Sisters and Brothers,
Your Political Action Committee (PAC) has met with several would-be candidates over the past few months. We've had meaningful conversations with these folks regarding your hours, wages and working conditions. We have looked into candidates' past records of voicing opinions on issues relating to the above and to Labor in general. Who supports your right to freely organize? Who believes that presumptive cancer coverage makes sense for firefighters? Who voted for our PTSD bill last year? Who supports Union Labor for our next Medic 1 unit?
It has been challenging to bring these endorsement decisions to the whole body for up-or-down vote due to the time sensitive nature of how requests have rolled in and how meeting schedules have rolled out. It has been tough to line up the candidates' busy schedules with that of our Eboard members and other members of the Local. The sooner in the election cycle and stronger our endorsement, the more a candidate may connect her victory to our support, thereby solidifying a stronger relationship. As there are few ALL BFD meetings, the ability to have 'ALL' votes on these issues is limited. Hence, your Eboard has taken action in endorsing candidates following discussion after meeting with candidates. That said, the July meeting with have several races for YOU to vote on, in terms of endorsements. (I will not be at the General Meeting due to a medical procedure.)
What is the PAC? It is, frankly, a small group. Certainly me, and any other members who choose to step up and meet with candidates. Dan, Dave and Robert have joined me in several interviews. So has MacDonald, Ryckman, Wohlrab, and Tony Melillo. To assist in the process, I have invited any of you to join up and help the Committee in the process. I think it's very interesting. It's amazing that our Local can have such a direct impact on laws and politicians who guide our careers. If you think so too, you should join up! Call me: 360.319.2280
In the meanwhile, I would like to remind our members about the value of the Local being politically active: If we choose to stand on the sidelines of law making, we will be left on the bench. If we put ourselves 'into the game' we come out with victories. Simply look at the amazing year we had in Olympia this past year (see previous reports), the new inclusion of our Port of Bellingham Firefighters in LEOFF 2, and the Cancer Registry Bill the POTUS just signed in Washington D.C.
Please CALL ME with any direct questions you may have about any of the below races.
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FEDERAL U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell THE IAFF HAS ENDORSED SENATOR CANTWELL I WILL RECOMMEND FOR L106 TO ENDORSE ON 7/19
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U.S. Representative Congressional District 1 |
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Suzan DelBene THE IAFF HAS ENDORSED I WILL RECOMMEND FOR L106 TO ENDORSE ON 7/19 |
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U.S. Representative Congressional District 2 |
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Rick Larsen THE IAFF HAS ENDORSED I WILL RECOMMEND FOR L106 TO ENDORSE ON 7/19 |
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STATE |
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State Representative Position 1 Legislative District 40 |
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Alex Ramel Debra Lekanoff Rud Browne Tom Pasma Local 106 was contacted by the above Candidates. We met with all four and found all to be committed to protecting your pension and safe working conditions as Legislators in Olympia. We will consider this race further after the Primary.
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State Representative Position 2 Legislative District 40 |
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Jeff Morris MOVE TO ENDORSE Jeff has been a tremendous friend of Union Firefighters. He does not NEED this endorsement, but I believe we should let him know that we support him.
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State Senator Legislative District 42 |
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Justin Boneau Luanne Van Werven NO ENDORSEMENT RECOMMENDATION FOR THE PRIMARY. Van Werven, the incumbent, has shown herself to be weak on Labor and FF issues.
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State Representative Position 2 Legislative District 42 |
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Vincent Buys Sharon Shewmake NO ENDORSEMENT RECOMMENDATION FOR THE PRIMARY. Buys, the incumbent, has shown himself to be weak on Labor and FF issues.
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Prosecuting Attorney Eric Richey |
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ENDORSED BY L106 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL |
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County Council At-Large Position B Carol Frazey |
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ENDORSED BY L106 |
OUT OF THE WHATCOM CO. AREA:
WA 28th Legislative District, House of Representatives
Mari Leavit
Endorsed by L106...and many other Locals around the State
WA 25th Legislative District, House of Representatives
Julie Door
Endorsed by L106...and many other Locals around the State