oO we ar ‘Ritw Gus Commission Bate com Senta Sonar rt City of Weslaco The Cy on the Grow" Jo tain cones = May 13,2011 VIA EMAIL, ‘The Honorable Armando Martinez ‘Texas House of Representatives P.O. Box 2910 ‘Austin, TX 78768 Dear Represents Mant Ar torenel — For several reasons, Iam expressing my strong opposition to FLB. 3736 relating to appointment of a department head ofa fire or police department in certain municipalities. |. Thisis Pro-Labor, Pro-Union legislation: There is no need to provide unnecessary protections for labor unions at this time in American history. The existing Section 143 provides adequate protections, and safeguards for union members. I make this Statement asa life-long Democrat and supporter of Inber. 2. Local controls Just as Washington should not dictate policy to states, so too should the Texas Legislature limit its contro o ities and counties to manage local ‘operations. Local government is closest to the people. We are working with TML to officially oppose tis legislation. 3, Micromanagement: Let's not tc the hands of our local mayors, county judges, and ty managers. Only by being close tothe issues can you accurately asses the need {or temporary appointments 4, This isa solution in search of a problem: ‘The Weslaco Fire Department has been ‘operating fora few months without any major problems. Ithas been responding to fire calls and EMS cals without any major mishaps. There already isa limit on the amount of time a temporary appointment can last. Very few departments make any such appointments, but they should have the freedom to do so if they believe it sin their best interests at that time. It's only temporary. This could directly affect you since you belongs fo a department with a temporary appointment. There is a potential conflict of interest and this could be ‘construed as self-serving legislation. As EMS Coordinator, you has been absent from‘your job — temporarily — for nearly five months, yet the department has managed ‘without your daily management of EMS operations. 1 regret that you saw it itt file this legislation without consulting me or our City Commission, especially since it directly affects our Fire Department's operations. Again, [am strongly opposed to this bill. I would be happy to discuss this with you or any member of the Texas Legislature. Thank you forthe good work you do for the good citizens of Texas, : Pua hala a eee LO:0g C: Rio Grande Valley Delegation Texas Municipal League if “The Cy the Grow