WA S H I N G TO N P RO F E S S I O N A L
Official Publication of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters
Fall 2012
S e aso n 2000
WSCFF
2012 Election
Endorsements
inside
Editing
Helen Kramer
Debbie Guillot
Lisa Thompson
WSCFF Staff
Cover/Magazine Design
Erika Lari
www.superfancy.net
Contributors
Kelly Fox
WSCFF President
Greg Markley
WSCFF Secretary-Treasurer
Ricky Walsh
IAFF 7th District Vice President
Table of
Contents
3
5
7 Layne Bladow
Local 1488 President
Dennis Lawson
WSCFF Vice-President / 4th District
Representative
Dean Shelton
WSCFF 10th District Representative
President’s Message
Secretary-Treasurer’s Message
Letter From Ricky Walsh, IAFF 7th
District Vice President
12
14
Politics - We Need to Get Smarter
19
20
22
24
Vote NO on I-1185
Keven Rojecki
WSCFF 9th District Representative
3
WSCFF 73rd Annual Convention ~ June 26-28, 2012~ Hilton Vancouver Hotel
Rememberance Park
WSCFF Election Endorsements
Where Do the Candidates for Governor Stand on the Issues that Matter to
Washington State’s Union Fire Fighters?
26
Jay Inslee: A Strong Record of Support for Firefighters
28
Rob McKenna: The Wrong Choice for Union Firefighters
30
What the Candidates Say Matters...
What the Candidates Do Matters...
32
33
35
36
38
Clear Choices
Budgeting Resolutions
Home for Local 726
Commitment to Excellence
WSCFF Executive Board, Trustees
& Staff
The Washington Professional Fire Fighter is published semiannually
by the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters and is provided
to its union members and retirees.
Printer:
Capitol City Press, Olympia, WA
Mailing Service:
Capitol City Press, Olympia, WA
Send letters, submissions,
and address changes to:
WSCFF
1069 Adams Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: (800) 572-5762
Fax: (360) 943-2333
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.wscff.org
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WA S H I N G TO N P RO F E S S I O N A L
T
he 2012 Election cycle
is well underway, and
as I write this article,
we have fewer than
sixty days until the November
election.
Elsewhere in this publication you will find the
WSCFF endorsements for federal, statewide
and legislative races; please take a look at these
Kelly Fox,WSCFF President
endorsements and consider that our autonomous
process has led to these decisions. In addition, each local union is sure
to have local elections in their jurisdictions – city councils, county
commissioners and fire commissioners. Your involvement is essential to
the interests of our membership. Your ability to deliver essential public
safety services depends upon skilled, thoughtful citizens getting elected to
extremely important decision making, publicly elected positions. We may
disagree about who that person might be, but we can all agree that the
positions they seek to hold are vital to our own economic interests and our
ability to safely perform our jobs. In other words, talk to your co-workers,
your families and your friends and … Get Out The Vote!
The Great Recession has limited any ability for the WSCFF to advance
necessary improvements to LEOFF Plan 2. In these times, we are
fortunate to have staved off annual attempts to reduce contributions to
our fund. Since 2009, budget writers have tried to lower the required
contributions to our fund to amounts less than what was required by
the State Actuary. As a result of these actions, the LEOFF community
has been divided by the proposed remedies to the predicament. In the
previous two legislative sessions, a merger of LEOFF Plans 1 and 2 was
proposed and supported by the WSCFF. It has been well documented in
prior publications and emails, so we do not need to discuss this further
here; but it is worth noting that the WSCFF has not proposed, nor do we
plan to explore, legislation regarding a merger in the upcoming legislative
session.
We have committed to discussing the basic tenets of a pension plan
merger with the stakeholders of LEOFF 1 as they have requested. To
date, a few meetings have occurred; but many more discussions are
needed. The WSCFF stands as a resource to assist our affiliates and
members holding conversations with our LEOFF 1 brothers or sisters
about this issue. If you organize a meeting, we are willing to provide
information and/or attend. It is also possible to request additional
resource material or information from the LEOFF Plan 2 Retirement
Board. The LEOFF 2 Board is available to facilitate or provide
information related to the subject as well.
The objective of these meetings is not to promote a merger, but to make
possible a dialogue or discussion on the facts as they relate to the actions
and the philosophy of the WSCFF. As a primary contributor to the
Fall 2012
4
WSCFF legislative program and agenda, I have heard wild tales
of what I have done on behalf of the WSCFF; and I can assure
you that many of the stories are incredibly exaggerated. The only
way to resolve the differences is to continue to talk, and we remain
willing to do that.
On that note, we have stumbled upon a great opportunity within
the legislative program. With the limited availability of one of
our legislative liaison positions due to an election contest, and
the resignation of the other, we were extremely lucky to have
Geoff Simpson available to help the WSCFF’s political program
through the election cycle. As you may know, after nine years as
a legislative liaison with the WSCFF, Bud Sizemore is running
for the state house this election; and Craig Soucy - after two years
and five legislative sessions - will step away from the extraordinary
demands the position requires and take some well deserved time
with his family. Please thank Bud and Craig for their commitment
to the WSCFF and welcome Geoff on board!
One program we are very proud of is the WSCFF Benefit Trust’s
Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan or “MERP.” The MERP
was an idea forged in the late 1990’s, and more than ten years later
we represent locals in three states, with 6,167 plan members, and
an investment fund of $39,103,016.
One goal of the MERP was to generate enough capital to
motivate underwriters to create a health care trust for our plan
participants. We are excited to report we are in the very early
stages of developing the Northwest Fire Fighter’s Benefits Trust
to provide medical and dental benefits specifically for union
firefighters! More information will be forthcoming, and it is our
hope to work with local governments and existing trusts to offer
the best, most effective and affordable benefits to the 8,000+
members of the WSCFF.
The WSCFF continues to advocate for union firefighters in
Olympia and all around the state where we are needed, when we
are needed. We represent 132 locals by addressing pension issues,
health and safety issues (more specifically, issues with job-related
injury or illness), revenue/funding issues for fire and EMS services
and provide educational opportunities for local union leaders and
members. We have been around for 73 years, and the institution
will be here well beyond our individual careers. We (current
leaders and previous leadership) have represented pre-LEOFF,
Plan 1, and Plan 2 members since our formation, and we will
continue to do so with integrity and dignity. This is the greatest
union organization you will ever belong to. Remember, you get
out of it what you put into it. Don’t stand around while everyone
else puts into it!
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
s e c r e t a r y - t r e a s u r e r ’s m e s s a g e
5
The Costs
& Importance
of Elections
Greg Markley,WSCFF
Secretary-Treasurer
As we work our way through
this election cycle we, as voters,
tend to become a bit fatigued
wading through information
presented in television ads,
literature and newspaper articles
for individual campaigns or
larger, statewide ballot issues.
National statistics show that over $6,000,000,000 will be spent
on the federal elections, including Presidential, Senate and House
seats. That’s right, over six billion dollars will be spent in this
election cycle – the majority on television ads. If you include the
elections at the state level, over eight billion dollars will be spent
nationwide. That sum is larger than many small countries’ gross
domestic products. While these sums are astronomical, it is the
reality of politics in this country.
We, the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters (WSCFF),
contribute our share to this total, although, due to federal election
laws, we do not participate in any federal elections. During
this cycle the WSCFF will contribute more than $250,000 to
candidates’ campaigns. We support candidates and incumbents
who support our issues - both republicans and democrats.
Although that is a lot of money for our organization, it does not
go far. Every two years we have half of our Senate and all of our
House members up for election, plus the statewide seats with
four-year terms. That is 25 Senators and 98 Representatives in the
House this year. If we gave an equal amount to each candidate,
we would be looking at about $2000 each – not a lot considering
in some of the more contested districts campaigns cost candidates
well over $200,000.
We have a legislative committee that meets throughout the year
to assess our spending priorities and the candidates we endorse.
Once we have determined our priorities and after discussions and
interviews with the candidates, we send the monies out to the
candidates’ campaign committees.
Within this issue you will see the slate of candidates we endorsed.
Of prime importance to the WSCFF this year is the Governor’s
race. Over $20 million dollars will be spent on the Governor’s race
Fall 2012
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in Washington State alone. As an organization, we have chosen to endorse Jay
Inslee for this important position. As a member of Congress, Jay has long been a
supporter of the WSCFF, having served on both the east- and west- sides of the
state. We did not make this decision without requesting input from our locals.
Jay is committed to our public pension and L & I systems. He is an advocate
for funding the social systems that help control our call volume. He supports
funding healthcare coverage for thousands of children in our state. As attacks
on public pension systems increase, we need Jay’s support to protect the system
we have built in Washington State. Please join me in supporting Jay Inslee for
Governor.
For those residing in the 47th District -- which includes parts of Kent, Auburn,
Covington and unincorporated King County -- we have one of our own, Bud
Sizemore, running for State Representative. Bud has been a firefighter for the
Kent Fire Department for 19 years. He has been a WSCFF Legislative Liaison
for nine years, lobbying on behalf of all of us. He has been a tremendous asset
to this organization and will be an even greater one as a legislator. We have a
unique opportunity to have someone with Bud’s experience directly involved in
the legislative process. Please join me in supporting Bud Sizemore.
We support
candidates and
incumbents
who support
our issues both
republicans
and democrats.
One of our greatest advocates in the
Washington State Legislator is also
one of our members -- Kevin Van
de Wege. Kevin is a firefighter with
Clallam County Fire District #3 in
the Sequim area. He has served in
the legislature since 2006 from the
24th District and is the Majority
Whip in the House Democratic
Caucus. Kevin does not have a race
this election cycle and will be a great
mentor for Bud Sizemore.
Every election cycle is important.
The elections this fall are
particularly so to the WSCFF and
our membership. With continuing
attacks on public employees around
the country and in our state,
we must elect individuals who
support our collective bargaining
and workplace rights now and in the future. Please review our choices for this
election cycle. We have done our very best to identify those candidates we
believe support the interests and goals of the organization.
Fraternally,
Greg
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
Brothers and
Sisters,
Ricky Walsh, IAFF 7th
District Vice President
The political
season is winding
down, and I
have had a
revelation…
I have turned the corner after speaking with many of our
conservative members. They have convinced me that I have
been misguided, and now I am going to work to fix my efforts
on your behalf for the past 26 years. I now believe that collective
bargaining for public employees is a bad idea. Yes, I have been
convinced.
Not only that, but I now believe that defined contribution
programs are better for workers than defined benefit pension
plans—yes, I do! I am now also convinced that government
regulations regarding fire fighters’ and other workers’ safety are
getting in the way of progress and economic recovery in this
country; and I am now convinced that recognizing corporations
as people is a great idea, and unlimited expenditures from the
rich are good for our political process. I believe that “job creators”
(small businesses), even the ones that don’t create jobs, should not
pay taxes; and I believe that it is the middle class in this country
that put us in the economic crisis we are in today; and I believe
that we are taxed too much and that all the infrastructure in this
country must have been created on the “eighth” day out of thin
air and once built does not need maintained; and I believe that
we need more defense spending just in case the next 20 largest
navies in the world combine into one to equal the US Navy;
and I believe that if we just eliminated all social safety nets that
neighbors would take care of neighbors; and I believe in trickledown economics even though it did not work the first time (it
just needed more time to kick in); and I believe that mandating
medical insurance is a bad idea BUT mandating car or home
insurance is a great idea; and I believe management would have
given us all we have today if we would have just given them a bit
more time; and I believe that if we give the Olympia mansion to
Rob McKenna and the White House to Mitt Romney, all the ills
in the United States of America will disappear and that when a
Fall 2012
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two-class system is born out of such a scenario, we bottom feeders will be
grateful.
And what can I do to fix this, you ask? Well, I have been told to get on
board with conservatives and help lobby for elimination of all of the above.
It has been suggested that if we can just eliminate regulation, business
will flourish. If we get rid of minimum wage laws, then job holders will be
paid for the merit of their work and job creators will be benevolent with
the sharing of profits. Collective bargaining agreements—make them
illegal so the cities, counties, fire districts and states can get back on their
feet as they only contain “overly generous benefits.” Eliminate taxes and
privatize roads, sewer systems, water systems, fire departments, police
departments and parks. And schools--we need to promote and lobby for
school voucher systems so the rich kids can get the best education, and the
poor kids can get janitorial jobs working at the rich kids’ schools.
Don’t stop reading yet.
If you say that Ricky Walsh could never believe that, you are right. I am
being very sarcastic. I don’t believe it and if I did, I would hope that you
would call for my immediate resignation or demand a recall election. And
certainly, I would hope that you would lose faith in my ability to serve
and represent you in any venue. But this is exactly what a certain group of
individuals believe and have adopted for their political platform, and some
of our IAFF members, as well other union members, plan to give them
their money, work and vote for their campaigns!
The following is word-for-word the adopted Republican platform in
regard to labor and retirement security:
Security For Those Who Need It:
Ensuring Retirement Security.
The situation of public pension systems demands immediate remedial action.
The irresponsible promises of politicians at every level of government have
come back to haunt today’s taxpayers with enormous unfunded pension
liabilities. Many cities face bankruptcy because of excessive outlays for early
retirement, extravagant health plans, and overly generous pension benefits.
We salute the Republican Governors and State legislators who have, in the
face of abuse and threats of violence, reformed their State pension systems for
the benefit of both taxpayers and retirees alike.
Freedom in the Workplace
The current Administration has chosen a different path with regard to
labor, clinging to antiquated notions of confrontation and concentrating
power in the Washington offices of union elites. It has strongly supported
the anti-business card check legislation to deny workers a secret ballot
in union organizing campaigns and, through the use of Project Labor
Agreements, barred 80 percent of the construction workforce from competing
for jobs in many stimulus projects. The current Administration has turned
the National Labor Relations Board into a partisan advocate for Big
Labor, using threats and coercion outside the law to attack businesses and,
through “snap elections” and “micro unions,” limit the rights of workers and
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
We will fight for labor laws
that provide a fair
process for workers to
choose union
representation, that
facilitate the collective
bargaining process, and that
strengthen remedies for
violations of the law.
employers alike.
We will restore the rule of law to labor law
by blocking “card check,” enacting the Secret
Ballot Protection Act, enforcing the Hobbs
Act against labor violence, and passing the
Raise Act to allow all workers to receive
well-earned raises without the approval
of their union representative. We demand
an end to the Project Labor Agreements;
and we call for repeal of the Davis-Bacon
Act, which costs the taxpayers billions of
dollars annually in artificially high wages
on government projects. We support the right
of States to enact Right-to-Work laws and
encourage them to do so to promote greater
economic liberty. Ultimately, we support the
enactment of a National Right-to-Work
law to promote worker freedom and to
promote greater economic liberty. We will
aggressively enforce the recent decision by the
Supreme Court barring the use of union dues
for political purposes without the consent of
the worker.
We salute the Republican Governors and
State legislators who have saved their States
from fiscal disaster by reforming their laws
governing public employee unions. We urge
elected officials across the country to follow
their lead in order to avoid State and local
defaults on their obligations and the collapse
of services to the public. To safeguard the free
choice of public employees, no government
at any level should act as the
dues collector for unions. A
Republican President will
protect the rights of conscience
of public employees by
proposing legislation to bar
mandatory dues for political
purposes.
That is right—read it
slowly! If I or any of this
Union’s elected leadership
were to be serious about
promoting and endorsing
the stances listed above on
issues critical to our Union,
our industry and our
nation, you would bounce
us out on our ears at the next election. If we
were to tell you that to “better work with
conservatives” we are going to support the
repeal of collective bargaining and promote
“right to work,” there might be a lynching….
or at least a good old fashioned ass whupin’!
Even Union members who lean to the right,
would come down and join the mob wanting
to get a pound of flesh, but at the same time
they will be working for those policy-making
candidates who promote the above and are
willing to take away our middle class way of
life. Promoting themselves as fire fighters for
“candidate X,” throwing the rest of us under
the bus, and we are all just to accept such
hypocrisy from those members!
To excuse their actions they use social issues
such as the three big “G’s”…that is right, I
will say it, god-gays-and guns! I must point
out the selfishness involved in that kind
of thinking. In the name of their personal
beliefs or so-called morality they sell the
rest of us down the river. Not only us but
their non-firefighter neighbors as well. Yes,
they are willing to work for, campaign for,
and give money to candidates who continue
to promote the above- stated platform.
They will do that and in the same breath
ask us and our families to trust them, as a
crewmember, to go into the most dangerous
places/scenarios in the world. Yeah, I said it
and will again…they are willing to sell you
Fall 2012
10
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down the road with their off-duty conduct
and then want to be part of the team when
entering into places that require 110% trust.
The situation of
public pension
systems demands
immediate
remedial action.
That, Brothers and Sisters, should not be
acceptable to any of us because that is about
more than a differing political view or
opinion.
Ninety-five years ago, the Tacoma “firemen”
issued an ultimatum to their employer
demanding a “two-platoon” system or ALL
of them would resign. I posted a copy of the
article on the 7th District Facebook page, to
illustrate to many of you the importance of
the word “ALL” and to emphasize that the
article did not say “some” of the firefighters
would resign. This job action did not result
in firefighters dying, BUT let’s get our facts
straight: workers across America were killed
engaging in job actions that resulted in the
many benefits each of us enjoy today. It is a
sad commentary that any worker in America
would minimize their efforts by supporting
those who want to turn the clock back one
hundred years, to take away a structure that
is truly the economic driver in this country
and the world.
Here is the adopted Democratic platform,
word for word, on labor and retirement
issues:
“The Republican Party would return
us to the failed policies of the last
administration, vilifying the American
worker, undermining unions, and arguing
that everyone should fend for themselves. We
oppose the attacks on collective bargaining
that Republican governors and state
legislatures are mounting in states around
the country.
Democrats believe that the right to organize
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
and collectively bargain is a fundamental
American value; every American should
have a voice on the job and a chance to
negotiate for a fair day’s pay after a hard
day’s work. We will continue to fight for
the right of all workers to organize and
join a union. Unions helped build the
greatest middle class the world has ever
known. Their work resulted in the 40hour workweek and weekends, paid leave
and pensions, the minimum wage and
health insurance, and Social Security and
Medicare – the cornerstones of middle
class security. We will fight for labor laws
that provide a fair process for workers to
choose union representation, that facilitate
the collective bargaining process, and that
strengthen remedies for violations of the
law. We will fight for collective bargaining
rights for police officers, nurses, firefighters,
emergency medical technicians, teachers, and
other public sector workers – jobs that are a
proven path to the middle class for millions
of Americans. We will continue to vigorously
oppose “Right to Work” and “paycheck
protection” efforts, and so-called “Save our
Secret Ballot” measures whenever they are
proposed.”
