Walton Deputies To Unionize.

I certainly question the timing/motivation of the proposed unionization - especially wanting an agreement in place with the departing sheriff that the new one will have to comply with or can only get amended w/ the union's approval.

In the scenario above, it sounds like the departing sheriff can obligate the sheriff's department to financial and contractual things that cannot be changed if the union doesn't want to change them. Seems like a sneaky way to cause trouble and undermine the new sheriff.

What happens in the scenario WhoDat1 mentions when the departing Sheriff agrees to a 20% raise and the union doesn't agree to the new Sheriff amending it?

Not if you Voted Early, I have been told that early voting is Public Record and if this holds true, I'm not real happy about it.

If thats true, the issue has not been taken up in federal court. It would immediately be dismissed as unconstitutional and corrected.

However, I beleive PBA rep was speaking of employees voting in a union at the Sheriff's office.

I have an idea. One week from today (Wednesday), we will know for sure who the next sheriff will be. Many of the specific questions surrounding this issue can then be asked and answered without all the ifs, ands or buts.

I believe the papers said MA use to be

a member in the past for 13 yrs. And the word is he has picked Chapman. They need to wait to do this PBA thing. Current sheriff should have no say so. And it is just unfair for the new one to have to go by what the old sheriff did.

Lets not facilitate rumors. No one knows for a fact who EITHER candidate will appoint in command positions. The only one that I know of for sure is Dennis Ward as Griffith's Chief Deputy.

I was not aware that Adkinson worked under a PBA contract. I was aware that he was a member. I was aware that Griffith, being a highway patrolman, did.

Again, folks, don't let the adversarial posts on either side sway you. I myself am pro PBA. Any thing that protects officers from politics is good in my book. But you have to make that decision yourself. www.flpba.org.

Yea

right. You been told wrong.

Not if you Voted Early, I have been told that early voting is Public Record and if this holds true, I'm not real happy about it.

right. You been told wrong.

1/2 true this link tells your party affiliation etc so do the math and you can guess who ya voted for. https://doe.dos.state.fl.us/fvrscoun...ableFiles.aspx

It is not public

1/2 true this link tells your party affiliation etc so do the math and you can guess who ya voted for. https://doe.dos.state.fl.us/fvrscoun...ableFiles.aspx

recond. Maybe that you voted but thats it. And so what anyway. If you dont want someone to know you must be ashamed of who you voted for. But it that you voted maybe public but not what you for is.

recond. Maybe that you voted but thats it. And so what anyway. If you dont want someone to know you must be ashamed of who you voted for. But it that you voted maybe public but not what you for is.

Not ashamed but the highlighted stuff makee no sencee!

Not ashamed but the highlighted stuff makee no sencee!

It may tell you who voted but it does not tell anyone what or who you voted for. makee sencee nowee

???

This post is not in support of Griffith or Adkinson. This post is not in support or against the PBA. I am currently serving the people of Walton County and have been doing so for almost two decades .To say that there are changes needed in the Sheriff?s Office , would be a understatement. I have had little time to research the pros and cons of PBA collective bargaining and it appears that this issue is moving at a fast speed. I have read several of the post on the PBA topic and I see that some of you have a better knowledge of the capabilities? of the PBA. I would like to ask a question for an answer or a referral to some one who can give the correct answer.

The Office of Sheriff is the only Law Enforcement Branch that is in or State Constitution .The authority of the Sheriff is backed by Title 5 Chapter 30 of the Florida State Constitution. The question I have is, if a stalemate develops between the PBA and the Sheriff and the Sheriff invokes is authority under Chapter 30.53, does the PBA have the strength to over ride and make change to the State Constitution?

30.53 Independence of constitutional officials.--The independence of the sheriffs shall be preserved concerning the purchase of supplies and equipment, selection of personnel, and the hiring, firing, and setting of salaries of such personnel; provided that nothing herein contained shall restrict the establishment or operation of any civil service system or civil service board created pursuant to s. 14, Art. III, of the Constitution of Florida.

