SEIU One Voice Town Halls

0 responses to “SEIU One Voice Town Halls”

1. With all the focus on State Assembly, Senate and U.S. Congressional District races, I would like to comment on the local election contest upcoming for the
   1st District Board seat of Riverside County.

   Many of my SEIU brothers and sisters may or may not know that Bob Buster is being challenged by Mike Soubirous.

   The descriptive I use for the brief time I have known Mike Soubirous in his bid for a seat on the Board of Supervisors, 1st District, in essence, “Wow! A breath of fresh air!” If energy, courage, compassion, reason and balance are desirable qualities for an elected official to embody, relax, because Mike has all of these…in ‘spades.’

   If one believes that the working families of Riverside County should also have their voice in local government, then I urge my SEIU brothers and sisters that reside in the 1st District to take the opportunity to meet Mike personally between now and election day.

   Those who do not reside in the 1st District would do well to meet Mike, as well, and lend support for his campaign.

   I wish Mike success in his bid to serve the people of Riverside County…they deserve the best. It’s time to bring balance to the Board of Supervisors. It’s time to elect one who has sincere concern for working families.

   Balance the Board in 2012! Mike Soubirous for 1st District Supervisor!

   Regards,

   Joey D. Smith

2. Thank you for your kind words and for your encouragement to your fellow SEIU brothers and sisters.

   THIS election is a pivotal time in our County’s history. You have the opportunity to cause change in the direction of Riverside County politics and how we do business here. Can one person make a difference? Yes! Collectively, you have the chance to elect someone who can and will make a difference, someone willing to stand up for the right thing and someone who will not back down to political pressures to get along.

   Our County needs to reign in reckless spending, which in turn hurts each County employee at the bargaining table. I have spoken to hundreds of our County’s workers who tell me of the waste and mismanagement they see each and every work day. We need to stop penalizing our department managers’ budgets for giving tax dollars back if unused. Instead, reward them and promise to not cut their budget the next fiscal year just because they were able to return money the prior year.

   I believe the Board of Supervisors need to lead by example – real example. Leadership starts at the top. Our County workers did not create this current budget mess – so stop blaming them for it.

   Bob Buster brags he is the only supervisor who held the line on pension increases. Yes, he was the ONLY vote against 3%@50 (with a 90%) cap for public safety – BUT he fails to tell you he voted for 3%@60 and many of those retirements have an unlimited cap – which he receives!

   Mr. Buster made about $172K last year. The base was $143K. He received money to attend other Board and Commission meetings, car allowance and a vacation-in-lieu. On top of that he also receives a PERS pension (no cap) and a County paid 401(a) plan. In looking back over the past 10 years, his pay has increased close to $10K each year. How many of you have “enjoyed” this kind of “compensation package?”

   I am pushing for term limits for the BOS. They serve 4 year terms. Currently there is no limit to how many terms they “serve.” I believe two terms is sufficient. Other counties have term limits – Riverside County does not. I believe that time has come.

   When elected, I will keep my pay under $100K. I will refuse all pension, health and 401(a) benefits. I will not take pay for the additional Board and Committee meetings. Oh, and I will work much harder than the current supervisor and I will be responsive to my constituents who live in District 1.

   You must all take this election (Tuesday, June 5th) seriously as it may be one of the most important elections you face as a County employee. If you are not registered to vote – take the time to do so. If you live in District 1, tell your friends and neighbors about “our” campaign. Donate ONE day to help walk precincts or phone bank. Do something! This is your future. Is it worth fighting for?

   This election is not about me. It is about us. It is about those who work for the County for 30+ years and who should be respected for their work. It is about our taxpayers who expect competent service and expect their tax dollar to be spent wisely. It is about doing the right thing. It is about service – not self service.

   Do not pass up this opportunity to make a difference in your County!

   Thank you all for the work you do. As a taxpayer I appreciate our public employees.

   Mike Soubirous, Candidate for the First District Board of Supervisors