Why have I been so outspoken on Fire District election Around Town, posted by Peter Carpenter, a resident of the Atherton: Lindenwood neighborhood, on Nov 2, 2009 at 8:39 pm
I have been asked why, as a retiring Director not standing for reelection, I have been so outspoken on the union’s activities in this election.
I have, as an elected representative of the citizens of the Fire District over the last 8 years, watched a proud civic minded Firefighters’ Association which had made significant contributions to the community morph into a self serving and selfish union with little regard for the community which it serves. I have felt first hand the pressure from this union to reciprocate for its endorsement in my first election and I have felt their wrath when I declined to go along with their pressure. I ran for my second term without the union’s endorsement and received more votes than any other candidate, thereby showing that the union’s endorsement was not necessary for election. I have felt the union’s wrath after being elected without their support. I have resisted the union’s demand for outrageous salary increases and have persuaded my colleagues on the Board to adopt a policy requiring 15 days of public notice before the Board acts on any new labor agreement.
At no time during my tenure have I had anything but the utmost respect for the individual firefighters who proudly and bravely serve our community. I am at a loss to explain how their superb individual values have been so corrupted by their union leadership.
I truly fear for a Board that has even one Director who feels at all indebted to this increasingly selfish union. I have therefore not hesitated to sound a deeply felt warning to the citizens of the community. And the union’s actions in this election have fully validated my concerns. I regret that the three fine individuals whom the union has endorsed have been caught up in the union's irresponsible and illegal campaign efforts rather than being judged on their own very considerable qualifications.
Citizens, beware a union masquerading as a benevolent association. Beware a union which wages a massive election campaign for no discernible reason except to gain favor with those whom it helps get elected.
Posted by Peter Carpenter, a resident of the Atherton: Lindenwood neighborhood, on Nov 4, 2009 at 10:51 am
I am extremely pleased with the outcome of the Fire Board election and feel certain that Ianson, Nelson and Nachtsheim will be superb Directors.
And I hope that the union has learned a lesson - no matter how much they spend they cannot buy a Fire Board election and the more they spend the more they discredit themselves in the eyes of the community.
Posted by Peter Carpenter, a resident of the Atherton: Lindenwood neighborhood, on Nov 5, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Amazed - just one more anonymous person lacking the courage to stand behind their bold statements.
I invite all of you anonymous, unseen, unserving posters to join the arena of public service - it is very different than sitting in the dark peanut gallery and throwing stones.
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