That is the kind of collective effort from
the party of workers, in all industries, that
has given rise to the greatest middle class
the world has ever known; and I submit
for consideration that America has truly
defined “middle class” as recognized by
the world. To take actions to destroy it is
un-patriotic and un-American. Some defend
their actions by saying “it” went too far, and
I say it has not gone far enough. Jobs are
not about paychecks but about dignity, and
paychecks are about recognition of work
well done. Capitalism cannot exist without
labor, and this partnership can only co-exist
if profits are divided fairly. Your Union and
workers united to bring dignity and justice
to the workplace, and while unions can be
successful with rogue members--the “tails
trying to wag the dog”--it makes it more
difficult. We need to come together with
facts and not sound bites, and all of us need
to commit and engage in the democracy
this Union promises in its Constitution and
Bylaws. Participate and debate, but at the
end of the meeting we leave the union hall as one with one goal.
One right-leaning member even went so far as to profess he was
a “good Union member” even though he promoted candidates
who promote the elimination of collective bargaining and defined
benefit pension systems--to which I say PHOOEY! You are not
a good union member when you are willing to break ranks and go
out on your own and give the finger to a majority decision—you
are a poor union member! There is no room in any collective force
for individual agendas. History not only shows this but dictates
this concept.
I don’t mean to be offensive, and I am sure some did not even get
to this place in the article. BUT the conversation needs to occur,
and I am calling out those with minority agendas! I have stood in
front of local union meetings stating what is written above only to
have a member walk out, not engage in dialog, and then cut and
dice me AFTER I leave the premises. Can you believe it—they
had an opportunity to debate the issue and chose the “weak” path?
You can have your opinions, everyone does, but show strength
enough in your beliefs and opinions to engage in the democratic
process of this union and promote them at the union meeting or
State Council functions. BUT be united in the will of the majority
in the end. That is your responsibility as a member of this great
IAFF, WSCFF and your Local affiliate.
I believe this election is a turning point for organized labor
and certainly for everyday workers. America will define itself
in November. They will pick a path….we will pick a path. For
those on the fence, I am asking for your help when you cast your
vote. For those too far to the right…know this, I believe the
conservatives will pursue the Republican platform (above and
posted at www.iaff7thdistrict.org) and will achieve it if elected to
offices, whether at a local, state, or federal level, and you will have
to live with it. I will still work to keep and improve what is taken
for granted, by some, as I know you will expect my office, your
state council and local affiliate to pull the “rabbit out of the hat”
once again. Be thoughtful when voting; think of others, because I
am sure we will get what the winning party has promised.
Until next time, be safe.
Ricky
P.S.—For those who would like to invest in the United States,
the Nationwide 457 plan now has a fund called Eaton Vance, that
makes dollars available to governmental entities for the rebuilding
of America. Follow me and invest actual dollars into America.
Fall 2012
12
13
POLITICS –
We Need to Get
Smarter
The squeaky
wheel gets
greased.
Keven Rojecki,WSCFF
9th District Representative
History shows
us that when interest groups engage in the
political process, their issues are more likely
to be considered by decision makers. Simply
put, we all must join together and work harder
toward our shared goal of protecting our
wages, hours and working conditions.
Having spent more than a decade representing our profession in the halls of
Olympia, I have witnessed firsthand those groups ‘inside the circle’ and those
wanting in. I cannot stress emphatically enough that our membership’s issues
must be a priority for the majority if we want to keep the progress made
through years of hard work by those before us.We must help those who watch
our back at every level of government.
Labor and the middle class have seen continued attacks in many parts of
America.Wisconsin, Ohio, and too many other states have seen all-out assaults
against unions since the 2010 election. Political leaders in those states quickly
removed the right of public employees to bargain a contract; and it took
millions of dollars and massive effort to reinstate those rights by taking the
cause to citizens. Other states have limited our unions’ rights to negotiate
health care. And we know that in 23 states our brothers’ and sisters’ ability to
collectively bargain for wages is illegal or severally limited.
Lately, public sector unions -- teachers, firefighters, local and state employees,
sanitation workers and many others -- have seen attacks to their rights and
benefits like no other time in history. Oftentimes characterized as partisan
politics, a deeper look shows that the general population in America is less
supportive of unions than in prior decades. Further compounding the problem
is more households are without a union member, resulting in fewer people
correlating the greater benefits brought about by unions - sick leave, vacation
and holiday time, the 40-hour work week, healthcare and retirement benefits,
and so many other widespread advantages taken for granted in the workplace
today.
Much of the anti-labor sentiment is espoused by political operatives and our
24-hour news cycle with pundits making wild claims. Do we know who these
people are making the claims? We know they are earning millions working for
CNN, MSNBC, Fox and others.We must not take everything they say as fact.
As our kids do in school, we need to do some homework to understand the
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
issues, determine fact from fiction, and formulate
opinions with all the information before us.We can
do better to understand the entire picture before
we cast our vote.
Education, conviction and messaging are keys to
reversing the devastating downward spiral and
demise of unions.While that may be dramatic,
public sentiment and political posturing by some
leaders in government are showing negative
developments toward our own trade union, as well
as our state associations and other local unions.
We can correct this trend and, in turn, help lift
the entire trade union membership by educating
ourselves on the issues and cultivating educational
opportunities for those candidates who ask for our
vote.
A recent article in a favorite journal of mine
highlighted how money has changed the face
of politics like no other time in history.We have
all heard about the Super-PAC groups lining up
for and against President Obama or Governor
Romney.What do we really know about the people
behind them? The article goes on to decipher
data from campaign filings with the Federal
Election Commission with what little information is
provided.
Super-PAC groups are expected to spend billions of
dollars during the 2012 election cycle, primarily on
negative attack ads.The data suggests that fewer
than 50 donors have given $1M or more and
account for 57% of the total donations to SuperPAC groups. One individual has given more than
$36M or 0.15 percent of his total wealth. It would
take over 300,000 ordinary citizens donating 0.15
percent of their total wealth to match this donor
alone.
Money is not the entire problem with Super-PACS.
An alarming issue appears to be the lack of
transparency with reporting donations.Without
full disclosure, we do not know who is behind
these political ads, and some make great effort to
conceal their identity from disclosure. For voters
to understand the issues at greater depth than a
quick sound bite, the concealment of identity gives
the impression that Super-PAC donors are hiding
something. One must ask the obvious question:
What is in it for them?
Back to that inner circle – doubling down on our
collective interest in political campaigns, regardless
of party, allows personal relationships that can
bring greater education on the issues about which
we care most.We can expect that each elected
leader has his or her circle of trust, and our goal is
to be among those counted upon when advice is
sought on our collective interests.When it comes to
collective bargaining, LEOFF pensions, civil service,
and local government funding, we need to be a
driving force in those decisions. Anything less can
bring negative consequences that generations of
IAFF members will endure.
One key is to personally step up when called
upon, even if you do not have experience.You as a
WSCFF member need to take a more active role
for your leadership team to be successful. Union
leadership has goals to advance your wages,
regulate hours, and protect the very livelihood that
allows us great freedoms for our family and social
fabric.
Have you ever participated in the Republican,
Democrat, Green or other party caucuses? This is
the process that begins the delegate collection for
presidential elections. Have you engaged in civic
groups outside of your church? Can you agree to
disagree and accept other members’ views at the
beanery table even if they differ from your own?
Do you hate politics and never participate, yet
chastise those making decisions on your behalf?
Lobbying is not for everyone, though in life we
articulate views, then hold and defend them dearly,
and rarely accept the consequences of our failures.
For our IAFF, the Washington State Council of
Fire Fighters, and each of our 132 local unions in
Washington State, now is the time to step forward
and lend a hand. If we all share the value of
decent wages, fair hours, just-cause for disciplinary
issues, workplace protections, and the fraternal
bond experienced, then we will strengthen our
profession for many more years.
If our leaders and membership fail to educate
themselves, work toward a common goal or remain
uninformed, what is the point of calling ourselves a
trade union?
Fall 2012
14
15
WSCFF
73rd Annual
Convention
New Legislative Liaison
Geoff Simpson, Local 1747, has stepped in to assist the WSCFF as a Legislative Liaison
during this election cycle. Geoff brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the
position.
The WSCFF will miss the drive and determination of Craig Soucy, and we thank him for
the endless energy and valuable assistance he gave while in the post.
June 26-28, 2012
Hilton Vancouver
Hotel
This convention broke the record for having the most resolutions presented
on the floor.
We would like to extend our gratitude and congratulations to Locals 452 and
1805 for hosting a great event.They went over and above what was expected
of them!
