I have been asked several times recently why I declined to participate in the SEIU candidate forum last month, so I would like to give my explanation here for anyone else that may be curious. It is a fair question and I will answer it. The SEIU is the local union that covers many county employees, including employees of the District Attorney’s Office, but not the elected District Attorney. Let me start out by saying that I am absolutely NOT anti-union. My problem was with the endorsement process and what they wanted of me in order to obtain their endorsement and the campaign money that would come with it. As many of you know, I have been endorsed by the CCPOA and am very proud to have this union endorsement. The CCPOA sent me an eight question questionnaire before they interviewed me. Without exception, each and every question I was asked in writing and in person during the interview was directly related to my views on crime and punishment issues, i.e., issues that are directly relevant to the position of District Attorney. The CCPOA did not ask me for any future commitment at all, other than what everyone expects of a candidate answering their questions – to do what they say they will do. The point is, their endorsement process was entirely fair, appropriate and directly related to the job I am seeking. The SEIU, on the other hand, sent candidates a 37 question questionnaire and six item candidate/elected official pledge form that had to be completed, signed and submitted before any candidate would be permitted to address their membership and seek their endorsement. The questionnaire mostly inquired into my position on labor-management issues that had nothing to do with the office of District Attorney. It also sought my written and signed pledge and commitment to “publicly support and actively encourage” six different categories of activities on behalf of the union even though I, as elected District Attorney, would not even be a member of that union. I do not believe that it is appropriate for the District Attorney to get involved in labor/contract issues between the county employees and the county. If elected, I will obviously fully comply with all terms of any collective bargaining agreement that applies to any employee I would supervise as a department head. I do not think it is appropriate for a candidate for District Attorney to commit to get actively involved with or pledge to take a side on these issues just to win an endorsement and receive a campaign contribution. Accordingly, I wrote the letter depicted in the attached photographs (click to enlarge so you can read) and declined to seek the SEIU endorsement, a decision that cost me money and votes. My opponent was the only District Attorney candidate to appear at the forum. Consequently, he received their endorsement and campaign contribution.
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 20:22:18 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015