Thanks in advance for any information

Danger

Wow!!! At the false information being placed here First off, why would other deputies, be trying to intimidate and scare other deputies into making a decision not to unionized based on what you think might happen??? Both Candidates for Sheriff have enjoyed the benefit of working under a contract provided by the PBA, I don't think either one ever turned down any pay raise or benefit that they received as being part of the Union. In fact I believe one of the candidates has even used our services when he had an issue happen. Deputies you will be given the chance, so you will not have to live in fear of who ever the sheriff may be from this vote on.... You no longer serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff, so you do not have to secretly support whom ever you please. You don't have to worry about coming to work in January and the NEW SHERIFF saying you no longer work for this agency. How fair is this to you and your family? The Sheriff will have the pleasure of putting anyone of the fear-mungers here on this blog as a Captain or higher in his administration without the PBA saying anything. We are not adversarial with either of the two candidates for Sheriff, but having said this we will stand up for the Deputies, Investigators, Sergeants, and Lieutenants when it comes to their rights being violated or being unfairly terminated. Ask yourself this question if the incoming sheriff wanted to take care of his people, why would he be opposed to his deputies having the right to collective bargaining? I'm quite sure that both candidates will read this blog and I hope they do. For who ever is using scare tatics, bullying, and threating other employees, Stop it. How many deputies have heard the story that so and so is gone when the new sheriff comes in office? What if it is you next? VOTE IN THE UNION AND THE FEAR WILL GO AWAY!!! Again, I can't stress this enough, the Sheriff can't just come in and say, you no longer work here. Both Candidates know this. I read in an earlier entry that one candidate is going to fight us (PBA) in the courts, I would hope that he would not, but if he so chooses bring it on... But it will be him not us, being adversarial not the PBA. It will be a binding contract that will benefit his employees, so if he wants to waist money that he could use to pay his employees better, that's his right as Sheriff.
When the Vote happens, NO ONE WILL KNOW HOW YOU VOTED UNLESS YOU TELL THEM, NO ONE WILL EVER FIND OUT UNLESS YOU TELL THEM. You will be able to come in go to a booth, that has a curtain all the way around it, then you will vote and place your own ballot into a sealed box with only a slot cut into the top, you will place your ballot into this box. Then the PERC Elections Officer will shake the box up after the polls close and the Sheriff's representative, PBA Representative will observe while the PERC Employee counts the YES votes and NO votes. If you vote the PBA in we will be your collective bargaining Agent and you will no longer have to worry about a job every 4 years. I hope this has cleared up some of your concerns and false information that has been put out. If you want to talk with me my number is 1-800-733-3722 or ask around in the Department my cell number is on my business card. VOTE YES FOR THE UNION

Mr. PBA Rep.

First question: Are you actually a formal rep for the PBA and if so, please advise your Staff Rep Area.

I sincerely hope the PBA understands that many potential members (Law Enforcment) and their families fully know that your "invite" to Walton County was orchastrated by Ralph Johnson. Johnson will be leaving the office as one of the most ineffective, underhanded, disliked and all around sorry excuses for a public servant I personally have ever seen. Your organization is being placed directly in the middle of an agenda set forth by Ralph Johnson to undermine the success of Mike Adkinson Jr. Please do your homework and realize this.

With that said, Mr. PBA Rep, understand that I personally support both the PBA and the FOP (directly and indirectly). The timing of this approach of the officers in Walton is very suspect. If your organization intends to maintain its credibility with people, you will look at the current situation here and understand. It is as simple as looking at your supporters vs. those keeping hush and those opposed. They are almost completely drawn on lines of Johnson and Adkinson.

I recently read in the local paper, "a response" from Ralph Johnson about this whole issue. What I found amazing is that this is the first time Johnson has said anything without his Parrot speaking for him. Why is that?, because its all about him and ego. PBA benefits him at this point. It sets the stage for the few of his less then desirable "friends" to remain in gainful employment and continue to do nothing but collect a pay check, at our expense. Let these "friends" have the opportunity to make it on their own. They will not succeed, they are poor performers, coasting along...
Where were Ralph Johnson's comments when budgets were questioned? Where were his comments about the two officers he fired for being pregnant?

Oh, that brings up a good point. PBA Rep., if you are a PBA Rep., please let me (and Walton County) know how your organization would have handled that situation, should one or both of the female deputies have been under your "guard"? Please address that, you don't have to use WCSO as specifics, but I would like to know how your organization would have handled representing a pregnant female officer, recently terminated, for being pregnant. Answer that and realize that the man behind your mysterious appearance was directly responsible for the termination of two pregnant females (Law Suit Pending).

