Successful Local Political Action -- June Primary Election
CLICK HERE TO SEND US YOUR LOCAL ELECTION STORIES
When it comes to fighting for the issues that make a difference for first responders, all politics is local.
Many CPF locals are actively engaged in exercising their rights to participate in the political process, through grassroots organizing and focused political action. Our philosophy has always been simple ... we stand with those who stand up for first responders, their families and the citizens we serve.
If you are a CPF local affiliate that has been active in politics, we want to hear about your contest. Send us your triumphs, travails, strategies and stories from the trail.
We will spotlight your good work for the benefit of your brothers and sisters on this web site and in an upcoming edition of The California Professional Firefighter.
CLICK HERE TO SEND US YOUR LOCAL ELECTION STORIES
STORIES FROM THE FIELD ...
Oakland Firefighters Local 55 -- "We did very well this election period. Out of five council seat we won three, had one runoff with the 2 candidates we did a dual endorsement on, and one loss." -- Chuck Garcia, President
Garden Grove Firefighters Local 2005 -- "We backed Janet Nguyen for Orange County supervisor. She was one of our council members before running for OC supervisor in 2006 and she was just reelected. She is a good friend to Garden Grove firefighters." -- Dennis Standrod, President
Torrance Firefighters Association, Local 1138 -- "The Torrance Firefighters had four openings on a council of 7 with a total of 14 people running for those seats. Our local endorsed four and gave some financial support to three additional candidates. Three of our four endorsed candidates were elected and one of our supported candidates also won the fourth seat. In addition to that, a Utility User Tax initiative was also on the ballot that we supported and that won also. We also supported Ted Lieu (D) for the 53rd Assembly District which he won. Over all it was a GREAT night for our local. Thank you Kelly for all your assistance!!!!" -- Otto Stiefel, President
San Luis Obispo Firefighters, Local 3523 -- "On Election Night 2008, Local 3523 was again successful in getting a candidate elected to local office. Adam Hill a professor at Cal-Poly and union member ran for 3rd District Board of Supervisor against an incumbent who was a former police officer for our city. Local 3523 endorsed Hill based on his labor positions and ability to have open, honest dialogue with public safety. The incumbent had spent the last four years achieving nothing and trying to weaken the wages, hours and working conditions of our brothers and sisters in the county. We took a stand and Hill was victorious gaining 60% of the vote in a landslide victory. Since 2000 Local 3523 has a political track record of 14-0 for local candidates and will hopefully up that to 17-0 this fall. For a small local we realized the importance of being politically active and how much easier it is when you can control a majority of votes on a council or board of supervisors. We are looking forward to another successful year politically and can't thank CPF Print and Design and Firestar productions enough for all their help. -- Erik Baskin, President
Stanislaus Consolidated Firefighters, Local 3399 -- "Local 3399 Firefighters endorsed three candidates for Stanislaus County Board of Supes. One was a incumbent, one ran un-opposed the other was an open seat. Local 3399 was the only union to endorse Vito Chiesa. We now have three endorsed candidates on the Board of Supervisors in Stanislaus County. We are in active talks with our candidates on securing a percentage of any increases on the Prop. 172 measure. We currently get zero." -- Buck Condit