12-01, 2012-13 Budget/Monthly Per
Capita
That the 2012-13 operating budget be adopted
with a $15.55 per capita or a 1-cent increase
from the previous year. Status: Adopted
2012 Resolutions - “Resolveds”
Statistics:
Locals represented: 83
Delegates in attendance: 254
Alternates in attendance: 34
Resolutions submitted: 44
Resolutions adopted: 34
Resolutions Rejected: 5
Resolutions withdrawn: 5
Per Capita Rate:
$16.55 effective September 1,
2012
Awards:
Walt Lambert Trade Union
Leadership Award – WSCFF
Secretary Treasurer Greg Markley,
Local 1747
Jack Waller Honorary Fire Fighter
Award – State Representative Pat
Sullivan
12-02, Local Dues Structure
That the WSCFF encourages its member locals
to adopt a budget structure with separate
line items for each organization to which
dues are paid (i.e. IAFF, WSCFF, WSLC) which
would change concurrently with the charging
organization’s fee, e.g., an increase in IAFF
dues of 10 cents would cause the per capita
collected from each member to increase by 10
cents. Status: Adopted
12-03, Meeting WSCFF Operational
Needs
That the WSCFF per capita be increased by
$1.00 (one dollar) to meet the future needs of
the organization. Status: Adopted as Amended
12-04, Endorsement of IAFF General
President Schaitberger
That the delegates assembled at the 73rd
Annual Convention of the WSCFF go
on record as unanimously endorsing the
re-election of Harold A. Schaitberger to
the position of General President of the
International Association of Fire Fighters.
Status: Adopted Unanimously
12-05,Thomas H. Miller Endorsement
That the delegates gathered at the 73rd Annual
Convention recognize and support IAFF
General Secretary/Treasurer Thomas H. Miller
for reelection at the 2012 IAFF Convention
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Status: Adopted
Unanimously
New District Representatives
The WSCFF welcomed two
new district representatives this
summer – Tim Hoover, Local 1828,
was elected WSCFF 3rd District
Representative during convention;
and Jeff Wainwright, Local 3711,
was elected WSCFF 2nd District
Representative at a special election
in August. The WSCFF would like
to thank and acknowledge Scott
Brines and Rick Peters for their
years of service and dedication
as WSCFF 2nd and 3rd District
Representatives, respectively.
The WSCFF Burn Foundation thanked and congratulated Bill
Gonzalez for his years of service as president.
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
Fall 2012
16
17
12-11, Convention
Site
That the 75th Annual
Convention of the
WSCFF be held in
Spokane, Washington,
and hosted by Local 29.
Status: Adopted
12-17, Public Relations & Public Opinion
To add “Public Relations” to Article III as a new Line
F. Status: Adopted by 2/3 Standing Majority
copy of the contract and the electronic census data)
not be allowed to be seated at the WSCFF Annual
Convention until in compliance. Status: Rejected
12-18, WSCFF Name Change Feasibility
That the WSCFF Executive Board research the
feasibility of changing its name to include the
word ‘union’ in its name and report back to the
membership at the 2013 Spring Educational Seminar.
Status: Adopted
12-25, 2013 Education Conference Keynote
Speaker
That the WSCFF Executive Board invite Dr. Elaine
Bernard to deliver a keynote address at the 2013
IAFF/WSCFF Jointly Sponsored Educational Seminar.
Status: Adopted
12-19, Adoption of USS Washington
That the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters
approach the United States Navy and ask to “adopt”
the new attack submarine being constructed, which
is designated the USS Washington, SSN 787. Status:
Adopted
12-26, Fallen Service Member Moment of
Silence
That the WSCFF will observe a moment of silence
at every state convention to remember those who
have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our
freedoms. Status: Adopted
12-20, EMS Levy Consideration
That the WSCFF legislative team seek consistency in
EMS levy population thresholds for EMS levy
approval in all fire protection jurisdictions. Status:
Adopted
12-27, WSCFF LODD Recognition
That at each convention an agenda item be
created to acknowledge the sacrifice of members
lost in the line of duty in Washington State since
the previous year’s WSCFF convention; and be it
further resolved that a biography of the member
and the circumstances of the line-of-duty death be
shared with the membership in writing within the
convention notebook and verbal announcement
by the president of the WSCFF or his/her designee
during convention; and be it further resolved that
following all announcements, a moment of silence
will be given for reflection. Status: Adopted
12-12, Status:Withdrawn
12-06, Educational Seminar Classes for
Small/Combination Locals
That the WSCFF Executive Board consider
offering the following classes as part of
the 2013 IAFF/WSCFF Joint Educational
Seminar: Running an Effective Small Local
and Challenges and Solutions for Locals in
Combination Departments.
Status:Withdrawn
12-07, Outsourcing Dispatching Centers
That the WSCFF actively encourage all WSCFF
affected locals within the state of Washington
to advocate to their respective fire chiefs, fire
commissioners and local elected officials that
any PSAP consolidation preserves all fire &
EMS dispatching by uniformed fire fighters.
Status: Adopted as Amended
12-08, Municipal Fire District
That the WSCFF continues to pursue a
change in the current RFA and/or fire district
legislation (RCW 52.26, 52.02, etc.) that
would allow for the creation of Municipal Fire
Authorities and/or Municipal Fire Districts that
would include all necessary privileges, rights,
and protections.
Status: Adopted
12-09, Public Relations & Public Opinion
That the WSCFF initiate and utilize public
opinion research to identify public perception
and views on fire fighters, paramedics, public
employees, and labor unions; and be it
further resolved that the WSCFF will use the
information to develop a strategy to protect
our interests based upon the results; and be it
further resolved that the cost of this research
will be funded by WSCFF savings. Status:
Adopted as Amended
12-10, Status:Withdrawn—Dispensed by Action
of Resolution #12-14
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
12-13, 2012 WSCFF
Statewide Candidate
Endorsement
That the assembled
delegates at the WSCFF 73rd convention
endorse the following candidates in their
respective Statewide and Judicial campaigns:
Governor: Jay Inslee (Early Endorsement);
Insurance Commissioner: Mike Kreidler;
Lieutenant Governor: Brad Owen; Public
Lands Commissioner: Peter Goldmark;
Secretary of State: Dual—Kathleen Drew and
Greg Nickels; State Auditor: Craig Pridemore;
State Treasurer: Jim McIntire; Supt. of Public
Instruction: Randy Dorn; State Supreme Court
Position 2: Susan Owens; State Supreme
Court Position 8: Steven C. Gonzalez (Early
Endorsement); State Supreme Court Position
9: Dual—Bruce Hilyar and John Ladenberg.
Status: Adopted
12-14, 2012 WSCFF Federal Candidate
Endorsement
That the assembled delegates at the WSCFF
73rd convention endorse the following
candidates in their respective federal
campaigns: U.S. Senate: Maria Cantwell; 1st
Congressional District: Steve Hobbs; 2nd
Congressional District: Rick Larsen; 5th
Congressional District: Rich Cowan; 6th
Congressional District: Derek Kilmer; 7th
Congressional District: Jim McDermott; 8th
Congressional District: Dave Reichert; 9th
Congressional District: Adam Smith; 10th
Congressional District: Denny Heck. Status:
Adopted
12-15, 2012 Initiatives & Referendums
That the assembled delegates at the WSCFF
73rd convention oppose the following ballot
measures and encourage our membership to
decline to sign petitions: Initiative 1185 – Two
Thirds Majority to Raise Revenue, Initiative
1191 – Right-to-Work, and Initiative 1240 –
Charter Schools. Status: Adopted
12-16, Status:Withdrawn
12-21, Super Majority Fact Sheet
That the WSCFF will encourage the efforts of
its members and others to go to where Eyman’s
signature gatherers are located to ask citizens to not
sign this petition and to provide them with facts via
the fact sheet. Status: Rejected
12-22, Support for Firefighter Safety
Standards Update
That the WSCFF provide the dates, time, and
location of the public hearings on the WSCFF
website; and be it further resolved that the WSCFF
encourage all members to support and submit public
comment in support of the update to WAC 296-305.
Status: Adopted
12-23, Endorsement of Ricky Walsh
That the delegates gathered at this 73rd annual
convention recognize and support IAFF 7th District
Vice President Ricky Walsh for re-election at the
2012 IAFF convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Status: Adopted Unanimously
12-24, Support for Collective Bargaining
Census Data
That the WSCFF develop an electronic census to
be included or submitted prior to being seated
at convention; and be it further resolved That the
census covers subjects including but not limited to
number of stations, assessed valuation, population
served, square miles served, call volume, annual
budget, all career vs. combination, staffing model (e.g.
2/3/4 person companies), specialties (e.g. rescue,
dive, hazmat), service model (e.g. Fire/BLS/ALS), and
transport vs. no transport to be used in bargaining;
and be it further resolved that locals viewed as not
in compliance with the information required to be
submitted to the comparable database (current
12-28, Recording of Education Conference
Keynote Speaker
The WSCFF Executive Board record keynote
speakers at the IAFF/WSCFF Jointly Sponsored
Educational Seminar in the most convenient and
cost-effective format to be made available to our
members; and be it further resolved that the WSCFF
Benevolent Fund finance this project. Status: Adopted
12-29, Endorsement of Candidates in Regard
to Collective Bargaining
That the WSCFF refrain from endorsing political
candidates who take positions, make statements,
and/or participate in activities that threaten
collective bargaining rights of union members.
Status: Adopted as Amended
12-30, Status:Withdrawn
12-31, Skagit County Medics/LEOFF 2
Legislation be drafted and pursued by the WSCFF to
ensure that emergency medical technicians
employed by all public employers are transferred
into the LEOFF II retirement system. Status: Adopted
12-32, Power Through Participation Update
That the WSCFF Executive Board update the Power
Through Participation program; and be it further
resolved that this project be financed through the
WSCFF Benevolent Fund. Status: Adopted
Fall 2012
18
19
12-33, 2013 Education Topics
That the WSCFF Executive Board consider
offering the following classes part of the
2013 IAFF/WSCFF Joint Educational Seminar:
panel discussion of challenges and solutions
facing combination departments; virtual tour
of the IAFF departments; WSLC media and
communications training; disability structured
settlement education; Peer support for burn/
injured fire fighters and their families; and
running the local, day-in and day-out. Status:
Adopted
structured within the existing levy period.
