News From The Upper Peninsula
By Emil Kezerle
Business Agent/Coordinator, Upper Michigan Office
1342 U.S. Highway 2, Crystal Falls, Michigan 49921
906-875-4990 – 800-361-1269
Tune In To Your Local Elections
Over the years, and in various forms of correspondence, information has been passed to your association regarding the importance of getting involved in local elections. More specifically, the elections I am referring to revolve around vacant seats on your respective city, county, village, and township boards. In general, and as I'm sure most of you are aware, the economic position of your employer during contract negotiations is largely decided at the local level. Certainly, economic recommendations are made to the board members by the manager or administrator; however, the ultimate authority to "hold the line" on any economic position lies with your elected officials.
Over time, I suspect many of us have been involved in discussions with fellow members regarding the makeup of your elected board, council, or commissions. Here is a example of how these discussions tend to go: "I hope he or she doesn't get on the Board or we are in trouble;” or, "It sure would be nice if he or she would run for the Council; surely we would reach a fair contract settlement if we could get this person on the Board.” We then finish our cup of coffee and go on with the rest of our work day.
Certainly, a fair number of folks who run for public office do so for all the right reasons. In contrast, there are also a certain number of folks who run for these positions who have a specific agenda which usually revolves around some irritation with local government. Perhaps they are of the opinion that public employees are overpaid, or that the police department is overstaffed. I suspect any one of you could add to the list of possibilities as to why some folks run for elected office in your jurisdiction.
In an effort to better serve the political needs of our Upper Michigan membership, the Upper Michigan Law Enforcement Association (UMLEA) was created. As members of the WPPA, you also become a member of the UMLEA. The objective of the UMLEA is to unite all WPPA member organizations in Upper Michigan in order to promote and maintain candidates for elected office who are the most supportive of the Upper Peninsula’s law enforcement community. In other words, the UMLEA and its Board of Directors exists to assist your local association in the endorsement of candidates for office who are mindful of the exceptional service our members provide to their respective communities.
This is an exceptional resource for your local association. It's also a resource that was never available to law enforcement in Upper Michigan until now.
In October of 2005, each local president received a letter explaining that for the UMLEA to become truly effective, a funding mechanism was established whereby each Upper Michigan member could make a voluntary contribution of $9.00 for year 2006. Contributions to UMLEA-endorsed candidates from this segregated fund can only be distributed by a majority vote of the UMLEA Board, which consists of nine Upper Michigan law enforcement association leaders. Such candidates must first receive the support of your association by a majority vote.
Many years ago, the WPPA made a commitment to law enforcement in Upper Michigan. That same commitment has continued to grow and has evolved into something quite significant. The WPPA employs two Business Agents, one full time and one part time, both of whom are posted right here in Upper Michigan. We have established an office here in Upper Michigan, utilized by the Business Agents and your UMLEA Board of Directors.
Don't hesitate to take advantage of the opportunities available to you here in Upper Michigan. Talk to members of your association and evaluate the positions of those currently seated on your local elected body. It’s tremendously important that we support local candidates who share our ideals and support our efforts to keep Upper Michigan a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Feel free to contact me at the UMLEA office for more information.
In closing, don’t forget that the Upper Peninsula Law Enforcement Motorcycle Ride, sponsored by the Thin Blue Line of Michigan, will take place on August 19, 2006. The ride begins in Marquette at 9:00 a.m. EST. The proceeds from the ride are used to assist the families of injured or deceased officers of law enforcement agencies in the State of Michigan. I hope to see you there.