Again, just to review so you do not feel this as a personal attack, it is not meant to be, I am just tired of "Watching" Ralph Johnson and a handful of malcontents continue to ruin our local law enforcement.

In 2009, Walton County will have a new leader in its Sheriff's Office. One of two men will take the position of Sheriff. I believe (and I support) Mike Adkinson will be the winner.

Regardless of who, the new sheriff elect needs the ability to fix what is broken.

What is broken is the department, starting at the TOP, not the bottom.

Ralph Johnson broke it and then broke it again.

Ralph Johnson is still trying to break it.

This directly effects the employees and the citizens of this County. This must stop.

As part of Ralph Johnson's continued juvenile behavior, he now supports bringing a "Union" into town. (Something that would have NEVER happened, should he been sitting as Sheriff). This is known as hypocrisy, Ralph's middle name.

The employees making the most positive noise about the "Union" are poor performers, concerned about their "Protector" Ralph, no longer having control of the wheel of a car that was driving on flat tires and no auto insurance.

Many feel that whomever the new sheriff elect is, they should have the chance to implement their own policy, procedure and performance standards, thus, setting the bar for our WCSO to become one of the best in the State.

Unfortunately, the continued antics of Ralph Johnson and his "children" continue to lower the bar and not only make the current administration continue to look like a kindergarden class, but they demoralize the officers, upset the citizens and now there is the potential for your organization's credibility to be dug in mud here in Walton County, Florida.

Do us (the citizens) a favor. Let the new Sheriff take office and prove or disprove himself to the officers and the citizens. I have said it before, once a new leader takes control, if things do not improve, I will be one of the first to support a collective effort.

Thank you,

W

whatever.....I consider your assumption that those of us that support a union are cronies of Johnson or poor performers an insult. I was just trying to do my part to bring the WCSO into the 21st century and end the rule of small town politics in law enforcement. I'm done trying to convince anyone. Those of you not in this business don't understand and you never will. Those of you in this business that don't want it, enjoy your honeymoon period with the new Sheriff. You want your Hazard county? Keep it.

Feeling the same way

but one has to wonder why this is being pushed so hard so fast. I for one believe that those at least most of them have to go. Whats the problem they still get the pay. A new sheriff would not be able to trust a few of them and if this is why it is being pushed that is just wrong.

whatever.....I consider your assumption that those of us that support a union are cronies of Johnson or poor performers an insult. I was just trying to do my part to bring the WCSO into the 21st century and end the rule of small town politics in law enforcement. I'm done trying to convince anyone. Those of you not in this business don't understand and you never will. Those of you in this business that don't want it, enjoy your honeymoon period with the new Sheriff. You want your Hazard county? Keep it.

This post is not in support of Griffith or Adkinson. This post is not in support or against the PBA. I am currently serving the people of Walton County and have been doing so for almost two decades .To say that there are changes needed in the Sheriff?s Office , would be a understatement. I have had little time to research the pros and cons of PBA collective bargaining and it appears that this issue is moving at a fast speed. I have read several of the post on the PBA topic and I see that some of you have a better knowledge of the capabilities? of the PBA. I would like to ask a question for an answer or a referral to some one who can give the correct answer.

The Office of Sheriff is the only Law Enforcement Branch that is in or State Constitution .The authority of the Sheriff is backed by Title 5 Chapter 30 of the Florida State Constitution. The question I have is, if a stalemate develops between the PBA and the Sheriff and the Sheriff invokes is authority under Chapter 30.53, does the PBA have the strength to over ride and make change to the State Constitution?

30.53 Independence of constitutional officials.--The independence of the sheriffs shall be preserved concerning the purchase of supplies and equipment, selection of personnel, and the hiring, firing, and setting of salaries of such personnel; provided that nothing herein contained shall restrict the establishment or operation of any civil service system or civil service board created pursuant to s. 14, Art. III, of the Constitution of Florida.

Thanks in advance for any information

1-800-733-3722 Ask for Hal Johnson, I think his name is. Or aske to speak with President Rivera in Miami-Dade. They could give you and answer. Hal is the senior staff attorney

Mr. PBA Rep.

First question: Are you actually a formal rep for the PBA and if so, please advise your Staff Rep Area.