Status: Adopted as Amended
12-34, PBDE Removal
That the WSCFF will solicit support from
other groups as needed to remove organic
pollutants including Polybrominated Diphenyl
Ethers (PBDE), other flame retardants, and
brominated and chlorinated dioxins and furans
from products sold in the state of Washington.
Status: Adopted as Amended
12-42, Half-Time Position/Tech
Information
That the WSCFF hire a half-time employee to
work in the WSCFF office with main duties of
maintaining, updating, gathering, and sending
information to our own membership and to
the public at large, regarding all of the positive
events and actions of union fire fighters of
Washington State so that our membership
and the public may be constantly reminded of
the great work we do in our communities;and
be it further resolved that the funding would
come from current 2012-2013 per capita
dollars. Status: Rejected
12-35, Democracy for Fire Benefit
Charge Elections
That the WSCFF pursue legislation to eliminate
the super-majority requirement for renewal of
Fire Benefit Charges in RCW 52.18.050. Status:
Adopted
12-36, Physician/Patient Privilege
That the WSCFF pursue options to establish
a privilege for information given to any prehospital care provider while providing health
care to a patient. Status: Adopted
12-37,Time Loss Based on Current
Compensation Rates
That the WSCFF works to facilitate the
recalculation of fire fighters’ time loss
payments to be based on
their current compensation rates. Status:
Adopted
12-38, Distribution/Delivery of New
Member Orientation
That the WSCFF district representatives
organize New Member Orientation classes
using the Power Through Participation
program in their districts as necessary. Status:
Rejected
12-39, Recognition of Rick Peters
That the delegates gathered at the 73rd
Annual Convention recognize 3rd District
Representative Rick Peters for his dedication
to the WSCFF and commitment to the labor
movement. Status: Adopted Unanimously
12-40, Levy Structures
That the WSCFF support continuation of
the King County EMS levy as it is currently
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
12-41, SCBA Failure Data Base
That the WSCFF establish and maintain an
online database where locals can document
SCBA failures; and be it further resolved
that the information collected from this
database be used to assist locals in the
selection of SCBA as well as demonstrating to
manufacturers the need to address and correct
SCBA issues. Status: Rejected
12-43, Support of Washington State
Labor Council & CLC’s
That the WSCFF encourage member locals to
join and support the mission of the WSLC and
their Central Labor Councils (CLCs). Status:
Adopted
12-44, Recognition of IAFF Locals 452 &
1805
That the executive board and the delegates of
the WSCFF present the fire fighters of Locals
452 and 1805 with a plaque recognizing their
overwhelming efforts in hosting the WSCFF
73 rd Annual Convention. Status: Adopted
Unanimously
The two-thirds requirement is unconstitutional, undemocratic, and will
destroy our ability to the fund core services on which we all rely. Tim
Eyman, funded by big corporate interests, is back with Initiative 1185. This
flawed and unconstitutional measure makes it nearly impossible to provide
adequate funding for public schools, social services, and job creation. It also
undercuts the execution of other initiatives passed by the voters.
Cuts Funding
I-1185 sounds like a way to protect taxpayers, but in 1992 Colorado passed a similar
measure with disastrous results. It cut off funding for schools, roads, and immunizations for
kids; it caused so many problems that Colorado’s Republican Governor proposed a measure
to suspend it, which voters passed.
Rewards Special Interests
Public Disclosure Commission reports show most of the million-plus dollars spent to put
I-1185 on the ballot came from big oil, out of state beer companies, and Olympia special
interests. These corporations want to rig the rules to prevent having to pay their fair share.
Protects Unproductive Tax Loopholes
Eyman’s initiative is so poorly written that under I-1185 it only takes a majority vote to give
corporations a special tax loophole – but then requires a two-thirds vote to eliminate that
same loophole. That’s wrong.
Is Unconstitutional
A recent ruling stated the core provision of I-1185 is unconstitutional. Our constitution plainly
states that legislation passes with a majority vote. States with supermajority rules did so by
amending their constitutions, but Eyman has refused to propose a constitutional amendment.
Opposed by Leaders and Organizations we trust
The two-thirds requirement is opposed by Democratic leaders and respected organizations
across Washington. Congressman Jay Inslee, the Washington Education Association (WEA),
the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and many other organizations. They
know defeating I-1185 is essential for building a strong economy, meeting our constitutional
requirement to fully fund our schools, and protecting our quality of life.
Save jobs, protect children, support education and ensure we all pay our
fair share.
Vote NO on I-1185.
Fall 2012
20
21
Rememberance
Park
In 2011, on the ten-year anniversary of the attacks
on America, West Pierce Fire and Rescue obtained
a steel I-Beam, recovered from the wreckage of the
World Trade Center Towers. The artifact was placed
indoors on display in the lobby for
all to see, touch, and reflect.
Citizens and fire fighters alike
paused to reflect on what this piece
of American History meant to
them. We knew the landmark
symbol deserved a grand location.
Ideas were sought, plans drawn;
donations were solicited for a
Remembrance Park.
On July 3, 2012, ground was broken, and after three months
the park is 90% complete (a bronze fire fighter is still being
commissioned). The park was constructed without taxpayer
monies and most of the work was done by off-duty fire fighters.
While at our West Pierce Fire Fighters office, I walked by
the familiar poster on the wall of three fire fighters raising an
American Flag at the World Trade Center Site and saw the book
Brotherhood nearby--how fitting--brotherhood. (Brotherhood is
a photographic tribute to the New York City firefighters who lost
their lives on September
11, 2001.)
Each of the 343 names
on this remembrance is
part of the brotherhood.
They went on duty that
Tuesday morning. It
was a day like many
September mornings. No
one arrived at the station
that day and thought,
‘this is the day I am going
to die, this is going to
be my last shift.’ But
we know the outcome.
The call came in: all
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
responding fire fighters saw the smoke/fire and am certain said out loud--we have
a working fire--a job to do--time to use the skills we have been trained to perform.
We know how the shift ended. It was the worst day in Fire Service history. New
York Fire Department
had a total of 752 LODD
in its 136 year history,
and now 343 in one shift
perished.
To me, brotherhood
means having the ability
to call on a fire fighter
anytime, anywhere, any
reason, being able to be
yourself without being
judged, able to sharegrieve-grow-celebrate,
being able to cry together.
I have been on the job for
23 years, and I know the true meaning of the brotherhood and will help a Brother or
Sister anytime from anywhere, anytime. Brotherhood has no geographical boundary.
This park is a symbol of the brotherhood. All the planning, legwork, fundraising,
and the building of this park were done for a purpose, not for individual fame but for
the brotherhood. It has become a local place for each of us to pause and reflect on
what happened 11 years ago.
The West Pierce
Fire and Rescue
Remembrance
Park is located
at 3631 Drexler
Avenue West,
University Place,
WA.
Layne Bladow
President
Local 1488-IAFF
Fall 2012
22
23
2012 Election Endorsements
STATE SENATE
Legislative District
2
Randi
Becker
R, I
9
Mark
Schoesler
R, I
12
Linda
Evans Parlette
R, I
14
Curtis
King
R, I
16
Mike
Hewitt
R, I
18
Ann
Rivers
R
19
Brian
Hatfield
D, I
There are 49 legislative districts in the State of Washington. Each one has one Senator and two
20
Dan
Swecker
R, I
Representatives. Half of the State Senate seats and all of the State House seats are elected every
24
Jim
Hargrove
D, I
two years. These lawmakers collectively decide issues that have a direct impact on each member
39
Kirk
Pearson
R
of this organization and their families. The WSCFF endorses the following candidates for the 2012
40
Kevin
Ranker
D, I
WSCFF GENERAL ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS
(D = Democrat/ R = Republican/ I = Incumbent)
Current House Member
Current House Member
Primary Election:
that the race is devoid of candidates worthy of firefighter support. An IAFF affiliate may have made
STATE HOUSE
Legislative District
endorsements of additional firefighter-friendly candidates in your area.
2
Gary
3
Marcus Riccelli
D
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The lack of an endorsed candidate listed here does not necessarily mean
Alexander
R, I
U.S. SENATE
SECRETARY OF STATE
6
Kevin
Parker
R, I
Maria Cantwell (D)(I)
Kathleen Drew (D)
6
Jeff
Holy
R
STATE TREASURER
7
Joel
Kretz
R, I
U.S. CONGRESS
Congressional District
Jim McIntire (D)(I)
7
Shelly
Short
R, I
STATE AUDITOR
9
Susan
Fagan
R, I
1 - Suzan DelBene (D)
Troy Kelly (D)
9
Joe
Schmick
R, I
2 - Rick Larsen (D)(I)
ATTORNEY GENERAL
10
Norma Smith
R, I
3 - No Endorsement
No Endorsement
12
Mike
Armstrong
R, I
13
Judy
Warnick
R, I
5 - Rich Cowan (D)
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS
14
Norm
Johnson
R, I
6 - Derek Kilmer (D)
Peter Goldmark (D)(I)
14
Charles Ross
R, I
7 - Jim McDermott (D)(I)
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
15
Bruce
Chandler
R, I
8 - Dave Reichert (R)(I)
Mike Kreidler (D)(I)
15
David
Taylor
R, I
9 - Adam Smith (D)(I)
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC
16
Maureen Walsh
R, I
10 - Denny Heck (D)
INSTRUCTION
16
Terry
Nealy
R, I
Randy Dorn (D)(I)
17
Paul
Harris
R, I
4 - No Endorsement
WASHINGTON SUPREME
COURT
19
Dean
Takko
D, I
INITIATIVES AND REFERENDA
19
Brian
Blake
D, I
Position 9 - Sheryl Gordon McCloud
I-1185 – Allowing a super-minority of the
20
Richard DeBolt
R, I
legislature to prevent any increase in taxes
21
Marko
D, I
GOVERNOR
or to repeal or modify existing tax loopholes.
