PAX Centurion - September / October 2014

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • September/Octoberr 2014 • Page 17 HEARD ON THE HILL By James Barry, BPPA Legislative Agent Elections are only a month away! L ess than a month remains until the election and the race for Massachusetts governor stands as a very tight race between Republican Charlie Baker and Democrat Martha Coakley. In this issue of the PAX, both candidates responses to the BPPA Ques- tionnaire are published for the members. Two key questions that drew my attention were the retirement and the Massport answers. Baker’s answer of yes supporting the current retirement syetem, is in conflict with his public declarations of, “public employee pensions were no longer sustainable.” If he has changed his think- ing, I’m pleased and wished he had expanded is answer as asked. Coakley’s answer is also supportive to the current pension system which is consistant with her past support. The Massport question shows a difference between the two candidates also. Baker and Coakley, both seem to kick the can a bit on this. However, Coakley’s answer to grant BPD “concurrent jurisdiction” to Massport properties is exactly what the BPPA has long advocated for. The Boston Police Retiree Detail legislation is expected to be signed by Mayor Walsh and sent to the Mass. Legislature as a home rule petition. The legislation allows the Boston Police Commissioner full control over and powers to put forward all the rules and requirements, as he deems necessary for successful op- eration of the program. The amount of hours per year an officer is allowed to work these details is regulated by retirement law. More that half of the cities and towns in the commonwealth allow their retired police officers to perform these excess detail work. As of publication of this issue of the PAX, the legislation has not yet been sent to the State House. BPPA Reps will keep the members posted as to the process as it develops. The BPPA along with BP- SOF and BPDBA will co-ordinate union lobbying efforts as the bill makes it’s way through the process. This will include urging members and their families to call their Reps and Senators urging passage of the Bill. It is only a bill, we need to get it on the books, to be law. With legislators all running for re-election, the State House remains very quiet and will so until after the election. BPPA members requested endorsements for Carlos Basile (D) East Boston, Evandro Carvalho (D) Dorchester and Les Gosule (R) Quincy running for State Senate. Please consider voting for these strong supporters of the BPPA. Carlos Basile (D) East Boston Evandro Carvalho (D) Dorchester Les Gosule (R) Quincy