Statement by Vallejo Unions on their Appeal of the Bankruptcy Ruling

Vallejo Firefighters Local 1186, Vallejo Police Officers’ Association and the Vallejo IBEW Local 2376 have decided to appeal the bankruptcy ruling to help protect the public safety and essential services of our community.

We have consistently maintained that the City of Vallejo must look at raising necessary revenues from a host of sources, not just additional cuts from the paychecks of city employees. This appeal will hopefully grant the City Council of Vallejo the time it needs to develop a truly comprehensive plan that restores the budget while stopping the exodus of city staff who protect Vallejo’s neighborhoods.

Allowing the City of Vallejo to declare bankruptcy so that they can slash the salaries of public safety and key city services will only make our community less safe by driving out the best employees. Vallejo is already dangerously understaffed. We have fifty percent fewer police officers and twenty percent fewer fire fighters than we actually need according to industry standards. As public servants, we owe it to the people of Vallejo to ensure to take every step we can to ensure their safety.

An Open Letter to Vallejo Residents

Now that the City Council has proven in court that they are unable to pay the city’s bills and should be considered bankrupt, the question on everyone’s mind is what happens next? What is the Council’s plan for an economic recovery?

Homeowners, seniors, business owners, and taxpayers all across the city have been asking us what we know about the Council plans to get out of debt, restore vital services, and stop the exodus of public safety staff who are leaving city employment at an alarming rate.

We have been asking the same questions… and haven’t gotten any answers. In the meantime, the 8.2% wage cuts that we began implementing back in March, before the Council declared bankruptcy, has grown to a 13% pay cut which is still in effect and has left Vallejo residents with barely enough police officers and firefighters to keep you safe.

In fact, the FBI recommends that we should have 50% more police officers on the street. As you know, fewer officers have led to a rapidly rising rate of crime, more drug dealing and gang activity.

Having closed two fire stations and eliminated more than 40 firefighters, response times are increasing at an alarming rate. Similar to police understaffing, Vallejo’s own study confirmed that it currently has 20% fewer firefighters than that recommended under minimum national safety standards.

Your police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and city staff who maintain our streets, parks, traffic safety, water quality and housing services have done our part to help the city get back on the right track.

Now, like you, we are waiting to see the Council’s comprehensive economic plan to revitalize our city, strengthen our local economy, and restore public safety and all the other services taxpayers need and deserve.

The Mayor and City Council must show real leadership and present a real plan before this crisis turns into a catastrophe.

Steve Gordon                                      Kurt Henke                        Frank Caballero
President                                            President                           President
Vallejo Police Officers Association     Firefighters Local 1186     IBEW Local 2376