Walton Deputies To Unionize.

Give me a break. :angry:

said. The PBA was backing Danny, and we had been told that Danny was being backed by Ralph himself. There was just too much that we as deputies could not and did not trust. We just want to wait until there is a clean slate to work with then... we will work with the PBA, who we want to work with Mike, if its voted on.

Well ask Mr. Miller why then Ricky Mayo told deputies, at a meeting that held at the Sheriffs office, where he clearly stated that #1 Ralph contacted he. He also, stated that they wanted to push this through including the contract being wrote up before Jan 1st. Now ask yourself this WHY WOULD THEY DO THAT ? Why would we trust this? If it was done after the first under Mike Adkinson, who we now know is the Sheriff to be, we would not have a problem with it. I dont trust anything thats being said. The PBA was backing Danny, and we had been told that Danny was being backed by Ralph himself. There was just too much that we as deputies could not and did not trust. We just want to wait until there is a clean slate to work with then... we will work with the PBA, who we want to work with Mike, if its voted on.

Mr. Irisheyes,
Which meeting were you at, you seem to imply that you were at mine on the North end of the county in eariler post, now you are saying that you were at Mr. Mayo's Meeting on the South End. Which is it?

taken out of context

Hey PBA rep. What Mr Mayo said was they needed a contract by the first for the deputies so they could look at it and adjustments made that they wanted for their benefit. Before he could actually finish explainjng the yes men for Atkinson were butting in. Only thing on their mind , I think was there goes my admin position. I did notice that a few deputies did take applications from him after the meeting. I just hope each deputy can think for themselves on the issues at hand not from the yes men for the new sheriff. I think Mr Atkinson had a meetihg at a waffle house on the union, were the PBA reps invited. Its not a timing issue, IT's a better pay and benefits for the deputies and job security.

As a taxpayer, this "better pay" stuff concerns me. I am all for job security for hard-working good employees, regardless of their personal politics. But to increase pay for government employees requires one of two approaches: cut services elsewhere or increase taxes. As far as cutting services, this can be internal( cut officers) or external(cut miles of roads paved for example). Neither is very attractive to either the citizens or the employees. That leaves raising taxes. There is no way that taxes can/will be raised in a down economy. So my advise to employees is unionize for job security if you want to, but postpone the higher salaries bid until the economy improves. You will get great support for the former, but I would not expect support for higher wages from construction workers who have not slung a hammer in months.

Mr. Irisheyes,
Which meeting were you at, you seem to imply that you were at mine on the North end of the county in eariler post, now you are saying that you were at Mr. Mayo's Meeting on the South End. Which is it?

One would think that when your trying to sell you service to a group of people the last thing you would want to do is put the majority of them on the defensive right of the bat.

Quoted from the lips of PBA rep " If your here to hijack this meeting you had better of brought your A game, cause I brought mine"... Now regardless of who you were directly addressing with that, it made a broad statement to all there to listen to you and put most on the defensive right off the bat. Now if thats how you negotiate with a sheriff, do us all a favor and stay at the house (if this even passes).

taxes raised I think not

Walton county has approximately 99 million on hold, no need to raise taxes. Better pay means longevity. This means more experienced deputies, better morale,more professionalism.If Atkinson is smart he will use PBA to better the department as a whole.Work with the Union.

[I think Mr Atkinson had a meetihg at a waffle house on the union,

Ok, Tell me how do you have a meeting at the Waffle House? You have to go outside the Waffle House just to change your mind.

Walton county has approximately 99 million on hold, no need to raise taxes. Better pay means longevity. This means more experienced deputies, better morale,more professionalism.If Atkinson is smart he will use PBA to better the department as a whole.Work with the Union.

Who told you this stuff? My understanding is that Walton County has more like 10 mill in reserves which is about the minimum. The School Board is going into their reserves almost 5 mill this year and will deplete theirs unless something changes in the next two years. Many businesses are hurting and you cannot give away a house in this market. I would think anyone who has a job with any kind of benefits would be looking to keep it, that means "longevity." I am all for you keeping your job, but there will be a taxpayers uprising if someone trys to use a union to increase the budget, and thus taxes. If Mr. Adkinson is as smart as I believe, he will look to help the taxpayers, not hurt them. After all, we just voted out one spend-a-holic and don't need another.