I sincerely hope the PBA understands that many potential members (Law Enforcment) and their families fully know that your "invite" to Walton County was orchastrated by Ralph Johnson. Johnson will be leaving the office as one of the most ineffective, underhanded, disliked and all around sorry excuses for a public servant I personally have ever seen. Your organization is being placed directly in the middle of an agenda set forth by Ralph Johnson to undermine the success of Mike Adkinson Jr. Please do your homework and realize this.

With that said, Mr. PBA Rep, understand that I personally support both the PBA and the FOP (directly and indirectly). The timing of this approach of the officers in Walton is very suspect. If your organization intends to maintain its credibility with people, you will look at the current situation here and understand. It is as simple as looking at your supporters vs. those keeping hush and those opposed. They are almost completely drawn on lines of Johnson and Adkinson.

I recently read in the local paper, "a response" from Ralph Johnson about this whole issue. What I found amazing is that this is the first time Johnson has said anything without his Parrot speaking for him. Why is that?, because its all about him and ego. PBA benefits him at this point. It sets the stage for the few of his less then desirable "friends" to remain in gainful employment and continue to do nothing but collect a pay check, at our expense. Let these "friends" have the opportunity to make it on their own. They will not succeed, they are poor performers, coasting along...
Where were Ralph Johnson's comments when budgets were questioned? Where were his comments about the two officers he fired for being pregnant?

Oh, that brings up a good point. PBA Rep., if you are a PBA Rep., please let me (and Walton County) know how your organization would have handled that situation, should one or both of the female deputies have been under your "guard"? Please address that, you don't have to use WCSO as specifics, but I would like to know how your organization would have handled representing a pregnant female officer, recently terminated, for being pregnant. Answer that and realize that the man behind your mysterious appearance was directly responsible for the termination of two pregnant females (Law Suit Pending).

Again, just to review so you do not feel this as a personal attack, it is not meant to be, I am just tired of "Watching" Ralph Johnson and a handful of malcontents continue to ruin our local law enforcement.

In 2009, Walton County will have a new leader in its Sheriff's Office. One of two men will take the position of Sheriff. I believe (and I support) Mike Adkinson will be the winner.

Regardless of who, the new sheriff elect needs the ability to fix what is broken.

What is broken is the department, starting at the TOP, not the bottom.

Ralph Johnson broke it and then broke it again.

Ralph Johnson is still trying to break it.

This directly effects the employees and the citizens of this County. This must stop.

As part of Ralph Johnson's continued juvenile behavior, he now supports bringing a "Union" into town. (Something that would have NEVER happened, should he been sitting as Sheriff). This is known as hypocrisy, Ralph's middle name.

The employees making the most positive noise about the "Union" are poor performers, concerned about their "Protector" Ralph, no longer having control of the wheel of a car that was driving on flat tires and no auto insurance.

Many feel that whomever the new sheriff elect is, they should have the chance to implement their own policy, procedure and performance standards, thus, setting the bar for our WCSO to become one of the best in the State.

Unfortunately, the continued antics of Ralph Johnson and his "children" continue to lower the bar and not only make the current administration continue to look like a kindergarden class, but they demoralize the officers, upset the citizens and now there is the potential for your organization's credibility to be dug in mud here in Walton County, Florida.

Do us (the citizens) a favor. Let the new Sheriff take office and prove or disprove himself to the officers and the citizens. I have said it before, once a new leader takes control, if things do not improve, I will be one of the first to support a collective effort.

