Firefighters? Anyone?

[SoWalProfire]

Sorry SJ,

I got a little caught up in the whole "you treated Mr. Osborne unfairly" thing.

I'll try to keep a better eye on the ball next time.

 

[graytonbeachguy]

Do you really think you helped Osbourn, SJ?

You use the pretense of "just trying to figure it all out" while you continue to argue that Ozbourn was somehow excluded. Just like your candidate, he didn't get the endorsement, so he attacked the organization.

If you REALLY want to "figure it out," here you go:

1. Call the firefighters association. Request a questionaire
2. Fill out the questionaire. Mail to the firefighters.
3. Wait for them to call you if they would like to hear more from you
based upon your answers to the questionaire.
4. Show up to the interview. Answer their questions honestly and
forthrightly.
5. Wait to be notified about how the firefighters voted.

It is a shame that you and Osborne have treated this as sour grapes. I suppose it is a testament to the importance of the endorsement of this group of public servants.

 

[Andy A]

We gave a questionnaire to every candidate who asked for our support.

To be fair and honest, why should a candidate have to ask for your support in order for you to support them? It would appear to me you should send a questionaire to ALL candidates and then decide who was best suited to receive your support. Obviously, this is not how your union operates and that is easily understandable as ALL unions operate based on support of candidates they feel will be atune to what they wish be done in their interests. I don't expect unions to be fair in who they support but can only hope they will be honest in why they support them. I really don't expect that, either.

 

[SoWalProfire]

It would seem that "fair" and certainly "honest" couldn't be further from your mind Andy

Another fine example of partisan spin.

The rules are the same for everyone. And we won't go and ask a candidate to let us support him or her. If a candidate wants our support they will be treated the same way every other candidate who asks for our support will be treated.

I have made our interests clear. If you don't see how those interests are related to public welfare then I suggest you stop letting your own agenda blind you. You are obviously one of those people who believe that the word Union is derogatory. To be honest with you I use to be like that. However, after being in the Florida Fire Service for 17 years I have come to realize that Florida Firefighter Unions differ from Any other form of Union.

1. We don't strike. (even if it were legal)
2. We don't strong arm.
3. We are involved in our communities.
4. We know and like the people in our communities and they know and like us.
5. We lobby for laws that protect the public from the dangers of fire and medical emergencies. (with our own money)
6. We help people on and off duty every chance we get.
7. We believe that collective bargaining serves the public interest by requiring sound justification of our hours, wages and terms and conditions of employment Which we are required to research present and justify. This keeps cost low and service high by preventing status quo increases.

For you to imply that we are not fair or honest proves that you do not know us.

Prejudices never show much reason.

 

[Andy A]

I had not seen the endorsment post prior to my post regarding the endorsements by the firefighter's union. Thank you for posting your reasons for support of the candidates. I do note that you feel all supported candidates will vigorously support your desired positions. That would be expected. It is, however, not necessarily a reason for any, other than your union members, to vote for them. I will base my vote on many criteria including your recommendations. I also note that you did not support any candidates other than Commissioner, Sheriff and Fire Commissioner. Do you have any recommendations for the other races? It would be interesting to see what they are.

 

[SoWalProfire]

Andy,

You will note that all this years official endorsements are for candidates who will have a direct impact on the citizens of South Walton.

 

[Andy A]

I think it is more correct to state the candidates that will have a direct impact on the desires and wants of the Firefighters of South Walton County. Evidently your organization does not consider the races for the school superintendent and school board to be of direct impact on the citizens of South Walton County. I do.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Looking back through your endorsements, I didn't notice a FireFighters' Union endorsement for County Commissioner of District 3. Did I miss that one? Who's your choice?

 

[The Watcher]

Phone Calls

So who exactly is crying over spilled milk because Tom got the endorsement of the firefighters? Heck, I'd be shocked and surprised if he didn't.

As I understand it, a certain candidate or maybe two, have called the Union wanting to know/complaining, why they were not endorsed. I have only heard this so maybe it did or did not happen. Thus, the spilled milk.

 

[SoWalProfire]

I think it is more correct to state the candidates that will have a direct impact on the desires and wants of the Firefighters of South Walton County. Evidently your organization does not consider the races for the school superintendent and school board to be of direct impact on the citizens of South Walton County. I do.

Man, when you don't read things that please you here, you sure are fast to put words in someones mouth in order to support your partisan spin aren't you?

You work it man, (I'm sure no one will notice but me)

Non of those folks asked for our endorsement.