One would think that when your trying to sell you service to a group of people the last thing you would want to do is put the majority of them on the defensive right of the bat.

Quoted from the lips of PBA rep " If your here to hijack this meeting you had better of brought your A game, cause I brought mine"... Now regardless of who you were directly addressing with that, it made a broad statement to all there to listen to you and put most on the defensive right off the bat. Now if thats how you negotiate with a sheriff, do us all a favor and stay at the house (if this even passes).

LEO101 you are here in an attempt to play Gotcha' games and cloud the judgement of other deputies, no matter what I or anyone else says here you will continue.... It will pass because no matter what you do or say, others in the Department realize the chance they have to secure their future. Now please stop trying to side step the issue. Sheriff elect Adkinson was protected under a PBA Contract while he was a Correctional Probation Officer and while he was a TPD Officer. If it was so wrong, why did he not give back any of the benefits that he recieved under the contract?
I believe the reasoning for you being anti-union is, you can't use the Good 'ol boy system to get ahead under a PBA Contract, you are judged on your merits as a Law Enforcement Officer, not on how much you cozy up to the administration.
Side note, What was discussed at the Meeting with Sheriff Elect Adkinson at the Waffle House? Why was the whole department not invited?

Have a nice day and be safe out there.

To the Deputies involved in the shooting last night, Good Job!!!
I hate that it had to end the way it ended, but you are the front line defense protecting all of us. Thank you!!!

PBA REP says: "To the Deputies involved in the shooting last night, Good Job!!!
I hate that it had to end the way it ended, but you are the front line defense protecting all of us. Thank you!!!"

I think all of us can join you in supporting those sentiments. I do pray for the officer and the family of the man who was killed. What a sad ending of a life.

Who told you this stuff? My understanding is that Walton County has more like 10 mill in reserves which is about the minimum. The School Board is going into their reserves almost 5 mill this year and will deplete theirs unless something changes in the next two years. Many businesses are hurting and you cannot give away a house in this market. I would think anyone who has a job with any kind of benefits would be looking to keep it, that means "longevity." I am all for you keeping your job, but there will be a taxpayers uprising if someone trys to use a union to increase the budget, and thus taxes. If Mr. Adkinson is as smart as I believe, he will look to help the taxpayers, not hurt them. After all, we just voted out one spend-a-holic and don't need another.

No. We DON"T need more taxes. We need someone who knows how to prioritize spending. Idle, I certainly have'nt agreed with many of your posts, but I agree more taxes is a no no at least now. Every one is hurting enough.

That being said, there is enough money thrown away and wasteful spending in the yearly budget to start a step/merit pay system. Like buying 40-60 cars a year, having TWO helicopters. Why? Do you realize how much money it costs to fly two helicopters every week? One is adequete. And we could make a pretty penny for the general fund by selling one of them . By the way, we have two terrific pilots, but they can share.

And as far as the cars go, deputies should work the areas closest to their homes to keep mileage and gas under control. Prevenative maintenance should be improved to ensure longevity of the car. Instead of a deputy getting a new car every two or three years....wait until the car HAS to be replaced to replace it. ;-)

And how about how much mula has been thrown into the smart cop system and lap tops? The Computer assisted dispatching system is really all we need. We have turned the deputies into data entry clerks with this system.

All of this waste is money that should be spent on the people.....our most valuable resource. Step raises, merit increases, raising starting supervisor pay (that is REALLY low), better equipment, like new side arms, CPR masks to avoid disease, better uniforms that don't fall to pieces on you.....literally! And last but not least TRAINING! Help the officers finish their college degrees! Simplicity......K.I.S.S.....the deputies watching these posts know what that stands for.

Idle.....there's NO need for raised taxes or a huge budget increase....we just HAVE to prioritize. The new Sheriff (hopefully with the assistance of the deputies and the PBA) will, no doubt fix this. I say hopefully because some of us have some really good ideas on this issue.

I do have to give props for the new range and the great firearms program under our range team. It probably saved my buddy's life the other night.

And here's to the PBA Legal Assistance program!

Side note, What was discussed at the Meeting with Sheriff Elect Adkinson at the Waffle House? Why was the whole department not invited?

Can YOU fit the entire department into a Waffle House? :funn:
I didn't go (not my issue), but I don't think anything was discussed with Sheriff Elect Adkinson at the Waffle House. And who was excluded?

