California’s prison guards union is taking steps to foster good relations with new Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The union withdrew a $2 million contribution to a ballot initiative opposed by Newsom, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Feb 17.
The $2 million check was in support of the Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act of 2020. It was made by then-President Chuck Alexander of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) just before his term ended on Dec. 31. It was pulled back by the new union president, Kurt Stoetzl, according to the Chronicle.
“The smart move right now is to work together with the governor on the issues that matter most: wages, benefits and working conditions,” said former Newsom media aide
Nathan Ballard, who is now advising the union. “The CCPOA’s leaders would rather work collaboratively with the governor than pick a fight at the ballot box.”
The CCPOA was the only law enforcement group to endorse Newsom for governor. It donated $1 million to an independent committee to support his campaign.
The union begins negotiations for a new contract with Newsom in July.