21
Mary Helen Roberts
D, I
Jay Inslee (D)
OPPOSE
24
Steve
Tharinger
D, I
26
Jan
Angel
R, I
LT. GOVERNOR
I-1240 – Partial privatization of our public
31
Cathy
Dahlquist
R, I
Brad Owen (D)(I)
school system, creating charter schools in
35
Lynda
Ring-Ericksen
Washington State. OPPOSE
35
Kathy
Haigh
D, I
38
John
McCoy
D, I
39
Dan
Kristiansen
R, I
40
Jeff
Morris
D, I
46
Gerry
Pollett
D, I
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
Liias
D
Fall 2012
24
25
Where do the candidates for GOVERNOR stand
on the issues that matter to Washington State’s
UNION Fire Fighters?
JAY INSLEE,
Democrat for GOVERNOR
ENDORSED
In congress, cosponsored collective
bargaining rights for
public safety officers
(2009) and voted
against weakening
bargaining rights for
government workers
(2002). 1
ROB McKENNA,
Republican for GOVERNOR
McKenna told an audience when he
didn’t know he was being videotaped
that public-sector unions are
“dangerous” and vowed to change
bargaining laws. As a King County
councilman, on five occasions,
McKenna refused to approve collective
bargaining agreements between the
county and public workers. 2
COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING
by
In congress, voted for worker
health and safety (1999, 2000).
Publicly states McKenna’s plans to
privatize workers’ compensation
“aren’t going to fly” with the
voters. 1, 3
In congress,
voted against
contracting out
government jobs
2003, 2007). 1
1
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
Library of congress WORKERS’
COMPENSATION
Supports contracting out government jobs.
Believes government jobs should be put out
for competition. 4
PRIVATIZATION
2
TheStand.org (6-11-12) McKenna says one of
his first bills will be
to privatize workers’
compensation. McKenna’s
campaign has accepted
thousands from insurance
companies that want
to profit from injured
workers. 4, 5
3
http://bit.ly/SWeBZV 4 http://bit.ly/QizmMg 5 http://www.pdc.wa.gov
Fall 2012
26
Jay Inslee: A Strong
Record of Support
for Firefighters
Jay Inslee is a fifth-generation Washingtonian,
born in 1951 to Frank, a biology teacher
at Garfield and Sealth high schools, and
Adele, who worked as a sales clerk at Sears
and Roebuck. Jay grew up in White Center.
He played competitive sports, and after
graduating from Ingraham High School,
married his high school sweetheart,Trudi. Jay
and Trudi then spent nearly 20 years working
and raising their three sons in the Yakima
Valley.
Jay first got into public service to fight for a new public high school
in Selah in 1985. He then went on to represent the 14th Legislative
District in the state House of Representatives and in 1992 was
elected to Congress from Eastern Washington. Jay later moved back
to the Puget Sound area and was elected to Congress in 1998, where
he served until 2012.
Having lived on both sides of the Cascades, Jay understands the
economic frustrations facing families all across Washington State. He’s
worked several jobs in his life, from operating cement trucks, running
jackhammers and painting houses, to prosecuting criminals and drunk
drivers, and teaching at a community college. He has a profound
respect for all work and all workers.
I believe collective
bargaining is a
fundamental right
that is both good
for protecting the
middle class and
making sure we
have a middle class
in this country.
So I think collective bargaining is fundamental to
the assurance that our economy will be one based
on the high road of economic development, which
is a thriving middle class, (not) the low road, which
reduces people’s economic security. And I think
collective bargaining is a very important part of
that.
This is no surprise, since Jay Inslee has voted
to protect, strengthen and broaden collective
bargaining rights without fail since his first
election in 1988. Jay Inslee was a sponsor in
congress of the IAFF Collective Bargaining
Bill to grant firefighters the right the bargain
collectively nationwide every time it was
introduced.
Since his first day in office, Jay Inslee has been a tireless advocate
and friend to firefighters. He has sponsored hundreds of new laws
benefitting firefighters and their families. Whenever firefighters
needed support in the State Legislature or the halls of Congress, Jay
Inslee was there for us. Now it’s time for us to be there for Jay Inslee.
With a record like that, it’s time for
Washington’s union firefighters to be there for
Jay Inslee.
Collective Bargaining
When Jay Inslee was asked if he would support
the kind of attacks on public employees we’ve
all seen in Wisconsin and Ohio, he answered:
In a May 7, 2003, interview Jay Inslee was unequivocal about his
support for collective bargaining:
I believe collective bargaining is a fundamental right that is both good for
protecting the middle class and making sure we have a middle class in
this country. And that is the fundamental question here. Are we going to
continue to have a middle class in this country?
Public Employee Unions
No.What happened in Wisconsin was that
the governor pointed his fingers at exactly the
wrong people. He should have been pointing
his fingers at the Wall Street bankers who were
responsible for the collapse because of the blatant
27
and systematic irresponsibility that caused the
collapse of the U.S. economy. Instead, he pointed
his finger at firefighters, first grade teachers and
nurses. And that was just such a fundamental
mischaracterization of who was responsible for
our problems. I’m not going to let the virus of
Wisconsin come into the state of Washington.1 Jay
Inslee has a lifetime 89% voting record with the
AFL/CIO, demonstrating a very strong record for
unionized workers from all walks of life.
With Jay Inslee as our governor, firefighters
will be able to focus more on what we
do best – protecting the communities we
serve – rather than fighting a governor who
disrespects public employees. It’s time for
Washington’s professional firefighters to be
there for Jay Inslee.
Workers’ Compensation
Jay Inslee recognizes the importance of a
strong safety net for injured workers and
believes in the state’s mission to provide “sure
and certain relief” to all injured workers.
Rather than threatening to privatize our
system and leave the health and safety of
workers to corporate interests such as AIG,
he’s proposing that we instead address the real
cost-drivers such as health care inflation.
He even called McKenna out at a recent
debate in Vancouver for promising to privatize
our Workers’ Compensation system -- Inslee
countered that McKenna’s plans for privatizing
workers’ compensation ‘aren’t going to fly’
with voters who have rejected the proposal
three times.
Jay believes a firefighter’s job is difficult enough
without worrying about whether or not
you and your family will be protected if an
injury occurs. He believes in always working
to improve the efficiency and effectiveness
of the workers’ compensation system, and
will protect it and ensure that it can and will
remain open to all workers in Washington.
It’s time for Washington State’s union
firefighters to help make Jay Inslee our next
Governor.
Fall 2012
28
29
Rob McKenna: The
Wrong Choice for
Union Firefighters
At the Republican National Convention in
August 2012,Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell
said something that should make any Washington
State firefighter or other public employee stand
up and take notice:
He [Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker] represents what governing is all about.You
look people in the eye, you have the courage to tell them the truth about what you
can and can’t afford, about what policies you have to put in place...That’s what
Scott Walker did in Wisconsin, and that’s what Rick Hill and Rob McKenna are
going to do in their states as well.
Attorney General Rob McKenna likes to portray himself as a moderate
Republican. However, on issues ranging from collective bargaining to
privatization of government workers’ jobs, to allowing private insurance
companies to profit by denying injured workers’ claims, McKenna’s public
statements reveal his true conservative intentions. Whether on the King
County Council or in the Attorney General’s Office, McKenna has shown
himself to be a consistent opponent of working families and organized labor.
Collective Bargaining
In an interview with The Seattle Times, McKenna stated his support for
collective bargaining, claiming, “Collective bargaining is a right. It’s not the
problem. The problem is politicians who give away too much at the bargaining
table.” The Times continued, “If he does get elected governor, McKenna said
he’d work with unions, rather than ‘terrorizing them.’”
But when this comment drew backlash from conservatives, McKenna
clarified his position to a popular conservative blog, Sound Politics, stating
that collective bargaining was merely a statutory right, that is, it is a right
under the law, and not a more profound fundamental right. McKenna also
clarified his comment on “terrorizing” unions, by saying that he meant that he
wouldn’t terrorize individual workers.
McKenna’s legislative history as a member of the King County Council
includes a number of actions that back up his antagonism to public
employees. In 2002, McKenna sought to undermine public employees.
McKenna voted against collective bargaining agreements between King
County and the Animal Control Officers Guild, a local union representing
dental hygienists, and a local Washington Council of City and County
Employees representing the Community and Health Services Department.
contracts” and that McKenna’s votes in
opposition were “the first time that anyone
recalls” votes against a contract with a public
sector union.
To ignore these clear warning signs about Rob
McKenna would be a mistake for any union
member, including Washington’s professional
firefighters.
Public Employee Unions
At an October 2011 meeting of the
Snohomish County Republican Women’s Club,
Rob McKenna had this to say about President
Barack Obama:
We have a man who, as president, is far to
the left of center, farther to the left of center,
I should say, than any American president we
have ever seen. Farther to the left than FDR.
