Candidates React to Firefighters’ Union Endorsement

ELECTION 2012 News: 

By Carol A. