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Firefighters union endorses Beutler

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By DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Monday, Mar 05, 2007 - 12:18:33 am CST

The Lincoln firefighters union has endorsed Chris Beutler to be Lincoln’s next mayor.

The Lincoln Firefighters Association — which represents about 300 firefighters, drivers, inspectors and mechanics – based its endorsement on firefighting issues only. Among them: preserving fast response times and demonstrating a thorough understanding of fire department operations.

“You have to have done your homework when you talk with our members,” LFA president Dave Engler said.

Story Photo
Chris Beutler, one of the three Lincoln Mayoral candidates has gained the support of the Lincoln Firefighters Association. (LJS File)

He said it was a difficult decision for the union, which has endorsed the two leading mayoral candidates, Beutler for Legislature and Ken Svoboda for council, in the past.

The candidates filled out a questionnaire and then a six-member committee elected by union members interviewed the candidates before voting on endorsements.

The endorsement was expected to be tight, because Svoboda has established a good relationship with firefighters and the union. “Chris’ record of leadership and accomplishment are an indicator that he will be a strong leader for the fire department,” Engler said. “Ken was also very impressive and we appreciate a good working relationship with him; past, present and future.”

The union’s political action committee had some trouble deciding whom to endorse because both Beutler and Svoboda showed strong support for public safety, Engler said.

He said Beutler scored a little better than Svoboda on “predetermined criteria” and the committee decided not to depart from past practices by doing a dual endorsement.

“But we are also supportive of Ken’s run for mayor, too,” Engler said.

The union will donate money to both candidates.

Engler said the endorsement is mostly helpful to union members, of which there are about 285. Beutler estimated a third of them live outside the city limits, however, and can’t vote in the upcoming spring municipal election.

“I don’t believe our endorsement is any more important than any of the other city unions,” he said. “But it’s a good idea to have the city employees behind you.”

Former Mayor Don Wesely is sometimes portrayed as having been carried to the mayor’s office on the shoulders of firefighters in 1999. But Engler doubts a force of less than 285 has that kind of power.

“I just find it funny that everyone says, ’You guys got Don Wesely elected.’ Well, how many votes were cast?“

It’s true, firefighters were fired up after clashing with former Mayor Mike Johanns, and worked hard to help Wesely, campaigning door-to-door and making a hefty contribution to his campaign.

Wesely said the endorsement was “important but not controlling.”

Firefighters accounted for, at the very most, 250 of his 1,000 volunteers. And while their donation was sizeable, it still represented less than 10 percent of the total he raised.

“You can win without their endorsement but it sure helps to have their endorsement,” Wesely said.

While the union has its critics, Wesely thinks overall, Lincolnites respect the firefighters. The recent firetruck controversy had nothing to do with the rank-and-file firefighters and they should not be stained by it, he said.

Engler resents it when people imply that the union shouldn’t get involved in politics. Nobody complains about police union endorsements, or the fact that realtors and business groups get involved, he said.

“It’s important to us that we get people who understand fire department issues,” he said. “In America we ought to be encouraging everyone to get involved in politics and understand the issues and vote on elected officials.”

He said rumors that firefighters campaigned door-to-door for Wesely while working are false. It’s illegal to actively campaign while on duty.

“That’s really sour grapes,” he said. “People that were upset that we didn’t endorse their candidate put out rumors like that.”

Engler said he’s not trying to downplay the importance of the union’s endorsement, but “There’s this perception out there in the public that we have an army of people that just cover the city,” he said. “(We’re lucky) if we have five or six people willing to spend a couple hours (campaigning).“

Beutler also picked up an endorsement last week from the Public Association of Government Employees, formerly called NAGE, which represents nearly 500 blue-collar, technical and clerical city employees.

The firefighters’ union will announce its endorsements for the City Council later this week.

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.


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Is this good wrote on March 5, 2007 4:12 am:
" Considering that the Fire Department has repeatedly shafted the taxpayer, is their endorsement something you want? 1) Convinced the mayor to not let the city purchasing agent watch over the process of buying Firetrucks so that we would get faulty firetrucks. 2) Demanding the taxpayer pay the deficit caused by their sloppy running of the ambulance service. 3) Having an assistant fire chief that we can't seem to fire. 4)Making sure that their wages are comparable to Minneapolis's Fire Dept wages, even thogh that area is 4 times as big. "

 Comm UnSense wrote on March 5, 2007 6:03 am:
" So, is the endorsement of the Firefighter's Union a good thing or a bad thing? After the game of footsie they played with the current mayor, I would think this could be the kiss of death. "

 Fear Factor wrote on March 5, 2007 7:28 am:
" Mr. Engler, your statement about less than 285 members not having that kind of power is laughable. We have all heard stories of the intimidation factor your union uses to get voters to do what you want them to. You need someone in office who will continue to let you spend the taxpayers money with no accountability. If you desire to repair the damage that has been done, act accordingly and gain back the respect. Unfortunately, I am pretty sure this falls on deaf ears. "