FDR, by the way, among other little known
facts, was strongly opposed to the unionization
of public employees. He understood why
you don’t need the unionization of public
employees. And why it would be dangerous for
it to happen.
At a campaign kick-off event in Skagit County
on May 22, 2012, McKenna again revealed his
intentions toward public employees:
I read an article a couple weeks ago about the
new Mayor of Chicago.You will recall; he is not a
noted conservative. Right, Rahm Emanuel.
What is he doing? He’s opening up city services to
competitive bidding. He’s putting solid waste out
to competitive bidding for example. In the article I
read in the newspaper, in the first 30 days where
the solid waste workers were getting ready to have
to bid to keep the work, there wasn’t a single sick
day called in.
It doesn’t take a big leap of logic to see
McKenna’s cheerleading of the privatization
of city workers as a threat to ALL public
employees. His contempt shone through when
he smiled as he spoke about how the threat of
privatization had made employees stop taking
sick leave. Rob McKenna is the wrong choice
for Washington State’s union firefighters.
Workers’ Compensation
The goal of our workers’ compensation
system is set forth in RCW 51.04.010: “...
sure and certain relief for workers, injured in
their work, and their families and dependents.”
Washington is viewed as a model of efficiency
for the entire country. A 1998 performance
audit found our state’s system to be in the top
25% in benefits paid, and the bottom 25% in
costs.
In 2010, voters soundly rejected I-1082, which
sought to privatize workers’ compensation.
Instead of respecting the will of the voters,
McKenna promised supporters during his
campaign kickoff that he would spearhead
efforts to privatize workers’ compensation:
Next, we’re going to tackle the policies that
make us one of the most expensive states in
America in which to employ people: workers’
compensation rates. We’re one of four states
in America that allows no competition. The
state monopoly for workers’ compensation
insurance will end when I’m governor.
In Skagit County on May 22, 2012, McKenna
said:
One of the first bills I will introduce as Governor
is a bill to break the state monopoly over workers’
comp. and open up options for employers.
Why is Rob McKenna so intent on taking an
efficiently run program that is a model for
the nation in low costs and benefits paid and
turning it over to private insurance companies?
One clue could be that Rob McKenna
has taken tens of thousands in campaign
contributions from the same private insurers
who stand to profit handsomely by delaying or
denying benefits to injured workers.
Our profession is a dangerous one, and it takes
a toll on our bodies. We should not support
a deregulation of our worker’s compensatoin
system. To do so would be a detriment to
every firefighter in the state. That’s why Rob
McKenna is the wrong choice for governor.
The Seattle P-I reported that McKenna was “the most vocal in questioning
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
Fall 2012
30
31
What the
candidates
SAY
matters…
“
BARACK OBAMA
“It’s a noble calling, what all of you do.You know that, and I know that, and the country
knows that. Sometimes, though, Washington forgets that. They praise your work. They
cheer your work. They cheer you on when you race up the stairs. But when it’s time
to get you health care or buy you radios or get you equipment that you need, those
supporters sometimes disappear like a puff of smoke. Instead of making your job easier,
they create other kinds of fires that you have to put out. They tried to cut funding so
you couldn’t buy masks for the suits that you needed. They wanted to stop the hiring of
75,000 new fire fighters. They wanted to hide the U.S. Fire Administration under layers
of bureaucracy at Homeland Security. Five years after September 11, they still won’t give
our first responders the Health Care they earned by doing the Lord’s work every day.”
-- Senator Barack Obama, IAFF 2008 Presidential Forum
MITT ROMNEY
”
“He [President Obama] says we need more fireman, more
policeman, more teachers. Did he not get the message of
Wisconsin? The American people did. It’s time for us to cut back
on government and help the American people.” – Candidate Mitt
Romney, Iowa, 6/08/12
What the
candidates DO
matters…
BARACK OBAMA
It’s a noble calling,
what [fire fighters]
do.You know that,
and I know that,
and the
country knows
that. Sometimes,
though, Washington
forgets that.
Throughout his term as
president of the United
States, President Barack
Obama has demonstrated his
commitment to professional
fire fighters, fighting for
policies that protect our lives
and livelihood.
On issues ranging from
pensions to taxes to
protective gear and equipment
and dozens of other matters,
President Obama has our
backs.
MITT
ROMNEY
While governor of
Massachusetts, Romney
attempted to cut local aid to communities, jeopardizing fire fighter jobs, as well as
public safety. Cuts to local aid during Romney’s term as governor cost the state
14,500 local public sector jobs, including those of fire fighters, police and teachers.
He also vetoed $2.5 million for fire fighter safety equipment.
Romney also attempted to tie state aid to a jurisdiction’s willingness to break
collective bargaining agreements. He even vetoed funding to build a living memorial
for the six fire fighters who died in the 1999 Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse
fire.
Romney supported Ohio Governor John Kasich’s anti-union law (SB 5) “110
percent” and praised Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s attacks on public sector
unions. As governor of Massachusetts, Romney tried to strip union membership
from thousands of government employees, including fire fighters. Romney also
advocates for Right-to-Work.
Romney has clearly stated his opposition to the Staffing for Adequate Fire and
Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program and said he would shift homeland
security dollars away from first responders. He says public sector workers have a
poor work ethic compared to private sector employees.
On issue after issue, Mitt Romney has demonstrated contempt for public employees.
There is little doubt firefighters and other public safety workers would suffer under
a Romney presidency.
As a state senator in Illinois from 1997-2004, Obama had a 100 percent voting record on
fire service and labor issues, according to the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois.
During his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Barack Obama supported all of the IAFF’s core
legislative issues.
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
Fall 2012
32
Clear
choices.
At the state3 and federal4 levels, Inslee always
supports prevailing wage standards
and minimum wage increases.
Inslee has voted repeatedly to protect and
strengthen the freedom to join unions when
workers decide that they need a voice to
stand up for what’s right.6
Rob
Rob
McKENNA
McKENNA
REPUBLICAN
REPUBLICANfor
for GOVERNOR
GOVERNOR
g in a better
n by focusing his jobs
workforce training,
on infrastructure.1
McKennawants
wantstotoprivatize
privatize
McKenna
workers’ compensation
for his
workers’
compensation
for insurance
his insurance
companycronies,
cronies,even
eventhough
thoughWashington
Washington
company
22
voters
said
“no”
to
this
loud
and
clearinin2010.
2010.
voters said “no” to this loud and clear
evels, Inslee always
age standards
ncreases.
Sidingwith
withcorporate
corporatelobbying
lobbying groups
groups against
against
Siding
working
families,
McKenna
tried
to
block
working families, McKenna tried to block aa
5
12-cent minimum
wage
increase
in 2011.
12-cent
minimum
wage
increase
in 2011.5
McKennapublicly
publiclysays
says
that
collective
bargaining
McKenna
that
collective
bargaining
7
is a right,
7 but privately told his right-wing friends
is a right, but privately told his right-wing friends
that public-sector unions are “dangerous”
that public-sector unions are “dangerous”
and vowed to change bargaining laws.88 1. JayInslee.com
and vowed to change bargaining laws.
2. RobMckenna.org
3. HB 1471 (1991) and others
4. HR 3846 (2000) and others
5. AGO #7 (9-1510) 6. HR 800 (2009)
and others 7. Seattle Times (3-24-11,
6-10-12) 8. TheStand.org (6-11-12)
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
Reagan
I have to put my pride
aside and let my wife know yes,
I’m lost. Without a tool to get me
Dennis Lawson,Vice President, 4th
District Representative
voice, often says such things as
choices.
ob
device from time to time.
little device, with the interesting
Inslee believes in investing in a better future for
our children by focusing his jobs plan on higher
education, workforce training, and improving
transportation infrastructure.1
y to protect and
m to join unions
they need a voice to
to use my navigation
be aimlessly driving for hours.The
DEMOCRAT for GOVERNOR
R
O
k, I’ll admit it… I need
of our state and beyond, I would
INSLEE
E
Budgeting Resolution
through some of the crazy parts
Jay
ay
33
‘re-routing,’ ‘re-calculating,’ and, ‘what are you doing?’
This is my clue that I once again failed to navigate down
a desired path and most likely will not arrive at my
destination at the time I had hoped.
Setting a basic direction for a local is no different. You all should have
an idea of where your local currently lies, and where it’s going. Having a
plan can be a very powerful tool to unite the membership and provide the
answers to questions.
The budget process
should be open,
transparent, and
utilize member
input on how your
local can most
efficiently and
effectively use the
hard-earned dollars
contributed.
As locals begin to prepare for
the upcoming year, I hope that
a budget process is part of the
discussion. Having a budget
that meets the needs of the
group is the objective; and
in order for that to become a
reality, you must take a good
look at your history. Reflect on
the local’s accomplishments
and failures. Are there items
on the plate that have simply
stayed there unnecessarily
for months or years? These
unfinished projects often
require more work, time, and
potentially money. We spend
very little time enjoying our
victories; and, unfortunately, we
have to move on to the areas
that need attention. Having a
current, updated plan will keep
you on track, and part of that
plan is a working budget.
