It is that time of year again. You see the flyers in the hallways and the posts on social media,
and you know that it is election time for your League Directors. No, I am not running for reelection and this is not a campaign speech, but I am on the LAPPL Election Committee, so I
thought I would share my thoughts on voting with you. The position of League Director is an
extremely important one to the membership and it comes with a great deal of responsibility.
Many members do not fully understand the numerous roles that a Director plays, and some
believe that a Director’s main job is to negotiate our contract (Memorandum of Understanding,
or MOU). True, contract negotiations are a significant and important job for the Board of
Directors; however, the other roles of a Director are equally crucial to our membership.
Your Board is responsible for ensuring that the provisions of the MOU are not violated. When
issues arise, Directors meet and confer regularly with the Department to protect our
membership’s interests. In addition, your Directors handle grievances, disciplinary proceedings,
arbitrations, pension hearings, workers’ compensation and sick/injured on-duty issues. They also
respond to officer-involved shootings and categorical use of force scenes, as well as incidents
where officers are severely injured or hospitalized on- or off-duty. Directors negotiate with the
City regarding issues that affect our working conditions or retirement, including compressed
work schedules, body-worn cameras, station security, officer safety, in-car videos, pensions and
Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP). Directors speak on behalf of our membership
during City Council sessions, Police Commissioners meetings, at press conferences and other
media events. Directors speak and meet daily with members from throughout the Department
who have concerns or questions or who need help with personal and work-related situations.
Directors lobby state legislature regarding laws that affect law enforcement and work to educate
the public about law enforcement related issues. They raise funds and awareness for officers in
need and provide support to families of our fallen.
When it comes to voting for Directors, many members do not recognize how important their
vote is. You may think that you are only one vote or one voice, but that one voice can make all
the difference when it comes to fighting for our membership! The right person in office is crucial
and means a great deal to a great number of people. Historically, approximately 30 percent of our
membership takes the time to cast their ballots in a League election. This number is nowhere
near what it should be. Consider this: Would you trust your partner to make all of your financial
decisions without any input from you? By not casting your vote, you are allowing not just your
partner but other officers including those you do not know to make important decisions for you.
It is incumbent upon you to be an educated voter and to learn about the candidates. It is not
just about who makes a better speech or who slings the most mud or who has the best-looking
flyer. Take the time to read the candidates’ biographies that are included with the ballots, ask
questions, and do your own research. Reach out to individual candidates if you have questions or
concerns. Is this person going to represent you well? Are they going to be there for you when
you call? Do they have a proven track record that you can trust? Do they have the experience
necessary to not only understand the issues, but to effectively fight on behalf of our members? I
won’t be so bold as to tell you who to vote for (at least not until I am seeking re-election!), but I
do implore you to take the time to become an educated voter. Cast your ballot because it is your
vote that makes the difference! Do not allow your future to be decided by others. I encourage
you to become involved in your League and to take an interest in the issues that affect each of us
on a daily basis.
General Election ballots will be mailed to all members on Tuesday, November 3, and must be
received back via mail by November 23. Ballots will be counted the morning of November 23. If
you do not receive a ballot, please contact the League Office at (213) 251-4554 for a replacement
ballot.
As always, you may reach me at (213) 251-4554 or at LouTurriaga@lappl.org. Stay safe!