- Home
- Organizations
- RSPOA
- RSPOA Withdraws from the Coalition
RSPOA Withdraws from the Coalition
- By Jerry Taylor
- Published 08/5/2009
- RSPOA
The Retired Seattle Police Officers’ Association withdrew from the LEOFF I Coalition effective July 16, 2009.
That leaves only two active organizations left within the Coalition.
Seattle Fire Fighters Local 27, representing about 30 active LEOFF 1 Seattle Fire Fighters, and the Washington State Retired Deputy Sheriff and Police Officers Association, representing an estimated 300 or so members. Technically the Washington State Law Enforcement Association still belongs but they no longer have anyone on the board as their representative. In the past, Don Daniels has served as the WSLEA representative. It is uncertain at this point if he remains on the board.
What started in 2000 as a unified effort of all of the major law enforcement and fire fighter groups in the state has dwindled to a mere shadow. The fault for this failure rests solely on the Coalition leadership.
They still have some money, last reported at about $113,000, so they think they can continue to speak for all LEOFF 1 members. Unfortunately, that is simply not true and particularly so since the RSPOA, the single largest group in the mix, has resigned.
The Coalition has now deteriorated to the state of a private club. In the last round of amendments to their bylaws, the Coalition stripped the member organizations of the right to select their own representatives and increased by 600% the votes given to at large members.
That means that all members of the Coalition are subject to approval by the Coalition. The RSPOA cannot continue membership within an organization that holds veto power over our selection of representation.
In addition to the three remaining representative organizations, six handpicked at-large members, responsible to no one except themselves, remain. Where the at-large members shared one vote, they now have six. The Coalition president has proposed increasing the number of atlarge members.
It is apparent that if you do not agree with the other board members you are persona non grata and not welcome. I expect that in futuremeetings we will see them all holding hands and singing “Kum Ba Yah”.
5 Responses to "RSPOA Withdraws from the Coalition" 
|
said this on 05 Aug 2009 4:59:11 PM PDT
wow, I have been retired for 4 years and was unaware of the events you describe. Guess that serves me right for not participating more.....
|
Author/Admin)|
said this on 06 Aug 2009 8:55:05 AM PDT
Jerry: How does this affect our representation in the LEOFF 1 retirement system and how much sway does the Coalition hold over what happens to it?
|
|
said this on 06 Aug 2009 9:37:01 AM PDT
The RSPOA was the largest organization in the Coalition. So, when it left the Coalition shrunk by 60%.
When the Coalition changed their bylaws they essentially eliminated their representation of any group. How can any group cede the right to chose their own representation? The RSPOA will work directly with the legislature and with other groups to protect the interests of its members. |
|
said this on 06 Aug 2009 11:21:15 AM PDT
The word "Coalition" is defined by Websters doctionary as a "temporary alliance of factions, parties ..." It is sad that the LEOFF I leadership is choosing to follow the definition so closely. We are only viable if we present a voice that represents many people. How does alienating our largest participating group help us protect the LEOFF I pension. Perhaps a review of the LEOFF I Coalition goals and strategy is in order.
|
|
said this on 06 Aug 2009 3:42:16 PM PDT
It appears that this is the time for the formation of another representation group that includes all of us who were alienated and/or not represented by the Coalition. I would suggest that the lead be taken by RFFOW as they seem to be the only one who has stayed on top of Legislative issues. At a minimum, it needs to include RROW, RSPOA and any other disenfranchized LEOFF 1 people or groups. Let's not call it a Coalition because we know that is "temporary" and we need single face stability without any little tin Gods.
|