Thank you,

W

Dear W,

My Name is Steve Mears, the other Representative is Ricky Mayo. By the way what is your name? Now for the sake of arguement (I disagree with you, Ralph Johnson did not call me nor his "Parrot" who ever that might be) let us say you are right. It should not matter to you what, if any, Sheriff Johson's motives are, you should be happy that you are getting the protection of doing you job without having to worry every 4 years who the Sheriff is. Why would you not want to secure you and your family's future by having a contract. You may or may not be in the good gracious of the NEW SHERIFF. Why should you have to worry about whether you have a job or not. Then you would be able to focus your concerns on protecting and serving the people of Walton County. Why would you want to "throw the baby out with the bath water. Hey vote the Union in, set down and look at the contract that will be offered to you and hey if you do not like it, vote NO. It is that simple. As to the females being fired. I'm afraid that you have me at a disadvantage. I know nothing about the case. But if they were operating under a contract and were PBA members we would represent them. If a contract was in place and they were not members they would have to hire their own Attorney and he would operate under the guidelines of the contract. All a contract does is put everyone in the bargaining unit on a level playing field and you are promoted on your merits, not the good old boy system. In addition if you are facing discipline, it establishes a guideline that a Sheriff must follow, so in simple terms it means that if Deputy "A" does an offense, and Deputy "B" does the same offense they have to be treated equally. Without a contract we see this happen way too often. I hope this has cleared up a few things for you.
Remember everyone will get to vote the contract up or down. If you think it's being too "restrictive" on the NEW SHERIFF then vote it down but at least afford yourself the opportunity of looking to see what a contract might offer you.
When your fellow deputies vote the PBA in and you have had a contract for a few years, I hope you reflect back and say, Hey I made the right decision, I voted yes for the PBA and gave me, my family and my fellow deputies the protection they deserve, not saying that the New Sheriff will not, but don't you want it in writing just to be on the safe side. Hey, I want to work with the new Sheriff and I would hope that he wants to work with me.
REMEMBER VOTE PBA

whatever.....I consider your assumption that those of us that support a union are cronies of Johnson or poor performers an insult. I was just trying to do my part to bring the WCSO into the 21st century and end the rule of small town politics in law enforcement. I'm done trying to convince anyone. Those of you not in this business don't understand and you never will. Those of you in this business that don't want it, enjoy your honeymoon period with the new Sheriff. You want your Hazard county? Keep it.

Well I for one am in the business and I dont want it....Hazard County? I think we are along way from that one....And like the old saying goes, "Dont leave mad, just leave"...

To all those that think this RJ's folks trying to protect themselves, I DON"T CARE WHO IT IS. I am tired a seeing good Deputies get screwed every 4 years. I knew a guy I respect who lost his job because of RJ's cronies ( as I undrestood it at the time), he was fired and finally REHIRED. Does that make him a cronie, I don't think so, but I wish he had a Union then and maybe he would not have been fired in the first place. Allow these men and women to do their jobs without the politics, these folks are the professional, not the Politicians and their cronies. For those who don't like the UNION VOTE NO, I support the UNION and will stand with the Deputies, Union or not for equality and fairness.

Well I for one am in the business and I dont want it....Hazard County? I think we are along way from that one....And like the old saying goes, "Dont leave mad, just leave"...

Not likely.....you'll have to fire me. I am going to continue to do my job and keep my mouth shut from here on out....

Bitter

whatever.....I consider your assumption that those of us that support a union are cronies of Johnson or poor performers an insult. I was just trying to do my part to bring the WCSO into the 21st century and end the rule of small town politics in law enforcement. I'm done trying to convince anyone. Those of you not in this business don't understand and you never will. Those of you in this business that don't want it, enjoy your honeymoon period with the new Sheriff. You want your Hazard county? Keep it.

My assumption is for the most part, correct. I don't want to start naming names but I am well aware of many of those "pushing" the Union to undermine Mike Adkinson. If your read my post in full, you'd see I do support the PBA, but only after the NEW Sheriff has a chance to do his duty. You are punishing the newly elected sheriff for all the wrong doings done by Ralph. Use your head here, think about it. And don't assume I'm not in "the business".

As for "Hazard" County, you sound bitter. If you don't like it, leave it.

Oh Boy

Dear W,

My Name is Steve Mears, the other Representative is Ricky Mayo. By the way what is your name? Now for the sake of arguement (I disagree with you, Ralph Johnson did not call me nor his "Parrot" who ever that might be) let us say you are right. It should not matter to you what, if any, Sheriff Johson's motives are, you should be happy that you are getting the protection of doing you job without having to worry every 4 years who the Sheriff is. Why would you not want to secure you and your family's future by having a contract. You may or may not be in the good gracious of the NEW SHERIFF. Why should you have to worry about whether you have a job or not. Then you would be able to focus your concerns on protecting and serving the people of Walton County. Why would you want to "throw the baby out with the bath water. Hey vote the Union in, set down and look at the contract that will be offered to you and hey if you do not like it, vote NO. It is that simple. As to the females being fired. I'm afraid that you have me at a disadvantage. I know nothing about the case. But if they were operating under a contract and were PBA members we would represent them. If a contract was in place and they were not members they would have to hire their own Attorney and he would operate under the guidelines of the contract. All a contract does is put everyone in the bargaining unit on a level playing field and you are promoted on your merits, not the good old boy system. In addition if you are facing discipline, it establishes a guideline that a Sheriff must follow, so in simple terms it means that if Deputy "A" does an offense, and Deputy "B" does the same offense they have to be treated equally. Without a contract we see this happen way too often. I hope this has cleared up a few things for you.
Remember everyone will get to vote the contract up or down. If you think it's being too "restrictive" on the NEW SHERIFF then vote it down but at least afford yourself the opportunity of looking to see what a contract might offer you.
When your fellow deputies vote the PBA in and you have had a contract for a few years, I hope you reflect back and say, Hey I made the right decision, I voted yes for the PBA and gave me, my family and my fellow deputies the protection they deserve, not saying that the New Sheriff will not, but don't you want it in writing just to be on the safe side. Hey, I want to work with the new Sheriff and I would hope that he wants to work with me.
REMEMBER VOTE PBA