 Mark wrote on March 5, 2007 8:07 am:
" The fire dept just doesn't know when to quit. Do they really think Chris B. has a chance of being Mayor? Polls show otherwise. Most respectable organizations like to align themselves with a winner. In this case, they clearly let politics influence which candidade they are endorsing, and this will backfire on them. With the history of the LFD and the problems they have, I sure wouldn't want any endorsement, or my name associated with Lincoln Fire Dept. BTW..note to LFD..I don't need you to tell me which candidate I will vote for. If LFD endorses a candidate, this voter will always vote for the other guy or gal LFD doesn't support. "

 matt wrote on March 5, 2007 8:09 am:
" If Chris Beutler wins we can save the money we would have spent trying to find a new fire chief because the current president of the firefighters union will be named the new chief. "

 Craig wrote on March 5, 2007 8:29 am:
" After all the time Ken spent wooing the Union, it must have been a tough pill to swallow. Of course, there is a rumor that Beutler has promised the Fire Chief job to the Mr. Munger, the long time head of the Union who proceeded Engler. So we get another Fire Union Head/Chief (a la Spadt), and the Union runs the city again. "

 Steve wrote on March 5, 2007 8:39 am:
" I don't understand the logic behind giving money to both candidates- UNLESS the goal is to buy influence. Oh, yeah. That's exactly their goal. Look at some of the other people/groups who have contributed money to both candidates in various races, like the mayor's race. As of Jan 1, the people behind Douglas Theatres have given money to both candidates. "

 Firefighters are heroes! wrote on March 5, 2007 9:04 am:
" You guys that are knocking the firefighters need to lighten up! You're talking about the men and women that will gladly run into your burning house and save your family - even if they knew you had been badmouthing them. What are you going to attack next - mom and apple pie? "

 The endorsement went to the best candidate wrote on March 5, 2007 9:38 am:
" Beutler has made many public statements that as mayor he will hold departments and department heads accountable. It sounds to me like the firefighters are like everybody else in Lincoln - they want LEADERSHIP! "

 Doug wrote on March 5, 2007 10:03 am:
" Some of this is incredible: how can you say that Fire Department management mistakes are the fault of the rank and file firefighters?

The commment that firefighters intimidate voters is just ridiculous. How do they do that? People respect what they have to say because they are tasked with saving our families and our homes.

Methinks most of the slams against the firefighters are Svoboda supporters who are disappointed that Ken didn't get the endorsement.

Firefighters are like everyone else-- they want leadership to get past the problems the Department faces and they think Beutler's record demonstrates that he will be the best leader.

"


 william micek wrote on March 5, 2007 10:12 am:
" How lucky can we get the fire dept back the last two mayors. and look what got. This should tell the voters something "

 Chris Beutler wrote on March 5, 2007 10:51 am:
" I am extremely honored and grateful to receive the endorsement of Lincoln’s Professional Firefighters. During my endorsement interview with the Firefighters I made it very clear that, as Mayor, I would make sure they, like the rest of City Government, would be held to a higher standard of accountability and management. I also made it clear that I would conduct a national search for a new Fire Chief from outside of the Lincoln Fire Department. I believe my promise to provide strong leadership is what made the ultimate difference in the Firefighters’ endorsement decision. "

 Roger wrote on March 5, 2007 11:42 am:
" Nobody is knocking the rank-and-file firefighter for the job they do, it's the Union and some of the stuff they've engaged in the past that's the issue. OF COURSE, they are going to support the democrat candidate, they're a Union! "

 Too much time on your hands... wrote on March 5, 2007 12:06 pm:
" Wow, some people just don't get it. First of all, Capt. Marg Munger wouldn't take the job if he was offered it. Second of all, the Firefighters Union is doing whats best for it's brothers and sisters since the city won't defend them when needed! and finally, quit blaming the firefighters for what the mess politics and the current fire dept. administation have caused. If you want to know why the ambulance service didn't make money look at the person in charge of billing!! Thats quite odvious!(thanks Spade) "

 Won't get my vote wrote on March 5, 2007 3:01 pm:
" Mr. Beutler had my vote, but not now. Why pursue the endorsement of this union? I predict it will be the reason for his defeat. The voting public doesn't think much of the firefighters union political maneuvering. The ambulance debacle is one example and all the garbage that played out in 2006 was too much. "

 Smokey the Bear wrote on March 5, 2007 3:51 pm:
" Oh c'mon, we've all slept since then...it won't be Marg (sic) Munger or Spade (sic) back in as chief. Follow the money trail...it's Rick Hoppe, former Mayor Seng aid in charge of LF&R now campaign manager for Beutler, that will be wearing the Chiefs hat IF Chris gets the voter turnout he needs. "

 John wrote on March 5, 2007 4:57 pm:
" Has anyone seen the campaign fillings today? I find it interesting that some of the readers are complaining about a Fire Fighter’s endorsement when, according to filling’s, Svoboda has taking far more PAC Money, $30,000 to be exact, while Beutler has only taken about $3000. It seems to me that instead of criticizing Chris Beutler for the Fire Fighter’s endorsement, we should be criticizing Ken Svoboda for pandering to Special Interest! "

