Sorry, I forgot in my previous post. I'm Kerri Allen from Summit U. Also, here is a recent message from Local 21 -- Saint Paul Firefighters, which also clearly speaks to the differences.
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On behalf the Executive Board and membership, we are writing to enlist your help in electing a new mayor to the City of Saint Paul!
As individuals � and our families in support of us � we make sacrifices on a daily basis. As firefighters, paramedics, and Emergency Response Technicians (EMTs) we put our lives at risk because we have made a lifetime commitment to our vocation, and we care about the community we serve.
We believe the people of St. Paul deserve the comfort and security of knowing that their public officials value public safety and that their policies reflect as much. Randy Kelly�s priorities do not. In 2001, Local 21 endorsed Randy Kelly; he has not since proven worthy of that endorsement. Since taking office, Kelly has consistently failed to sufficiently fund, staff, and equip the fire department. He runs around the city claiming to be the �public safety� mayor when nothing could be further from the truth. The facts are clear: Randy Kelly cut 14 frontline firefighters from the budget, authorizing FEWER firefighters than were authorized when he took office. And, Randy Kelly has not stopped there. Taking a page from the George Bush playbook, Kelly has gone on the attack against organized labor, collective bargaining, and union leadership. This must stop!
The members of Local 21 have endorsed Chris Coleman for mayor of Saint Paul. And we call on you to join us in supporting him. We care about Saint Paul. We understand that we must elect a mayor that supports firefighters, supports organized labor, and cares about public safety in our city. Chris Coleman will be that mayor.
As a City Councilmember, Chris Coleman stood with all city workers. He understands that firefighters � that all of Saint Paul�s public employees � are among the city�s greatest resources. We�ve made a pledge to serve the community as firefighters and we need renewed trust in our mayor. Chris Coleman will rebuild the trust between city employees and the mayor�s office by treating those who serve the city with respect.
On a regular basis we put our lives at risk while doing our jobs; we are firefighters. We need a mayor who will be a fighter for Saint Paul. We need a mayor who takes his cues from the citizens he serves � not Karl Rove and the Bush White House. We need a mayor that supports public employees, supports organized labor, and cares about public safety in Saint Paul. Saint Paul needs Chris Coleman!
Please join with us in fighting for Saint Paul, electing a new mayor, and supporting Chris Coleman.
Sincerely,
Pat Flanagan President, IAFF Local 21
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