"As to the females being fired. I'm afraid that you have me at a disadvantage. I know nothing about the case."

You and your organization DO NOT know about the females officers case??? Oh boy, sorry to say but you are lost and without a map. Before you come to an area, one should know the environment, it might help your case and assist you in selling your "protection".

Individuals can join your organization on their own and receive "Protection". The whole department does not have to recognize your organization. As I said, you and your organization are being played as pawns by the lame duck sheriff.

I completely support the PBA and the FOP, but I do not support your groups efforts to make a transition to a new sheriff elect difficult, which this whole set of circumstances is doing now. Why can't you wait until the new sheriff takes office and then see what the sense is in the department? Just a simple thought that would win you a lot of support.

By the way, my name is "The Watcher", Ms. Jackson if you're nasty.;-)

P.S.
As for Ralph Johnson contacting you, let's say he did, is that not some sort of violation? I don't know the in's or out's on that but it sure would sound fishy.

Those who do their jobs to the best of their ability, don't worry about who the new sheriff is.:roll:

have a baby

Not likely.....you'll have to fire me. I am going to continue to do my job and keep my mouth shut from here on out....

RJ is still here and still "working". Just go and get pregnant, that's a sure fire way to go.:funn:

"As to the females being fired. I'm afraid that you have me at a disadvantage. I know nothing about the case."

You and your organization DO NOT know about the females officers case??? Oh boy, sorry to say but you are lost and without a map. Before you come to an area, one should know the environment, it might help your case and assist you in selling your "protection".

Individuals can join your organization on their own and receive "Protection". The whole department does not have to recognize your organization. As I said, you and your organization are being played as pawns by the lame duck sheriff.

I completely support the PBA and the FOP, but I do not support your groups efforts to make a transition to a new sheriff elect difficult, which this whole set of circumstances is doing now. Why can't you wait until the new sheriff takes office and then see what the sense is in the department? Just a simple thought that would win you a lot of support.

By the way, my name is "The Watcher", Ms. Jackson if you're nasty.;-)

P.S.
As for Ralph Johnson contacting you, let's say he did, is that not some sort of violation? I don't know the in's or out's on that but it sure would sound fishy.

Those who do their jobs to the best of their ability, don't worry about who the new sheriff is.:roll:

Ms. Jackson,
Desoto County had a very similar situtation to what you are in and guess what the New Sheriff came in and had a contract that was negotiated under the old administration, just prior to him taking office. The new Sheriff came in after a tough race and no problems. In fact that Sheriff knew he wanted to take care of his employees and the former Sheriff just started the process. The Fact is simple, your mind will not change, you are anti-union. You throw arrows and split hairs. Why would I need to know about a case that had nothing to do with the PBA. Looks like to me it proves my point, if what I'm hearing is true and using your standard of thought "those who do their jobs to the best of their ability, don't worry about who the new sheriff is" If these young ladies used this same method of thought.... well you get the point.

I wish them well and hope they get their jobs back.