 Kris Beutler wrote on March 5, 2007 4:57 pm:
" any pol who has time to read and respond to blogs online is not worthy of my vote. "

 objective observere wrote on March 5, 2007 5:37 pm:
" I haven’t always agreed with Chris B., in fact I had a strong disagreement with him, some years ago, but even then was compassionate and honest. I have to respect that, and I also expect that (if elected) he will hold to his plan for a national search for a chief. Chris his stated his position that the newly elected mayor should chose the next chief, not the incumbent. He said it with quiet dignity and conviction that suggests he plans to restore integrity to the department leadership. If you’re going to make an omelet, you have to break some eggs. I think he will do just that ... quietly and with dignity. "

 Mark wrote on March 5, 2007 6:57 pm:
" More of the same from the Firefighter's Union. Wesley, Seng, Nantkes and now Beutler. When will they learn? The candidates that promise them everything (ambulance service, new firetrucks, union leaders as Chief) are never good for the city. An endorsement from this group is like one from jailhouse informants....what do they want in return???? "

 politics vs policy wrote on March 5, 2007 7:09 pm:
" i, like many people am tired of the political game with career politicians like beutler who have become accustom to power and who are beholden to organizations such as unions, and vice versa. i imagine the standard firefighter just wants to do his job...but union pressures thrive on political influence and access. Mr Beutlers record in the legislature is vanilla at best- that's how career politicans survive...by never going out on a limb...well, lincoln needs somebody to go out on a limb...to lead city gov services like the Fire dept, as well as pioneer new business...beutler is NOT the man to climb that limb for us...he might sit on a fence for us though. "

 What? wrote on March 5, 2007 7:12 pm:
" What is everyone here talking about? I totally understand the complaints everyone has regarding the Fire Engine issue. However, this does not translate to firefighters on the street. Fire administration including all chiefs and any issues regarding business or monies are not represented by the fire union. Also, Lincoln does compare to same sized cities. For example a comparable city, Kansas City, KS has a city population of 146,866 according to the last census. Also, the fact is that Minneapolis has a city population of 382,618. It is not 4 times as big, in actual fact it is not even double! This a difficult issue but please remember that what you read in the news has absolutely nothing to do with the firefighters that work hard for you every single day! "

 career politician is tied to special interest wrote on March 5, 2007 7:31 pm:
" If anyone has ties to special interest its the Career Politician Beutler. He will get plenty of DNC $$, and his fair share of PAC $. The dems in DC will take care of him alright. "

 John wrote on March 5, 2007 9:27 pm:
" Vote for YANT "

 Roger wrote on March 5, 2007 9:51 pm:
" Seriously, I could care less who the next fire chief is, he could pick someone off the street, as far as I care. What do I care about? A Progressive Lincoln, new high-tech jobs, more entertainment to keep the young here, lower property taxes, and forward-looking thought. That's what really matters, the firefighters union needs to be looked at as "days gone by". "

 Mike J. wrote on March 5, 2007 10:17 pm:
" Gee who will protect my job the most? Which candidate do I think will give me the bigger raise? More benefits, more promotions, newer equipment. It's sad reading LFR's budget, a lot have gotten big raises and promotions since taking over the ambulance service. 60+ of them are captains, making $60k+ a year. The number two man has gotten the biggest raise of all in the last few years. Let’s be honest, the firefighters want more of our money, and they will work hard to prove their worth, and worry about us 2nd. Job one protect themselves, job two protect the public. "

 Thank you, Mr. Beutler! wrote on March 5, 2007 10:25 pm:
" Chris Beutler has proven to me that he is going to listen to the public, and take back lost leadship in city government. In order for the city to be successful, we need a leader that can restore the confidence of public servants in the Mayor's office. Sounds like we have found our Mayor! "

 Answers! and Questions wrote on March 5, 2007 10:49 pm:
" 1: The Union (rank\file) employees had NO involvement when it came to the purchase process of the fire engines. 2: The tax payer is NOT paying for the deficit in the enterprise fund, the users of the system are paying thru rate increases. (You as a customer have an ambulance service many times better than the previous provider. Rural Metro would have also asked for the same rate increases) 3: Firefighters have no involvement with personell issues (i.e. fireing a Assistant Chief.) The Assistant Chief is NOT in any Union. 4: Wage compairison is not and should not be based soley on population, but a combination of services provided, call volume, square milage ect... Question 1: In specifics how do\did the firefighters union indimidate voters? Question 2: Whare did you come up with Mark Munger or Rick Hoppe becoming Fire Chief? (Answer, they are not) Question 3: Why would the Union give money to both canadates? They should not have endorsed anyone this round and given the money to a charity in all the canadates names... Question 4: Why shouldn't the Union be political, why shouldn't they try and infulence a canadate to support there issues? "

 like wesely and seng wrote on March 6, 2007 9:28 am:
" i find it amusing that some beleive beutler would mean a change in direction of the mayorals office when he is cut from the same cloth as wesely and seng. his campaign manager is the same guy who got seng elected and then dropped her like a hot potato. It would be politics as usual with him which is bad for our city. As far as leadership goes...he did nothing for our state but pander to special interests and protect his career politician status. "

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