Performance Evaluations.
Do they need to be evaluated?
Several months back, the board of directors heard from a command staff member at a monthly board meeting about a plan to revamp the existing annual employee performance evaluation. Both the presentation and the proposed evaluation were magnificent.
The two members of command staff who worked on the format change should be commended for their effort in what is, in my opinion, long overdue. The format, while not yet approved, is much simpler by design. It’s concise and leaves less room for any favoritism. A deputy is either doing his or her job or he or she is not. No need for a supervisor to spend hours or days piecing together information from the prior twelve months of work, and no need for a deputy to keep computer files of “atta boys” and actually having to essentially write his or her own evaluations. Deputies are currently forced to detail how great they are in an effort to try for that extra .25 points that will put them over the top, reflecting that they are indeed not just any average deputy.
The new streamlined proposal was applauded by the DSA Board of Directors, and I sincerely hope that it is implemented in the near future.
Political races heat up
On the local political scene, the two biggest races are the San Diego Mayoral race and the contest for the county board of supervisors seat in the third district, currently held by Pam Slater-Price.
While the mayoral race is not exactly near and dear to our hearts here in the county, not being a Sheriff’s jurisdiction or a contract city, it is a race involving an individual who just doesn’t get it when it comes to public employees—a city “leader” who consistently places the blame for the city’s fiscal woes on city employees including public works, firefighters, and police officers. Carl DeMaio needs to start packing his bags. Public Safety has not seen a bigger foe since Keith Richmond or John Moorlach. DeMaio has publicly supported a private ambulance service and a road crew. What does that tell you?
The DSA answered the call from the San Diego POA, who requested our support of an opposing candidate. This was indeed not an easy decision for the DSA PAC, because of close relationships with two of the candidates, both very good people who we have worked well with in the past. After months of waiting and watching poll and campaign finance reports, the DSA endorsed Nathan Fletcher for San Diego Mayor.
As you are probably aware, our association endorsed Steve Danon for supervisor very early on. Steve has not only been a long time advocate for public safety, but he has demonstrated the values we seek in a leader for San Diego County.
The primary election takes place June 5. I urge you to consider the DSA endorsed candidates. Our PAC committee has chosen a range of candidates from throughout the county that have public safety as a top priority.
Currently, our PAC is co-chaired by Hank Turner and Tim Petrachek. We are also fortunate to have the very reputable John Wainio as our political consultant. Interested in serving on the strongest regional public employee political action committee in the future? Call the DSA at (858) 486-9009 for more information.
That’s it from the VP’s desk. Have a great month and remember to call or visit mom on the 13th.