Web Posted: 03/22/2009
Membership letter on privitization
By Perry Hyden - DSABC President
Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to take a moment to let you know the seriousness of what you and your Association is up against. Please understand, this is not a scare tactic but is a genuine concern that we must all take seriously. Privatization, contract policing and reductions in force, or at least the thought of these things, are rearing their ugly heads again with our elected County Leaders. I know that some of the veterans that read this may think this is no big deal because they talk about this from time to time. But this time things are different and we all need to give this our undivided attention.
The DSABC has stood its ground on this 1:64 issue within detention. As of 02/17/09 the issue is dead and there will be no further discussion on this until we go into contract negotiations. However, since we have stood our ground, the County has already started to make threats that we all need to take seriously.
On 02/17/09, Mr. David Smith (the County Budget Director and also the custodian of the collective bargaining contract for Commissioners Court) made several references to “alternative solutions for the jail” and though he never mentioned the word it was clear that he was speaking of privatization. Mr. Smith also said “the County is looking into implementing a 10% county-wide reduction in force.” He is, of course, blaming this on the “hard economic times” even though Bexar County still continues to receive growth.
Commissioner Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez told some members of our Board of Directors and me “If things don’t go better with you guys, I’m supporting privatizing the jail and contracting law enforcement services out to the city of San Antonio.” There is, in our opinion, a direct threat there.
Commissioner Paul Elizondo stated to me and Al Damiani concerning privatizing the jail, with a large smile on his face “well, it’s all on the table.” Again, this was construed by us to mean that he is in favor of it.
Commissioner Adkisson has told me directly in two different conversations that though he is not in favor of privatization, however he also acknowledges that it has been talked about by other members of the court.
Commissioner Kevin Wolff would not comment on his feelings but we have all heard his response concerning the Detention Officers when the jail failed its last inspection. Make no mistake; he is not in our corner.
County Judge Nelson Wolff had a scheduled appointment with me but two days before the meeting was scheduled, someone from his office called and stated that the Judge has elected not to meet with us.
This brings us to the Sheriff. I have spoken to the Sheriff and he stated “I am not in favor of privatization unless things get really bad between us.” He also informed me that he has been approached by members of Commissioners Court, asking if he will consider privatization. I really believe the Sheriff is sincere and I do not believe privatizing is his goal. However, many are under the belief that the Sheriff has to approve privatization. This is not exactly what the statute says. What it actually says is the Sheriff is required to approve privatization but he can’t unreasonably deny the Commissioners requests to privatize. Regardless, the Sheriff may not have ultimate control.
Again, these are not scare tactics. These were actual conversations and I believe the County is going to try to privatize the jail. It is for these reasons that we are calling on all officers to come to the upcoming meetings and become informed. The DSABC is going to fight privatization efforts tooth and nail. But we need 100% membership as this will be an expensive fight.
On a positive note, The San Antonio Police Officers Association, San Antonio Fire Fighters Association, and many other labor organizations have committed to joining the fight on our behalf. If the County pushes this issue they will be in for the fight of their lives. But again, we can’t fight without your support. It does not matter if you are in Law Enforcement or Detention.
I am enclosing a copy of our membership enrollment cards. Please print as many as necessary and have your non-member friends join. Fax all new cards to (210) 225-7606.
