a message to the mayor, commissioners and administration that they should sit down and honestly work with the employees.
As I mentioned this is not the first time employees have come forward to help save the city. In 1996 the City of Miami had a fiscal crisis. There was serious consideration being given to the City of Miami ceasing to exist. A new City Manager took over and at first refused to meet with the employees or allow them to participate in the process to find a solution, he even refused to allow the union representatives to attend an emergency budget meeting. After being served with an emergency injunction the Manager gave in and allowed us to attend the meeting, however, we were told we couldn't speak. After a couple of hours some of the staff suggested that he ask the union leaders for input, they knew we had good proposals. When he called on us, one by one we pointed out that he didn't believe we were worthy of his consideration and that we knew he wasn't sincere. The city asked for a recess, when the meeting reconvened the Manager apologized for his conduct towards the union leaders the previous 2 days and sincerely asked for our assistance (amazing what can happen when a union leader sits in the audience beside the Manager's life partner and engages in a conversation).
During the next 3 months meetings took place that generated enough cost savings and generated additional revenue that the city became stable, their bond rating was raised from "junk" status eventually reaching AAA rating. This recall should bring the politicians back to reality and make them realize that their employees are truly the best asset they have, that they care about the city and it's residents, and most of all are worthy of respect and an open, honest dialogue it the City of Miami is to survive! Who knows, maybe their bond rating wouldn't have been lowered from AAA to AA earlier this week?
That's My Opinion, What's Yours
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About Me
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- James N. Mann
- I retired after completing 38 years as a law enforcement officer in the State of Florida. I began my law enforcement career with the City of Miami, where I served for nearly 27 years before serving with a state agency for 11 1/2 years (part of that time as Interim Inspector General). During my career with Miami I worked in uniform patrol, the detective bureau, and the 911 center. I was also a member of the first law enforcement crew to respond to New York City on September 11, 2001. From January 2007 to April 2011 I also served as a commissioner on the state commission that governs the certification of law enforcement, correctional and probation officers in the state. I am a Past President of the Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police (President 2004-2006); I was an employee representative with Miami FOP Lodge #20 for almost 21 years (6 years serving at the Chief Steward). I have worked on legislative issues at all levels, worked on political screening committees. I’m a past member of the Dade County Republican Executive Committee, and have been an advisor/ law enforcement liaison for a presidential candidate..
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