No. We DON"T need more taxes. We need someone who knows how to prioritize spending. Idle, I certainly have'nt agreed with many of your posts, but I agree more taxes is a no no at least now. Every one is hurting enough.

That being said, there is enough money thrown away and wasteful spending in the yearly budget to start a step/merit pay system. Like buying 40-60 cars a year, having TWO helicopters. Why? Do you realize how much money it costs to fly two helicopters every week? One is adequete. And we could make a pretty penny for the general fund by selling one of them . By the way, we have two terrific pilots, but they can share.

And as far as the cars go, deputies should work the areas closest to their homes to keep mileage and gas under control. Prevenative maintenance should be improved to ensure longevity of the car. Instead of a deputy getting a new car every two or three years....wait until the car HAS to be replaced to replace it. ;-)

And how about how much mula has been thrown into the smart cop system and lap tops? The Computer assisted dispatching system is really all we need. We have turned the deputies into data entry clerks with this system.

All of this waste is money that should be spent on the people.....our most valuable resource. Step raises, merit increases, raising starting supervisor pay (that is REALLY low), better equipment, like new side arms, CPR masks to avoid disease, better uniforms that don't fall to pieces on you.....literally! And last but not least TRAINING! Help the officers finish their college degrees! Simplicity......K.I.S.S.....the deputies watching these posts know what that stands for.

Idle.....there's NO need for raised taxes or a huge budget increase....we just HAVE to prioritize. The new Sheriff (hopefully with the assistance of the deputies and the PBA) will, no doubt fix this. I say hopefully because some of us have some really good ideas on this issue.

I do have to give props for the new range and the great firearms program under our range team. It probably saved my buddy's life the other night.

And here's to the PBA Legal Assistance program!

I hope you will transmit these ideas to the new leadership. What you propose seems like common sense to me. (Why do we need helicopters by the way?)
I don't have any problem whatsoever diverting resources from wasteful spending to helping our employees. I am not sure a union will help accomplish this but that is between Mr. Adkinson and the officers.

With this type of common sense approaches to issues, why didn't you run for Sheriff?

Deputies approached Mr Mayo about the union not the sheriff. What Mr Mayo was talking about was the sheriff asked about the process of the union after the deputies had talked to Mr Mayo. He also stated in the meeting that he didnt give a shoot who the next sheriff was going to be that PBA would work with whoever the new sheriff was that he would like to see the contract in place before the first with benefits and issues in place for the deputies.Then the new sheriff could negotiate two items.PBA is for the deputies and the deputies had a choice to vote yea or nay. Mr Mayo was bashed in that meeting and he handled it very well.

I was in the 3:30PM south end meeting with Mr. Mayo and I asked him twice just to clarify who originally contacted the PBA about collective bargaining and he said our Sheriff did?.Since that was drastically different than what the Sheriff was quote say in the Defuniak Herald, I asked again just to clarify and Mr. Mayo said our Sheriff contacted the PBA and that was what he was told. If this was incorrect, it?s a shame that Mr. Mayo mislead all of the staff in attendance at that meeting?wonder what else he was wrong about?wish they would have sent someone more knowledgeable to spaek to our group.
Also, Mr. Mayo was not bashed in my meeting--I know there was a second meeting held shortly after mine, not sure which one you are referring to.

I emailed them....I'm sure others did too.

I was in the 3:30PM south end meeting with Mr. Mayo and I asked him twice just to clarify who originally contacted the PBA about collective bargaining and he said our Sheriff did?.Since that was drastically different than what the Sheriff was quote say in the Defuniak Herald, I asked again just to clarify and Mr. Mayo said our Sheriff contacted the PBA and that was what he was told. If this was incorrect, it?s a shame that Mr. Mayo mislead all of the staff in attendance at that meeting?wonder what else he was wrong about?wish they would have sent someone more knowledgeable to spaek to our group.
Also, Mr. Mayo was not bashed in my meeting--I know there was a second meeting held shortly after mine, not sure which one you are referring to.

I'm one of the ones that contacted them. I'm sure there were others with their own motives......not the same as mine......I have dear friends on both sides of the PBA argument.

I think it will be good for us. If the majority does'nt, then I will live with that and move on.

Give me a break. :angry:

Church Mouse, By no mean do I mean any disrepect to Danny when I stated this. This was simply showing why we or I should say I had fear about this PBA starting. If you read my next post you will see even further why this fear continued.

