ISTA is looking forward to 2010. We will be facing familiar issues, and we are ready for the new challenges.

2009 proved to be two words: furloughs and concessions. 43 Troopers kept their jobs due to members of the State Peace Officers Council voting to accept a new agreement with Governor Culver. The concessions will have a lasting impact on everyone. This situation has proven that the State Patrol needs a dedicated and sustainable fund source to avoid a similar situation. Whether Troopers are taken off the road due to furlough hours or layoffs, the people impacted the most are the citizens and guests traveling on Iowa roads.

Troopers will experience many changes as the State’s fiscal uncertainty continues. The public’s safety must be placed at the highest priority level for the Legislators and Governor of this State. The coverage and supervision of roads is limited by staff levels comparable to1964, and redirection of assignments.

A new look will take place in the spring of 2010 as District 5 in Cherokee will close its doors; the possibility of more District closures may not be far behind.

The one certainty of 2010 is from the Troopers to the public. The people of Iowa can continue to count on the State Patrol to serve with courtesy, service and protection at a level of professionalism and expertise – regardless of the State’s fiscal health.

Respectfully,
Trooper Darin Snedden
President, ISTA

How far is this going to go? Furloughs or layoffs? Those are the $8 million dollar questions that none of us know, and we all want answered. The Department of Public Safety’s current budget is nearly $89 million dollars, and with a 10% reduction, the cuts could be deep. The economical status of our nation, state, and department is in the worst shape it has been in decades.

Will Legislators and the Governor realize the critical need to keep all Troopers working? Citizens of Iowa deserve to have their finest on patrol. Trooper numbers are at a 45 year low which brings reality of our situation to the forefront – today’s Trooper has job duties that far surpass what a Trooper in 1964 ever experienced. In the end, layoffs would deplete already stressed manpower, and add the State Patrol’s future to the national unemployment figures. Furloughs appear to be a quick fix, yet it will impact daily wages of the working Trooper as well as the retirement benefits of everyone’s future. ISTA does not have the answers. ISTA does not make these decisions.

ISTA does understand that each and every one of us is in this together. What we need most now is organization, strength, calmness, and willingness to stand together. Trooper activity, dedication to our careers, and support of each other is at an all time high. Troopers are proud – and rightly so! Every situation imaginable – high risk calls, shots fired, terrible accidents, arrest of dangerous suspects – brings about support from each other without hesitation, without question. The public respects us due to the Troopers before us, Troopers now, and Troopers of the future. This is a time when that respect must be found within us.

ISTA does not want division in our ranks. We cannot question each other now. We should not be fighting and pointing our fingers. Budget cuts are not something new to this group. Many of us have faced this challenge, possibly more than a couple of times throughout our careers; a hardship which has been handed down over the years. Yet, for some, for the first time, this is very frightening to be faced with such a huge reality. We need to work together, work with Supervision, and work with our Department during this time of uncertainty, as ISTA will make our presence known as we voice our opinion to support one another.

As your President, I need you to be at your best; that ensures a united front – one without panic or threats – as we move through this process. Time is necessary to evaluate every possible scenario. I can assure you, ISTA has the Trooper’s best interest at the forefront of our charge.

Respectfully,
Trooper Darin Snedden
President, ISTA