From the President...

by Mike Jimenez, California Correctional Peace Officers Association

From the President...

Soon, we will all be part of an historic event, as the Nov. 4, 2008, presidential election inches toward us. More than 140 years ago, the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed providing freedom to emancipated slaves. Now, on November 4, we may elect the country's first African-American president. Similarly, in 1872 and 1873, a woman named Susan B. Anthony was arrested for simply attempting to vote. Though she never lived to see its passage, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was passed in 1920 giving women the right to vote. On November 4, we may see a woman elected vice president of the United States. This will truly be a momentous occasion, and we have certainly come a long way as a nation and a democratic republic.

As a profession, we have also come a long way. Starting in 1957, CCPOA began building a solid reputation as a strong and unified independent force. We've been mavericks in our approach to politics in California, and we did not become indentured to any political party's ideology. We stand true to our convictions and we've done the research. We simply support the best candidates who will support correctional peace officers.

That is why we urge you to vote in this election. As brother and sister correctional peace officers, we urge you all to seriously consider the recommendations in this voting guide for the candidates and causes that may affect our profession.

While we have taken positions on more than 100 individual state legislative races, there are two in particular that I want to make sure our members are aware of. First, in the Central Valley, 30th Assembly District candidate Fran Florez, and, second, in our desert prisons region, 80th Assembly District candidate Gary Jeandron. Neither of these candidates will ever vote to cut the salaries or benefits of our members. We face an administration in which Gov. Schwarzenegger wants to do both. We are confident these two candidates recognize the tough work our members do on a daily basis, and, most importantly, they have respect for our profession. We urge our members in the Central Valley and from El Centro to Blythe to vote for Fran Florez and Gary Jeandron.

CCPOA has also taken a definitive position on the following ballot initiatives:

Prop. 5 -- Also known as The NonviolentOffender Rehabilitation Act, Prop. 5 is the ultimate get out of jail free card. This is most dangerous initiative on the ballot and westrongly urge a NO vote.
Prop. 6 -- Also known as The Safe Neighborhoods Act, Prop. 6 will provide additional funding for local police, sheriff, district attorneys and probation officers. It will also provide funds for victim witness protection plans and will help victims who have been intimidated by gang criminals. We strongly urge a YES vote.
Prop. 9 -- This constitutional amendment will expand the rights of crime victims and spare them the agony of reliving the horror of the crimes committed against their loved ones by being forced to attend repeated parole hearings. We strongly urge a YES vote.
Prop. 11 -- This proposition is the ultimate deception. Supported by Gov. Schwarzenegger, this measure seeks to establish a 14-member commission to establish legislative voting districts in California. The problem with that is commission members would be appointed by the same politicians who can't seem to get the job done now. Prop. 11 is a scam that allows politicians to hide behind bureaucrats to maintain the current legislative gridlock. We strongly urge a NO vote.
Prop. 12 -- The Veterans' Bond Act of 2008 will help California veterans who risked their lives in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strongly urge a YES vote.

Make no mistake, history will be made this November. And as a unified membership, we have a chance to be part of the event. No matter what your choices, please take part in a process for which so many have sacrificed both their lives and their freedoms to ensure our voices are heard. We face many challenges as a profession, and our legislative deliberations and recommendations on these candidates and issues were not taken lightly. We offer this voting guide in the best interests of our profession, and hope that you will take these recommendations into consideration when casting your votes. Together -- unified and strong -- we can make a difference. God bless our members and God bless America.

Until next time, take care and have a safe shift.

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