Michael Sobieraj
This letter is in response to Francisco Rivero”s letter of Dec. 17. We find it unusual that Frank Rivero would choose to channel his communication via the media, without first addressing his concerns directly with a representative of the association. Certainly, Rivero is aware that many issues and concerns can be adequately handled by directly contacting those involved. Rivero wrote in his shift expectations when he was an interim supervisor that he wanted his subordinates to come to him directly with any concerns they had. It is concerning that Rivero appears to be unwilling to follow his own advice. Rivero”s decision to publicize this letter raises a question as to whether his concerns about transparency are genuine or if the publication of the letter was a politically motivated effort to misrepresent the intentions of the men and women who serve this community on a daily basis.
The debate, scheduled for Jan. 11, was scheduled in an effort to provide a forum in which the members of the various law enforcement unions, acting in their capacity as employee representatives and bargaining groups, would have the opportunity to have issues addressed that are germane to their functions as employees. The decision to make the meeting only open to the represented members of these bargaining units was to ensure that the debate remained focused on the issues that directly affect these members in their capacity as employees, and that the debate not be sidetracked to other issues.
In Rivero”s letter, he points out the obvious fact that anyone employed in public service knows; that we are all here to serve our community. His mischaracterization of this opportunity for all of the candidates to present their ideas, views and philosophies as they relate to the working environment of these employees as some sort of “closed-door backroom session” is clearly way off mark. If it was the DSA”s intent to have some sort of secret meeting, we surely would not have invited any form of media. Members of all the represented bargaining units certainly realize our obligation to the community and recognize that there are issues that need to be addressed directly to the public, and many of us would welcome such an occasion. However, it is not the mission, nor is it the obligation of any of these bargaining units to provide a forum in which such issues can be addressed. It is evident Rivero feels very strongly about providing the general public an opportunity to participate in the debate process, and we are certain that his fellow candidates feel the same. The DSA certainly encourages him to seek out other organizations that would be more suitable for providing a forum in which to hold such debates.
We stand by our decision to format this debate as intended and we are certain that in this format it will be a revealing and constructive format.
Board of Directors
Lake County Deputy Sheriff”s Association
Submitted by Secretary Michael Sobieraj
