Police Chief Cancels Speech
The appearance by the Chief had been on the books for months, and comes after the Council voted last month to make Public Safety the groups' first concern. A notification was sent out by the Council today. It follows:
Subject" URGENT NOTICE !!!!
May 13, 2008 Meeting Change
Chief Roberts called today an advised that he will not be attending the meeting on Tuesday to answer the questions provided by the Council. He advised that the contract negotiations were in a sensitive final stage and as such felt that it would be more appropriate to respond to our questions at the June meeting. This delay allows each party adequate time to consider the offer and come to a mutual conclusion. He apologized for the lateness of the notice but provided it as the discussions reached this stage.
Because we have not provided for an alternate speaker, I would appreciate any help you might have in filling this void.
Thanks,
Genia
Industry insiders admit that the long tortured contract negotiations between the Fraternal Order Of Police and the City might be nearing a deal. The City offered their last best offer in negotiations last Tuesday. The Union head, Jack Lokeinsky, is expected to take the contract offer to his members for a vote in the coming weeks.
The City's offer will bring the Department back nearer the top of pay scales compared to other Broward County Police Departments. The Fort Lauderdale Police had dropped to the bottom of those scales in the last few years and morale has suffered.
The speech cancellation also furthers speculation about the Chief's future with the Department. High ranking officials in the Department tell me privately that the Chief's failure to deliver the City a contract approved by his Officers might be the fatal blow that ends the Chief's contract with the City and a long, distinguished career with the FLPD. The Chief's contract is up for renewal in November.
It also renews rumors that Roberts might be considering a new career - politics. Some talk about the irony that Roberts might just be canned by City Manager George Gretsas, only to have Roberts then run for the City Commission and become one of Gretsas's new bosses! Roberts lives in District I, currently represented by Commissioner Christine Teel.
As for Chief Robert's political future, should he choose to run against Teel, my district commissioner, he would have my vote. Of course, I would vote for Daffy Duck if the daring creature were the only alternative to Teel. Even with a slight speech impediment, he would be an improvement!
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I can't imagine Chief Roberts running for Commission. Especially against Teel. He could make more money being a chief in another city, or in consulting. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't retire rather than not having his contract renewed. Who needs the aggravation of politics in an election year and one with budget reductions at that. A commissioner doesn't make much money either. Tim, you can attest to that!
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Gretzes has screwed our police force so much, morals is at an all time low, people out of the academy dont want to come here maybe its time to explore going to BSO. I know Cindi is interested and it seems logical.
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Hmmmmm.Perhaps the rumors I've been hearing are true..
Hopefully, union leader Jack Lowenski SP? will forgive you for messing up his last name- the main thing is you support the FLPD,and have for many years...
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I would like someone like Cheif Roberts on the Commission, but I have a problem with him not standing up to the CIty manager and Commission. The problem with the Staffing of the Police Department - I know he takes orders but he is the police Professional and should have stood for Public Safety and not worried about his JOB. I know that is easy for me to say but we need people of principal's to run for Commission.
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So the Chief canceled so what? Trying to get a contract for his department is more important, I would think.
It is in my opinion that the problems are with the commission & our so called city manager. If anyone should be fired it is George!
Gretsas needs to leave our city, for he is bringing it down piece by piece! Will someone wake up & smell the coffee?
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I don't see Roberts going after another chief's job. Don't forget that he already has a city pension as a police major (apparently around 70,000/yr), AND will get a chief's retirement. He won't even need a commissioner's salary.
He has the endorsements of many prominent homeowners groups and local politicians/bigwigs. I see him resigning to save face, although he has been so cowardly lately when facing Gretsas or Hebert that he may think that getting fired is his last stand to save face with the officers, sort of like he ultimately stood up to them and paid the price. But we'll all know what really happened...
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Did it occur to u guys that A/H Gretsas might import another crony from his beloved NY to be chief ??????
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