UPPER MICHIGAN POLITICAL ACTION
A REALITY
By Emil Kezerle
Business Agent/Coordinator, Upper Michigan Office
1342 U.S. Highway
2, Crystal Falls, Michigan 49921
906-875-4990 – 800-361-1269
Some time ago you were introduced to the existence of the Upper Michigan Law Enforcement Association. Upon becoming members of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, you also become a member of the "UMLEA." The UMLEA is a stand-alone political action committee with independent bylaws adopted by the UMLEA Board of Directors. As I have reported in previous articles, the UMLEA is intended to provide a respected voice for its member organizations in order to promote, endorse, and maintain candidates for elected office who are the most supportive of the employees represented by the WPPA. The primary interest of the UMLEA is to provide political support at a local level, as it is at the local level that significant decisions are made in respect to the economic welfare of our membership.
The UMLEA Board of Directors is comprised of WPPA members from Upper Michigan, most of whom assume some leadership role in their respective local association. We are fortunate to have Board representation from most geographic areas in Upper Michigan where the WPPA provides representation.
Through a number of publications, we have explained that Upper Michigan law enforcement historically has lacked the centralized organization and financial resources necessary to become a significant voice in the political arena. In an effort to better assist our Michigan members, the UMLEA was created.
Those most closely involved in the long-term strategic goals of the UMLEA have a pretty clear vision of how significant this effort can be in terms of improving the economic position of our membership here in Upper Michigan. In the simplest terms, common logic suggests that the ability to endorse friendly candidates for local public offices can't hurt when it comes time to bargain a labor agreement. The most troubling aspect of identifying the future capabilities of the UMLEA, however, has been in identifying a consistent long-term financial resource. Absent financial support, the UMLEA simply cannot provide the political support for which it was created.
Due to a significant amount of effort on the part of the WPPA staff in Madison, and as a result of action taken at the WPPA Annual Convention last May, the UMLEA will now have a consistent financial resource to assist us in providing political support to our WPPA locals. In mid August, your local association representative received a correspondence from the Executive Director of the WPPA which identifies and explains the course the WPPA Board has decided to take in respect to an additional 75 cent deduction per member, per month. This deduction, as pointed out in the Executive Director’s correspondence, will be used for political action. All funds deducted from our Michigan membership will be placed in a segregated account and distributed by the UMLEA Board of Directors. The annual cost per member is $9.00.
Michigan law requires that each UMLEA member expressly consent in writing to this deduction. In the remaining months of 2005, you will be asked to complete the necessary consent forms in order for this deduction to be made in 2006. I hope that each of you will see the value of political action and agree to participate in this program.
Simply put, this financial resource is of monumental significance to our UMLEA effort. In his recent correspondence, WPPA Executive Director Thomas Bahr has encouraged anyone with questions to contact him at 1-800-362-8838. Please do not hesitate to contact me as well (contact information is listed above). I would be pleased to address any questions you may have.
