Firefighters Endorsement Process (by John Zbesko)

Submitted by johnzbesko on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 21:02

Since the issue of the the firefighters union endorsements has flared up, I would like to describe my interview with the director of the firefighters' PAC.  I was eager to win their endorsement. I know several firefighters who are Evanston residents and I have coached some of their children and they have coached some of mine. I appreciate the major efforts they have made in helping elect Democratic candidates to county, state, and national office.

At my interview, I expressed my strong view that police and fire protection is an essential service that should be last on a list of cuts should the need arise. I listened to a presentation about how staffing levels in relation to the number of calls/incidents is stretched and agreed that this was an issue to be further examined. I also stated very clearly that the police and firefighters pension plan has been woefully underfunded, that I supported making the required City contributions and suggested that any one-time revenues, such as the proceeds from the selling of City property, should be transferred to the pension fund. I also stated that I do not think the taxpayers of Evanston would support an increase in any tax for the sole purpose of making additional pension fund contributions.

I do not know what else I could have said to win their endorsement. I do not know why my opponent gained their endorsement. I asked my firefighter friend about the endorsement process; he did not know because the rank and file did not vote or otherwise discuss the endorsements. I guess I'm learning a lesson about the political process.
 

Comments

JunadRizki

Tue, 03/03/2009 - 22:05

John - You have not answered the question of would you have taken and funds or used fire fighters to help you in the election?
To me this is an important question. In future election it would be my hope, all those running will not take any PAC funds from city employees nor use them to work on their election.
In my view if the fire fighters have concerns about staffing why aren't they expressing them to the community and everyone running?  I suggest they hold a meeting with all those running and the public to express their views.
It is important for me to support people who are independent and not influenced by PACs.
 
 

johnzbesko

Wed, 03/04/2009 - 22:24

Junad,

You ask a question about a hypothetical situation. I sought the firefighters endorsement because I admire them for risking their lives to protect mine. As stated, several firefighters are personal acquaintences whose opinions about City issues I respect. I sought their endorsement as a sign of approval that I appreciated their issues with an underfunded pension fund and adequate staffing levels  for providing the best protection.

At no time in my interview was any offer of campaign assistence discussed. Call me naïve but I thought endorsement meant simply printing “endorsed” on my campaign literature.

In contrast, I, and several other candidates, have received letters from a Realtors PAC that offered the possibility of a contribution after filling out a questionnaire. I ignored the letter and the follow-up one as well.

Regardless, the firefighters union support has now become an issue. Perceptions of integrity and ethics are real and important. At best, the firefighters union support is now a mixed blessing.