December 2009 Newsletter

WHERE DO WE BEGIN???

Much has happened since our last newsletter.  Arizona State Treasurer Dean Martin on December 6 in an interview on Channel 12 News confirmed what we had related in our last newsletter – That privatization of prisons was not an option at this time and the State was pursuing the Sale and Lease Back option in its attempt to resolve the budget shortfall.  (View the Treasurer’s entire statements on www.correctionsassociation.org).    Unfortunately there has not been much interest generated so far, which has lead the State to having to borrow 700 million dollars against future lottery sales.

The legislature is due to return in yet another Special Session in December.  With little borrowing means left available to the State, you can expect major budget cuts to be implemented.  The latest information regarding the Governor’s request shows the legislature is still not in favor of any tax increases and a report from an independent analyst claims a 1% increase in the sales tax would fall short in offsetting the current deficit.  Hold onto your hats (and your wallets) because we are in for a rough ride

Staff Rotation begins in January and many of you will be receiving your notice of transfer shortly.  Staff that have been assigned to a unit for 3 years or more have already been identified and will begin being rotated to a different custody unit in increments of 20% of the total staff identified for rotation.   It is safe that roughly 100 staff in each unit meet that criteria, thereby 20 staff from each unit will be rotated quarterly. DO 524 states, “to the extent possible staff will keep their shift and RDOs.”  If this does not occur, advise your ACA representative immediately.  Please understand that there will be issues when rotation begins and every effort will be made to resolve them.

BURRITO FUNDRAISER

The fundraiser for the family of Jessica Roberts, who died tragically, last month was a huge success thanks to the support of the Eyman Staff.  $1,087.01 was raised during this event.  Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends, and coworkers of Jessica.  She will be truly missed.  We thank Warden White of Eyman Complex for allowing us to hold this fundraiser.  A special thanks to SMUI Deputy Warden D. Carillo, for the use of her conference room as a kitchen, COII T. Stark (SMUI) and his wife, along with her employer, Silverado Senior Living-Scottsdale, who donated all the food and preparation items, SMUI Secretary R. Rodriquez, COII W. Outland’s wife (Meadows), COII A. Davis , COIII T. Bowman,  COII B. Burden, COII J. Garibay, COII R. Stillwell,  COII . C. Fewel, all from SMUI and COIII T. Dolce and COIII E. Saucedo, both from Meadows.  Without the willingness to donate their time and assist in food preparation we could not have been successful in this event.  Unfortunately Warden McWilliams of Florence Complex decided not to allow the staff of Florence the opportunity to choose whether to participate in this fundraiser, rather restricting participation to the SECC spaghetti dinner for Florence staff on that date.

BEST WISHES

Brenda Hewitt, ACA Grievance Coordinator and Executive Board Member, has left DOC and the State of Arizona to pursue other career opportunities. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

HOLIDAY CHEER

During this time of year it is easy to overindulge.  Not only when it comes to spending money on gifts but knowing when you have surpassed your amount of liquid holiday cheer.  Don’t let this joyful time of year be ruined by a DUI or worst, a vehicular accident with injuries.   Use good judgment - don’t drink and drive.

EYMAN CHRISTMAS FLOAT

For the first time on December 4, Eyman Complex entered a float in the Florence Christmas Parade.  Thanks to the efforts of DW Carillo, Capt Fay, Lt Wilson, and Sgt Negron the Eyman Christmas float received 2nd Place in the Public Service entry category.

VERN IS ALIVE AND WELL!!!!!

Numerous missing person reports have been filed and hundreds of flyers were posted on telephone poles next to those of missing dogs and cats.  After eight months of not being heard from, Vern has resurfaced.  His only explanation regarding his untimely disappearance was his need to make a pilgrimage to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru, where he has spent these many months contemplating his future.  Enlightened from his over 6,000 mile journey where he received celestial guidance, Vern has returned to join the ACA and continue to amaze and overwhelm you with his incredible intellectual prowess.  Vern’s comments regarding his switch from his previous newsletter position with another labor organization, “The choice was easy.  You always go with the winner.”  Vern will be back in our January newsletter to peak your interest with the absurd and astound you with his knowledge and insight.  “The Truth is Out There.”

Article written by/or information provided by ACA