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Police union dumps Teamsters, hires law firm for labor talks By Renee Batti Almanac News Editor
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ust months before contract talks with the town of Atherton open, the Atherton police officers’ union has parted ways with the Teamsters union that has represented it for years, and now is affiliated with the San Mateo County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. At the same time, the Atherton Police Officers’ Association is enlisting the services of the Mastagni, Holstedt, Amick, Miller and Johnsen, a Sacramento-based law firm, to assist it with its labor negotiations. “The membership took a vote and we felt we would be better represented by the Mastagni law firm,” APOA president John Mattes said in an email, in response to the question of whether the officers were dissatisfied with the Teamsters’ representation In a press release dated Jan. 1 — Mr. Mattes’ first day as APOA president — Mr. Mattes said the local union is joining the county Deputy Sheriffs’ Association as “associate members.” He explained in an email that the APOA will be a
N ATHERTON
non-voting member of the DSA, but will share services, such as “use of their office manager to answer phones, a conference room and meeting room that we do not have at Atherton.” The town’s contract with APOA expires in August, and negotiations are likely to begin around April, according to City Manager George Rodericks. The town hasn’t decided who will assist it in its negotiations, he said. A preview of how congenially — or not — the contract talks are likely to play out was on view last year when the APOA waged an active campaign in support of City Council candidates Elizabeth Lewis, an incumbent, and Cary Wiest. Both candidates won election to the two vacant seats. The APOA’s election-time effort included sending out a mailer that the council characterized as misleading and some council members blasted for use of “scare-mongering” tactics. The union also conducted a phone campaign, in which it endorsed the two candidates. Both strategies referred to the
council’s alleged consideration of contracting police services with another agency, or seriously slashing police compensation — allegations hotly contested by council members. The council has stated on numerous occasions that the town needs to reduce its employee costs, and has already taken steps expected to lower compensation for non-represented employees. In 2011, the town laid off most of its non-police employees and contracted for services in the building and public works departments. The current contract with police officers guarantees that officers will be compensated at a rate that is in the 70th percentile of police officer pay in specified jurisdictions in the area. Mr. Mattes, a police dispatcher whose position as communications supervisor was eliminated last year at a cost to him of nearly $30,000 a year in salary, said the move away from Teamsters representation and the use of a firm specializing in labor law would not be more costly for the APOA. “We, as an association, will be paying less per month/member for better services,” he wrote in his email. A
N P O L I C E C A L L S This information is from the Menlo Park and Atherton police departments and the San Mateo County Sheriff’’s Office. Under the law, people charged with offenses are considered innocent until convicted. MENLO PARK Residential burglary reports: ■ Losses estimated at $2,400 in theft of two women’s handbags containing credit cards and checkbook, Trinity Drive, Dec. 31. ■ Losses estimated at $1,400 in entry through unlocked rear window and theft of athletic hats, two pairs of tennis shoes, video game player and games, Willow Road, Jan. 4. ■ Loss estimated at $400 in theft of locked bicycle from apartment carport, Florence Lane, Dec. 27. ■ No apparent losses in attempted burglary through window in rear door, with suspects possibly fleeing after being startled by arrival of resident, O’Keefe
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St., Dec. 31. ■ Entry via rear window and theft of stamps and headphones, Laurel Ave., Jan. 2. Auto burglary reports: ■ Losses estimated at $3,650 in theft from locked vehicle of vehicle instrument panel, CP radio, AM/FM radio and twin-size mattress, Independence Drive and Constitution Ave., Dec. 29. ■ Losses estimated at $792 in break-in through smashed rear passenger side window and theft of purse with contents that included gift cards, iPod Nano and $300 in cash, Marsh Road, Jan. 3. Theft reports: ■ Losses estimated at $485 in theft of cell phone and wallet containing gift cards and $35 cash, Laurel Ave., Dec. 30. ■ Loss estimated at $400 in theft of bicycle from carport, Noel Drive, Jan. 2. ■ Loss estimated at $430 in theft of locked bicycle from open apartment
garage, Noel Drive, Jan. 3. WOODSIDE Accident report: Bicyclist refused medical assistance after collision with vehicle left him with cuts on finger and above left eye, sore knee and aches and pains over entire body, Canada and Romero roads, Dec. 27.
Gun surrender report: BB gun turned over to Sheriff’s Office deputy for destruction, Cervantes Road, Dec. 27. Auto burglary report: Smashed window and theft of Christmas gift and purse containing 35 mm camera and wallet, parking lot for Windy Hill Open Space Preserve on Portola Road, Dec. 27. ATHERTON Auto burglary report: Car stereo/iPod Nano stolen, Watkins Ave., Dec. 30.
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January 9, 2013 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 7