Fantastic Turnout for PPOA BBQ; Dismal Turnout for LACERA Election

I want to thank everyone who joined us last month for PPOA’s 21st annual Pre-Labor Day BBQ at the Biscailuz Training Center. Although the weather was warmer than expected, we had a great turnout, and everyone enjoyed the event (see photos on page 29). Of course, the event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible work of the PPOA staff: Rico Escalante, Clare Franco, Violet Moreno, Teresa O’Neil, Shannon Schreck, Kevin Thompson, Greg Torres, Maricela Villegas and Venice Wallace. They worked tirelessly for weeks leading up to the event to ensure it was successful. Your executive director, Wayne Quint, and the PPOA Board of Directors were also in attendance and served as support, making themselves available to answer questions and catch up with members. Last but not least, I would like to thank Sheriff Alex Villanueva for taking the time out of his busy schedule to join us and visit with PPOA members.

As I settle into my new role as your PPOA president, I strive to continue the great relationships PPOA has built with our members, other employee organizations and the Department. I am pleased to report that last month, the Coalition of County Unions (CCU) reached an agreement with Los Angeles County executives on a Successor Fringe Benefits Contract. The agreement impacts 30,000 CCU-represented employees, including all active PPOA members. The agreement increases the County’s contribution to the Choices Plan for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025. Critically, the new base for 2023 is more than a full percentage point above the average medical insurance increase of 2.9% for 2023, assuring that PPOA members will have no loss of income and no increase in out-of-pocket expenses due to medical or dental inflation.

Unfortunately, we (active LADA and LASD members) failed to get Captain Shawn Kehoe re-elected for the LACERA Board of Retirement and Board of Investments seats last month. The failed outcome was due to a dismal voter turnout for LADA/LASD. Election results revealed that 40% of County Fire members cast their ballots compared to only 15% of LADA/LASD members. That made the difference for this election, in which 3,231 safety members voted. In the end, County Fire Captain Jason Green defeated Captain Kehoe by only 60 votes for the Board of Investments seat and 161 votes for the Board of Retirement seat. Therefore, please don’t forget to vote in the upcoming Board of Directors election. PPOA will have two seats to fill in Unit 612 (LASD Sergeant/Lieutenant), one seat in Unit 615 (LADA/LASD Captain/Commander and two seats in Unit 621 (C/A and a combined seat for Civilian Investigator/Crime Analyst/CSS/LET/PRD). This election, like all elections, holds tremendous importance because it allows for the selection of the best leader for each board position. Per PPOA bylaws, ballots will be mailed on October 21. If you are an eligible PPOA member in Unit 612, Unit 615 or Unit 621, please exercise your right to vote.