10/26/2007

    I recently had a discussion with Capt DeBord, Lt. Zerkle and Lt. McCabe concerning some of the problems with the new Crash Reports and shared with them some of the complaints that I have received from the field. Capt DeBord advised
that they are working on some of the bugs that have been identified but was not aware of any major problems. Capt DeBord advised that if any of the membership is having problems with the new crash report that Lt. Zerkle should be contacted
so these problems may be corrected. Capt DeBord also advised that if any of the members need additional training for this new crash report that it will be made available.

    Keep me informed of any progress or problems that may continue with the crash reports. I will share your concerns with those that can help correct problems.

10/19/2007

       The WVTA executive board met with Colonel Lemmon, Lt. Col Tucker and Lt. Col. Sloan to discuss issues where common goals exist for the department which included the Recruitment and Retention problem, Education, Equipment, Manpower, Overtime and Morale. I feel that it was a productive meeting where ideas and problems were shared. I feel that improvements will be made for the membership and the service that we provide to the Citizens of West Virginia from the ideas discussed and shared during these types of meetings.

      We received a letter from Shelly Moore Capito, House of Representatives 2nd District Representative, in response to the WVTA letter regarding collective bargaining for public safety officers. Shelly Moore Capito shared that the HR
980 Bill passed the House by a vote of 314-97 on July 17, 2007 with a support vote from her.

10/15/07

            On Monday, October 8, 2007, the Legislative Rule Making Committee met and addressed the following issues that were of concern to the WVTA and its membership. The Consolidated Public Retirement Board has submitted a proposed rule change allowing them the ability to require a member that has retired under a disability to undergo a medical examination by a physician designated by the Board until the age of 60. The Legislative Rule Making Committee took no action on this issue. The WVTA will continue to monitor and oppose this type of proposal.

            Also presented to the Legislative Rule Making Committee was the proposed change to the WVSP Career Progression Rule Title 81 Series 3. The WVTA was opposed to this proposed rule change for numerous reasons. An amendment was made by the committee to remove the proposed minimum requirement of a Bachelors Degree for eligibility for the rank of Lieutenant from the proposed rule change.

            US Senator Robert C. Byrd responded to the WVTA concerning the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007, thanking us for taking the time to provide him with our thoughts on the matter. The Senator advised that the HR 980 bill as placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar on July 20, 2007 but no further action has been scheduled.  Senator Byrd advised that he will work to improve the quality of life for those West Virginians who serve to protect others.

            On October 1, 2007, Senate Bill S.2123 was introduced which is similar to the HR 980 House bill that has been moving through the US Legislature. The House and Senate Bill would provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or their political subdivisions.

            Every WVTA member should have received the information for the legal service for the membership. If you did not receive this information please contact Terry at the WVTA office.