LEO101 you are here in an attempt to play Gotcha' games and cloud the judgement of other deputies, no matter what I or anyone else says here you will continue.... It will pass because no matter what you do or say, others in the Department realize the chance they have to secure their future. Now please stop trying to side step the issue. Sheriff elect Adkinson was protected under a PBA Contract while he was a Correctional Probation Officer and while he was a TPD Officer. If it was so wrong, why did he not give back any of the benefits that he recieved under the contract?
I believe the reasoning for you being anti-union is, you can't use the Good 'ol boy system to get ahead under a PBA Contract, you are judged on your merits as a Law Enforcement Officer, not on how much you cozy up to the administration.
Side note, What was discussed at the Meeting with Sheriff Elect Adkinson at the Waffle House? Why was the whole department not invited?

Have a nice day and be safe out there.

To the Deputies involved in the shooting last night, Good Job!!!
I hate that it had to end the way it ended, but you are the front line defense protecting all of us. Thank you!!!

PBA ,
The meeting was set up by as I was told, and invited by PRO UNION FOLKS..it wasnt set up as an super secret under cover meeting by Mike Adkinson himself. It also wasnt at the Waffle House... Your facts are WAY off. I can also assure you that I for one am in no way "attempting to cozy up to the new admin" I believe thats the group that was doing that to the old admin if I am not mistaken. I fought hard to help get Mike elected. I had to over come so crap while doing so. I have had rumors spread, in fact I heard one personally from Mr. Mayo himself, that I was to be a Captain.. Funny cause that is news to me. When I talked to Mike back in May deciding on who to back, he never promised me anything, nor did I ask for anything. I did what I did to get our department a fair sheriff, that would work hard for us. Believe it or not people can and will do things without a promise being made to them. If this is done under a union then great. However, there has been several people now on this forum that has stated to you that it was told to us in the meeting that I was in (the south in meeting under Mayo) and I never implied that I was in your meeting at all, that it was trying to be pushed through before the first. He also explained that Mike who was refered to as "whom ever was elected" because the election hadnt taken place yet, would be allowed to vote on two issues. Now I have read articles in the paper where even Danny stated that he would hope that the PBA would hold off until Jan 1st to work with the new Sheriff.

My issue with this whole PBA thing is this. If your going to do something in our best interest. Why didnt you come in and have a mass meeting. Pass out cards yourself. Tell us yourself what the PBA collective bargining was about. Why did you leave it to the select deputies to do, who did it in such a manner that came across as shady and under minded. They honestly may have good intentions in mind, but its going to be hard to go back and make this look as if thats what it was now. Not ever deputy was told about this, and even Mayo told us that he didnt understand, and that to him ever deputy should of been approached.

So you can say what you will about me or whom ever in this department. But your only getting half of the truth and spreading false rumors. We will have our vote, and if a union comes in then great. I just hope that it will hold off and do the contract under Sheriff Adkinson, like it should do.

As far as the deputy that was given a brochure at the end of the meeting. That was me, because I wanted to sign up for PBA legal. You dang right I think that its a great thing. Look at what just happened in our department. A shooting, and you need that type of protection. No one is saying this is an evil thing. Its just the way it has been handled.

Walton county has approximately 99 million on hold, no need to raise taxes. Better pay means longevity. This means more experienced deputies, better morale,more professionalism.If Atkinson is smart he will use PBA to better the department as a whole.Work with the Union.

by the way, its spelled ADKINSON...

Well I hope at some point I get to set in on a meeting with PBA, because I have now heard of two meetings with PBA rep's and no one told me anything about those meetings, sent me a card to fill out, nor do I know of any other meeting or meetings scheduled in the near future.
Something just isn't right here.

Well I hope at some point I get to set in on a meeting with PBA, because I have now heard of two meetings with PBA rep's and no one told me anything about those meetings, sent me a card to fill out, nor do I know of any other meeting or meetings scheduled in the near future.
Something just isn't right here.

Sure doesn't sound to good.

My issue with this whole PBA thing is this. If your going to do something in our best interest. Why didnt you come in and have a mass meeting. Pass out cards yourself. Tell us yourself what the PBA collective bargining was about. Why did you leave it to the select deputies to do, who did it in such a manner that came across as shady and under minded. They honestly may have good intentions in mind, but its going to be hard to go back and make this look as if thats what it was now. Not ever deputy was told about this, and even Mayo told us that he didnt understand, and that to him ever deputy should of been approached.

