Issue: Public Safety

Q The possibility of an ATCEMS/AFD merger has been an ongoing topic of discussion. Historically mergers involving EMS and Fire departments have been problematic because they take place under duress. With a successful legislative change and municipal voter support ATCEMS medics are now included in civil service 143 for public safety. EMS is becoming more innovative and integrated with healthcare and public health though an ongoing series of open meetings with the stakeholders. Many of these discussions are directed by City Council members or by the various appointed commission’s of council and we encourage open public discussions on the future of Austin’s public health model. However, would you agree the potential of an EMS/AFD merger should be inclusive of both labor organizations and the only place to come to terms in matters regarding the workforce is though contract negotiations?

Asked by Austin Firefighter Association

Q ATCEMS medics are in the City’s retirement system (COAERS) and as of 2012 are two tiered, meaning those employed prior to this change are at 23 years and those hired after are at 30 years. Medics in the second tier must also reach age 64 for eligibility. ATCEMS has one of the highest separation rates of any city department per capita. To date only a small number of medics have succeeded in retiring from working on the frontline of EMS. As a council member would you support adding the retirement issue to the city’s legislative agenda?

Asked by Austin Travis County EMS

Q The City of Austin has long led the way as a progressive leader. One of the first cities in the nation to do so, the City Council in 2013 passed Resolution 20130620- 015, granting City employees six weeks of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child if the full time employee worked for the City for a year. While initially the Council publicly sought to grant all City employees this parental leave, they ultimately choose to exclude police, fire, and EMS as they are subject to meet and confer agreements and the collective bargaining process. The City is not AU S T I N – T R A V I S C O U N T Y E M S E M P L O Y E E A S S O C I A T I O N Community employees making a difference 2 prevented from awarding, and in its ultimate discretion may still grant, the additional parental leave benefit to all of her public servants. Do you support adding public safety workers to be covered by the city’s parental leave policy?

Asked by Austin Labor Council

Q EMS Contract and wage parity among Austin public safety workers. The last compensation analysis showed EMS is 19% below the market average. The subject public safety portion of the general fund is an ongoing topic. While this amount is about 67% for public safety, EMS is only 6.4% of general fund or approx. 4% net. Do you support the current tentative EMS contract and distinguishing relative public safety spending in future discussions of council?

Asked by Austin Labor Council

Q Public safety is a core and essential function of local government, ensuring Austin is the one of the safest big cities in the country. But public safety is also the largest driver of General Fund costs. How would you balance the need to provide the best public safety services while also controlling constraining taxpayer costs?

Asked by Austin Ahead

Q Do you support or oppose the $38 million public safety bond (Proposition F) on the November 2018 ballot? Briefly explain your position.

Asked by Austin Ahead

Q The Chief of Police has the ability to administer an education based discipline system for minor violations of policies. Do you support a progressive discipline system that encourages the Chief of Police to utilize education and training to address minor employee disciplinary policy violations?

Asked by Austin Police Association

Q What is your budgetary strategy to effectively reduce crime and enhance public safety in Austin?

Asked by Austin Police Association

Q Austin voters elected to locally enact state civil service rights for police officers which governs professional standards, fair employment practices, and disciplinary guidelines. Do you support civil service for Austin police officers?

Asked by Austin Police Association

Q What does effective police oversight mean to you?

Asked by Austin Police Association