Originally Posted on May 18, 2020

As the newly elected President let me take this opportunity to say thank you to all that voted whether it was for me or not. This lodge is only as strong as its members involvement and voting is the best way to be heard. As we begin this 3 year journey, I want to be clear. I want all members, active and retired, to know that myself and my team will work tirelessly to make your job or retirement as beneficial and enjoyable as possible. There will be issues for which some will demand or expect an immediate response. Just understand that I met with Superintendent Brown and it was a very productive conversation. In that meeting he offered a clear line of communication to address issues as they arise. All that he asked, and I offered, was to speak to him first before going to the media. He assured me of the same and that is our agreement. I am hopeful to work with the Superintendent to make working conditions for all CPD members better going forward.

Secondly let me address another issue. At the Board of Directors meeting last Tuesday, I informed the Board members of my plan to go back to negotiations over a contract. This does NOT mean we are withdrawing from our arbitration demand. That demand stays in place. I simply let the city know that we are withdrawing our request for Arbitrator Roumell to hear the arbitration. We can always revisit that possibility if a fresh approach does not gain any movement. Please be patient a bit longer and allow us to try and move discussions forward.

Lastly, I will inform the membership that the contract for one of our Springfield lobbyists , Mark Donahue, will not be renewed on June 1st. That will save the lodge 70,000 dollars a year going forward. We are attempting to be more fiscally responsible with our members dues money as promised during the campaign.