Take care, Ms. Jackson

REMEMBER VOTE PBA

Dear W,

My Name is Steve Mears, the other Representative is Ricky Mayo. By the way what is your name? Now for the sake of arguement (I disagree with you, Ralph Johnson did not call me nor his "Parrot" who ever that might be) let us say you are right. It should not matter to you what, if any, Sheriff Johson's motives are, you should be happy that you are getting the protection of doing you job without having to worry every 4 years who the Sheriff is. Why would you not want to secure you and your family's future by having a contract. You may or may not be in the good gracious of the NEW SHERIFF. Why should you have to worry about whether you have a job or not. Then you would be able to focus your concerns on protecting and serving the people of Walton County. Why would you want to "throw the baby out with the bath water. Hey vote the Union in, set down and look at the contract that will be offered to you and hey if you do not like it, vote NO. It is that simple. As to the females being fired. I'm afraid that you have me at a disadvantage. I know nothing about the case. But if they were operating under a contract and were PBA members we would represent them. If a contract was in place and they were not members they would have to hire their own Attorney and he would operate under the guidelines of the contract. All a contract does is put everyone in the bargaining unit on a level playing field and you are promoted on your merits, not the good old boy system. In addition if you are facing discipline, it establishes a guideline that a Sheriff must follow, so in simple terms it means that if Deputy "A" does an offense, and Deputy "B" does the same offense they have to be treated equally. Without a contract we see this happen way too often. I hope this has cleared up a few things for you.
Remember everyone will get to vote the contract up or down. If you think it's being too "restrictive" on the NEW SHERIFF then vote it down but at least afford yourself the opportunity of looking to see what a contract might offer you.
When your fellow deputies vote the PBA in and you have had a contract for a few years, I hope you reflect back and say, Hey I made the right decision, I voted yes for the PBA and gave me, my family and my fellow deputies the protection they deserve, not saying that the New Sheriff will not, but don't you want it in writing just to be on the safe side. Hey, I want to work with the new Sheriff and I would hope that he wants to work with me.
REMEMBER VOTE PBA

Ms. Jackson maybe you should read my posting again. Vote PBA, then when you get a chance to look at the contract, then decide at that point if you want to vote the contract in or to vote the contract out. You will have at least two votes. and the supervisors will have at least two votes, one voting the PBA as your collective bargaining agent and the other is the contract.
Take Care and REMEMBER VOTE PBA

By the way, my name is "The Watcher", Ms. Jackson if you're nasty.;-)


LOL! I like your sense of humor, at least.

PBA Rep. I can tell you that both the females that were let go were good cops. One was a little whiney, but she was still a good cop. Johnson just applied FMLA to them and did away with light duty at the departmet. It was a real nasty thing and I think sealed his fate.

I'm sure most people on both sides of the unionization deal will agree that that whole thing was screwed up. I mean, we are supposed to take care of each other, right?

If they had been members, the PBA would've provided them with legal counsel and they would probably get their jobs back with back pay. After doing research in federal case law, I found a decision out of New Your Federal Court of Appeals that awarded officers in the same circumstances just that. If I remember correctly, their ruling was that if a department had light duty, they could not end it. If a department NEVER had it, then they could run folks off for non work related injuries or leave beyond the twelve weeks allowed by FMLA.

I will not even consider having another child until I know the Sheriff-elect's stance on this issue.

By the way, my name is "The Watcher", Ms. Jackson if you're nasty.;-)


LOL! I like your sense of humor, at least.

PBA Rep. I can tell you that both the females that were let go were good cops. One was a little whiney, but she was still a good cop. Johnson just applied FMLA to them and did away with light duty at the departmet. It was a real nasty thing and I think sealed his fate.

I'm sure most people on both sides of the unionization deal will agree that that whole thing was screwed up. I mean, we are supposed to take care of each other, right?

If they had been members, the PBA would've provided them with legal counsel and they would probably get their jobs back with back pay. After doing research in federal case law, I found a decision out of New Your Federal Court of Appeals that awarded officers in the same circumstances just that. If I remember correctly, their ruling was that if a department had light duty, they could not end it. If a department NEVER had it, then they could run folks off for non work related injuries or leave beyond the twelve weeks allowed by FMLA.

I will not even consider having another child until I know the Sheriff-elect's stance on this issue.

Words for thought.... Why not get language into the contract to address this very thing, the you will not have to worry about a sheriff changing his mind on this issue and you going a head and having child. It's kind of hard to back up at that point, but if it is in the contract, this would I think resolve your concerns. A contract make sure that the administration will treat everyone equally. Reference your quote, "we are supposed to take care of each other, right? Answer is with a contract you con't have to worry about who has your back, the PBA will. REMEMBER VOTE PBA!!!!