March 13, 2012

Last week the San Gabriel Police Officers Association filed a lawsuit against the City of San Gabriel, members of the Council and City staff, alleging that the City has misappropriated funds from the City’s retirement fund.

This lawsuit occurred fewer than 48 hours after the City declared it had reached an impasse in negotiations with three of the City’s four recognized bargaining units over the City’s request that all employees begin to make their own contributions to their pension plan.

The City is deeply disappointed that the Police Officers Association has used litigation to try to secure its demands, and doubly saddened that the Association would use unfounded and inflammatory claims to support them. We believe the City has acted ethically, legally, responsibly, and in the best interests of its residents and its taxpayers. We will continue to do so.

We would like the public, the taxpayers, and the media to know that:

First, as a city and a government, we remain committed to openness and transparency. Should the Association wish to serve its lawsuit documents on the Council or the Administration staff, we will receive them in the City’s administrative offices.

Second, while we will respond to the Association at the appropriate time, we believe that the taxpayers will be served best when the City takes the time to review the allegations and respond with clear and factual information.

Third, we will be pleased to meet directly with any media organization to provide a full and complete accounting of the facts regarding the City’s position in negotiations with the Police Officers Association.

Finally, we will review each and every claim made, and will respond with full and complete information wherever possible.

Tonight, we know that many of you have received fliers and information from the Police Officers Association. Much of this information is inaccurate and misleading. During tonight’s meeting you will hear from individuals representing the Police Officers Association who will state their case as to why they are suing the City. We are proud of the fact that during a prolonged economic recession, the City has not laid off a single full-time person; has not asked employees to accept pay cuts or furloughs; and has not stopped filling vacancies in the police and fire departments. That makes us one of the only local cities to do so, and still have a balanced budget.

During tonight’s meeting we will listen attentively, with open minds and hearts. We ask that you respectfully limit your remarks to two to three minutes so that all those who wish to speak may do so. After those who wish to comment have done so, we will be prepared to offer some comments of our own.

Finally, we would like to thank the more than 100 individuals who have contacted the City, the Council and the Administrative staff to express their support of the City – and their sadness at this action by the Police Officers Association.