You always get volunteers to pitch the program, because when the paid guys do it, it comes across as "join the union so I can justify my salary..."

Something just isn't right here.

It's very concerning that we've got folks from Tallahassee, Orlando and Miami coming into Walton County to tell our folks what is best for them.

LEO101 you are here in an attempt to play Gotcha' games and cloud the judgement of other deputies, no matter what I or anyone else says here you will continue.... It will pass because no matter what you do or say, others in the Department realize the chance they have to secure their future. Now please stop trying to side step the issue. Sheriff elect Adkinson was protected under a PBA Contract while he was a Correctional Probation Officer and while he was a TPD Officer. If it was so wrong, why did he not give back any of the benefits that he recieved under the contract?
I believe the reasoning for you being anti-union is, you can't use the Good 'ol boy system to get ahead under a PBA Contract, you are judged on your merits as a Law Enforcement Officer, not on how much you cozy up to the administration.
Side note, What was discussed at the Meeting with Sheriff Elect Adkinson at the Waffle House? Why was the whole department not invited?

Have a nice day and be safe out there.

To the Deputies involved in the shooting last night, Good Job!!!
I hate that it had to end the way it ended, but you are the front line defense protecting all of us. Thank you!!!

So now the truth is a "Gotcha Game", amazingly no where in your post did I see you deny making this statement.

And why do you continue to bring up Mr. Adkinson and previous employers that had PBA contracts? That has no bearing on the issues at hand. And please explain exactly how you give some of these contract benefits back. Its my understanding that regardless of whether you wanted the PBA or not you are stuck with what ever they (PBA) gets you in the contract, if its voted in.

And your accusation that I am cozying up to the administration simply because I don?t see things as you do is APPALLING.

Since you so knowledgeable in the PBA, please explain how "WE" fire a particular rep. If it comes to life that we do get PBA collective bargaining, I have a real problem with you representing my best interest... And from the looks of other post on here, I don?t think I'm alone in that.

Very defensive PBA

So now the truth is a "Gotcha Game", amazingly no where in your post did I see you deny making this statement.

And why do you continue to bring up Mr. Adkinson and previous employers that had PBA contracts? That has no bearing on the issues at hand. And please explain exactly how you give some of these contract benefits back. Its my understanding that regardless of whether you wanted the PBA or not you are stuck with what ever they (PBA) gets you in the contract, if its voted in.

And your accusation that I am cozying up to the administration simply because I don?t see things as you do is APPALLING.

Since you so knowledgeable in the PBA, please explain how "WE" fire a particular rep. If it comes to life that we do get PBA collective bargaining, I have a real problem with you representing my best interest... And from the looks of other post on here, I don?t think I'm alone in that.

It seems to me that the PBA Reps are not listening to their potential constituents. For as many of them are for PBA, there are just as many, if not more opposed (at least at this time). I have yet to get a response showing me where in the State a positive and favorable contract has been approved and passed (excluding corrections).

Is this type of attitude what can be expected should a small majority actually vote in the union? To me, this attitiude seems a bit reminiscent of someone who does not have the interests of the department first, just their own agenda. Just a thought.

w

Watcher,
What makes a different how many and who has contracts? As for a small majority voting in a Union, sometimes that is the way it is. It usually starts small, with a potential for growth after that is good. I know the Firefighters have all line personnel except for one and we have quite a few of the Dispatchers though uncertain how many of those we have.

So now the truth is a "Gotcha Game", amazingly no where in your post did I see you deny making this statement.

And why do you continue to bring up Mr. Adkinson and previous employers that had PBA contracts? That has no bearing on the issues at hand. And please explain exactly how you give some of these contract benefits back. Its my understanding that regardless of whether you wanted the PBA or not you are stuck with what ever they (PBA) gets you in the contract, if its voted in.

And your accusation that I am cozying up to the administration simply because I don?t see things as you do is APPALLING.

Since you so knowledgeable in the PBA, please explain how "WE" fire a particular rep. If it comes to life that we do get PBA collective bargaining, I have a real problem with you representing my best interest... And from the looks of other post on here, I don?t think I'm alone in that.

We will have our OWN reps once the union is in place. They will be elected by the union....This is how I understand it.