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In just a few minutes, we will be live with our #PropB debate. Follow this thread for live tweets of the event. Tweets by @FaresSabawi https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/04/08/san-antonio-police-union-fix-sapd-will-debate-live-on-collective-bargaining-proposition-b-at-7-pm-on-ksatcom/
Voters will decide on #PropB in the May 1 election. It would undo the police department's collective bargaining abilities. https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/03/18/a-look-at-prop-b-what-happens-if-police-bargaining-power-is-repealed/
So far, the polls show an uphill battle for proponents of #PropB but a large margin of voters said they were still undecided in a newly released @BexarFacts poll https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/04/06/wide-open-bexar-facts-poll-shows-many-san-antonio-voters-still-undecided-on-proposition-b/
The debate is underway. @stevespriester setting the stage with the summer of protests San Antonio and the rest of the nation saw after the death of George Floyd.
Representing the @SAPoliceAssn is Sgt. Rachel Barnes. Representing @fixsapd is board member James Dykman. COSA attorney Andy Segovia is also on hand to provide us with insight.
First question: What does collective bargaining mean to SAPOA? Barnes said it's a tool to ensure that the city will provide what the officers need. Good working conditions, recruitment, etc.
Barnes said it can also be a tool for reform. Barnes said they are willing to listen to reforms.
Dykman says voting Yes on Prop B would put San Antonio on par with the other major cities in Texas.
Dykman also pointed to high rehire rates among fired officers. In Broken Blue, KSAT found roughly 2/3 officers fired by SAPD were reinstated after appealing. https://www.ksat.com/news/defenders/2020/01/13/watch-broken-blue-investigative-special-digs-into-police-discipline-at-sapd/
Next question: What are the goals for Fix SAPD? Dykman says the goal is police accountability. Making sure there is more oversight and less protections for officers accused of misconduct.
Barnes said passing Prop B would "defund" the police department. Staffing levels, wages would decrease, she said. Barnes said SAPOA is proposing new changes to investigations into misconduct.
Segovia says the city understands it needs to recruit and retain officers. City would maintain wages, recruitment efforts. Barnes said that's nice to hear but it's no guarantee.
Dykman refuted defunding claims. Budget for SAPD wouldn't change if Prop B passed. Dykman said they are using "defund" moniker to scare voters.
Dykman complimented SAPD, said they deserve great benefits. Said the large cities with meet and confer process have similar benefits or better.
Barnes said they have reports of Prop B supporters harassing homeowners. She argues that major police departments aren't doing better. Pointed to increased crime rate in Austin.
Spriester asks about voters who may have a more nuanced stance. Can't you support police and want more accountability?
Barnes said yes, but that a CBA would be quickest way to achieve those reforms.
Barnes has also emphasized the support for collective bargaining by the mayor and police chief. Mayor has said he will not publicly take a stand on Prop B, but the city is amid contract negotiations with SAPOA on a new agreement.
Dykman said civilians deserve a seat at the table. It's hard to know what's going on in negotiations because they can't sit in on negotiations.
Segovia pushes back on Dykman's use of "backdoor deals" between city and police unions. He says that negotiators report back to city in public meetings.
Questions now focus on Bexar Facts poll on Prop B. https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/04/06/wide-open-bexar-facts-poll-shows-many-san-antonio-voters-still-undecided-on-proposition-b/
KSAT asked several citizens about their thoughts on the debate, and their answers just played in a video montage.
Barnes talks about how police do want to hold themselves accountable and says the union has agreed to certain reforms on police accountability.
Segovia said that whether its 70% rehired through arbitration/appeal or 11, that it would be 11 too many. Several of those officers have committed "egregious" offenses that city would not approve of.
Dykman said arbitration goes in favor of the officer roughly 50% of the time. Said the city shouldn't depend on a coin toss to know whether a bad officer will stay off the force.
Barnes urging voters to vote against Proposition B. Assures voters that the union is making the reforms the city has asked for on discipline.
Dykman says by passing Prop B, San Antonio citizens will get the final say in the contract with the open negotiation process. Says everyone deserves a seat at the table. He says he's fighting for a system for good officers.
Each side allowed to make one last statement. Dykman says this is about changing the rehire rate the city's police department has, meet and confer system will keep police benefits in place, but more control on discipline at the same time.
Barnes says Fix SAPD has been dishonest. The union is coming together to make the corrections you're looking for, and we want to continue that process.
