PPOA Retiree Representative
LASD retired
jschallert@ppoa.com
It’s that time again when the election for Sheriff is front and center for our active members. PPOA takes its endorsement process very seriously. I’ve been doing union work for more than a decade (almost two? Maybe two already? I don’t know), and I can tell you this has been an involved and tedious undertaking. We have made some past Sheriffs, as well as some promising candidates, upset, to say the least.
As you all know, the most important things to consider are safety and the fair treatment of employees. I would also add an awareness of the issues that follow employees into retirement. We have had good Sheriffs and bad. We all have our own opinions about what is good and what is bad. I will just say that this is a very important time for our active members, particularly regarding staffing and pay issues. For retirees, I would add healthcare cost concerns.
So far, retirees have done well, but I will say that those hired in 2014 and beyond will face expenses that we do not (their spouses are not covered by healthcare when they retire). Imagine that conversation: “Hey, honey, after 35 years, I’m going to retire. Thanks for supporting me and the Department all those years. By the way, you don’t get healthcare after I retire. It will cost us a large percentage of my pension. Oh, and our kids won’t be covered either, even if they’re under 26 years old!”
That is something the newer folks need to deal with, and I don’t see a fix. But it surely must impact recruitment.
There is now a 401(k) option for active members, but it doesn’t even have a match from the County. Compared to other agencies, we are far behind in some ways. I have been screaming about DROP for 10 years now, and still nothing. It should have been done five years ago. With the Olympics around the corner, they better get it handled.
There is much to consider with the Sheriff endorsement. It has never simply been a matter of endorsing the incumbent. We will see what happens.
Other than that, things coming up to be aware of are the 25th annual PPOA Pre-Labor Day BBQ and General Membership Meeting on September 2. Please join us for free food and fun at Biscailuz Center. We also need you to register for online voting if you have not already done so. There will also be an opportunity to register to vote on site at the barbecue.
Until next month, you know the drill. I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, so be sure to check with yours. But my advice, if you can, is to keep moving. Work on your core, quads and back; do bending exercises; and maybe even some farmer’s carry exercises. Just do something. Get your colon checks, eat good food and enjoy every day.