Fall 2012
34
35
A budget is a very powerful tool for local leaders and the general
membership. It assists the local toward its future goals. The
budget process should be open, transparent, and utilize member
input on how your local can most efficiently and effectively use the
hard-earned dollars contributed. When we have work to be done,
we should step up and do our part to accomplish the set goals-sometimes will cost us money. I’m asking locals to be responsible
with their dues, and at the same time carefully evaluate the needs
of the local and steps to fund valuable projects or programs.
This year at the State Council Convention a resolution was
adopted that “encourages” the locals to adopt a budget process that
sets aside the various per capita dues tied to the organizations with
which your local is affiliated. The remaining dues, to be used for
the general operation of your local, would be tied to an identified
percentage set by your local. The advantage to this program is
that it will allow the local to continue to use the budgeted dollars
you have set in place, regardless of a per capita increase by the
State Council, IAFF, or other group. Without moving to a budget
process like this, your budgeting plan could hit a shortfall and
cause you to change your direction or modify your road map. Rerouting and re-calculating usually mean you will not arrive at your
desired destination at the time you planned. We encourage you
to be pro-active and take the necessary steps to strengthen your
budget process.
If you have any questions on how to make this happen, contact
your district representative.
Are you a Bates Graduate?
Bates Technical College would like to know what their
graduates are doing. Please use this Survey Monkey link
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LHDS3JQ
Home for Local 726
Pierce County Professional Fire Fighters
IAFF Local 726 recently purchased a
union building. The plan started in late
2008 when the membership passed a $20
dollar per member per month fee to be
used specifically for a building fund. These
dollars were put aside, and as the money
began to grow, so did the momentum.
A building committee comprised of local
members with experience in property
management, real-estate, construction,
money management, and banking joined
together for the common good to find the best building possible, for the best
price, and one that would meet the needs of the group now and in the future.
A questionnaire was developed and used to determine what the group wanted
in a building. It was determined the members preferred a larger building that
potentially could be used for many, if not all, of our events, and one that could
be rented out to the general public. After nearly three years, the local found a
building and took ownership in May 2012.
The building has immediately become a source of pride for our local and has
energized members to share their talents to improve it. There is still much to
do, but our goal is to make
the building rental ready
sometime in early October.
This building is now the
third fire fighter-owned
and -operated union
building in Pierce County.
Tacoma Local 31 and West
Pierce Local 1488 have
enjoyed places to conduct
their union business and
activities. The members of
Local 726 look forward to
the same. We are proud of
our new union building and
welcome you to visit.
and take this five-question survey to help the Bates Fire
Service Program assess their effectiveness.
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
Fall 2012
36
37
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
A
lthough I don’t generally
quote the Oakland
Raiders, when searching
for an article idea, it
occurred to me that “commitment
to excellence” is needed from all of
our members. I find this statement
to be pertinent to Union firefighters
and the working middle class.
Dean Shelton,Vice
President, 10th District
Representative
Over the past several months and clearly next month, it will be
our “commitment to excellence” that defines us as a union and
America’s working middle class. Our commitment has never been
more needed, and to be excellent has never been more essential.
This year’s election cycle will determine new local leaders, state
leaders – including a governor – and, obviously, the race for the
White House. My question to you reading this is this: What
“commitment to excellence” have you taken?
Political action has
and always will be
a way of life for
our union and our
membership. It is the
key to our successes
(and failures) and will
surely be the key to
our accomplishments
in the future.
For some of you
reading this, you
are asking yourself,
“Why is he stating
the obvious?” Well,
members of the WSCFF 10th District show their support for Inslee and Obama
my friends, the
obvious isn’t so
obvious, and frankly we need to make it more “obvious’ to more
of our members. We need to find commitment from ALL of our
members to ensure victory in November.
The time to dedicate our commitment to candidates who support
us is NOW, and we need to support the candidates who support
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
us. We don’t have the luxury or the time to
debate every single issue because the debate
is clear for our issues. Collective bargaining,
mandatory Social Security, funding for
SAFER and FIRE ACT -- these important
issues have been in the spotlight by
candidates at the presidential level, they
trickle down to our state governor’s race as
well.
Political action has
and always will be
a way of life for
our union and our
membership. It is
the key to our
successes (and
failures) and will
surely be the
key to our
accomplishments in
the future.
Ask yourself if you could sustain you and
your family on a minimum wage salary (it
happened in Scranton, PA)? Ask yourself if
your fire chief or administration would fairly
negotiate with you if they no longer had
to (mine wouldn’t)? And ask yourself if the
SAFER and FIRE ACT money went away,
how much of an impact would that have on
your current operations?
The answers are clear for our members in
both the governor’s and presidential races,
but yet we still have debate.
Elected officials and candidates are flooding
us with emails and phones calls requesting
our assistance. In far too many instances
as a district representative, I am unable to
fulfill their requests - to have a meeting with
our members, to have our members stand
with them at a press conference, or to help
them even with the easiest of tasks, like
placing signs. Our members need to find
that “commitment to excellence’ between
now and November, or we are going to be
standing on the sidelines, much like the
Oakland Raiders have for the past 20 years
-- with no post season and no Super Bowl.
Our opponents have commitment -- that
commitment is in dollars -- and they will
clearly outspend us between now and
November 6. I’m not asking for your dollars.
I’m asking for your work, I’m asking for
your commitment, and I’m asking you for
your vote. It is game time, and over the few
weeks, we don’t have any trick plays or secret
agenda. This election is about the survival of
our members, unions, and the working class
citizens of America.
In the time leading up to the election,
commit yourself to helping a candidate, one
who helps you and works for your family. I
realize for some that will be a tough request,
but our time and energy will out-work any
amount of money.
We don’t have the luxury to sit by and wait
to see what happens. We must get in the
game to ensure victory, and if you are a
member who hasn’t, the time is now. Your
family, your members, and your union are
counting on you.
In closing, I’m proud to announce that
Chris Mullen, laid-off member from Local
3219, was rehired and is back to work in
Marysville. Chris was a casualty of an illadvised lay off in April 2011, and thanks
to SAFER, he is back on the job. Welcome
back, Brother….
Fall 2012
38
39
WSCFF Executive Board, Tr ustees & Staff
Kelly Fox, President
[email protected]
Greg Markley,
Secretary-Treasurer
[email protected]
Ricky Walsh, IAFF
7th District Vice
President
[email protected]
Bud Sizemore,
Legislative Liaison
[email protected]
Geoff Simpson,
Legislative Liaison
[email protected]
Rich Kittinger,
Trustee
[email protected]
Tom Reich, Trustee
[email protected]
John Gallup, Trustee
[email protected]
Dennis Lawson, Vice President,
4th District Representative
[email protected]
John Stockman,
7th District Representative
[email protected]
Legislative Districts 2, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30,
31, and 35
Legislative Districts 1, 5, 11, 33, 37, 41,
45, 47, and 48
Locals 437, 726, 1488, 2394, 2819, 2876, 3152,
3390, 3520, 3817, 3829, 3876, 4034, 4440, 4459,
F-282 and F-283
Locals 864, 1604, 1762, 2099, 2545, 2829,
2898,, and 3740
Michael Moore, 8th District Representative
[email protected]
Mike Bacon,
1st District Representative
[email protected]
Jeff Wainwright, 2nd District
Representative
[email protected]
Legislative Districts 5, 11, 13, 30, 31, 33, 34,
37, 41, 45, 47, and 48
Legislative District 3 and 6
~ Local 29
Legislative Districts 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15,
and 16
Locals 1352, 1747, 1758, 2595, 2878, 3062,
3186, 3931, and 4880
Keven Rojecki, 9th District Representative,
[email protected]
Locals 404, 469, 876, 1052, 1296,1433, 1789,
1892, 1919, 2052, 2299, 2328, 2916, 3542, 3680,
3701, 3711, 4203, 4333, 4362, 4418, 4514, F-304,
and I-24
Legislative Districts 11, 27, 30, 33, 34, and 47
Locals 1257, 1461, 1810, 2024, 2088, 2919,
4189, and I-66
Dean Shelton, 10th District Representative
[email protected]
Tim Hoover, 3rd District Representative
[email protected]
Legislative Districts 1, 12, 21, 24, 32, 38, 39,
44, and 46
Locals 453, 656, 1760, 1828, 1984, 2032, 2459,
2694, 2781, 2933, 3315, 3482, 3811, 3835,
4197, 4446, and 4816
Brian Hurley, 5th District Representative
[email protected]
Locals 46, 106, 1537, 1983, 2597, 3219, 3235,
3427, 3728, 3911, 3916, 4033, 4086, 4111, 4118,
4299, and 4504
Theresa Purtell,
11th District Representative
[email protected]
Legislative Districts 11, 32, 34, 36, 37,
43, and 46
Legislative Districts 2, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20,
22, 24, 35, and 49
Local 27
Locals 315, 451, 452, 468, 828, 1805, 1862,
2109, 2409, 2444, 2510, 2639, 2776, 2903,
3375, 3628,3674, 3689, 3825, 3828, 3999,
4075, 4156, 4258, 4378, 4447, 4574, and 4863
Helen Kramer, Executive Assistant
[email protected]
Pat McElligott, 6th District Representative
[email protected]
Legislative Districts 25, 27, 28, and 29
Local 31
Washington Professional Fire Fighter
Legislative Districts 10, 21, 38, 39, 40, 42, and
44
Debbie Guillot, Legislative Secretary
[email protected]
Lisa Thompson, Council Secretary
[email protected]
Fall 2012
WSCFF
STAFF
OPEIU23/AFL-CIO
UNION
MADE
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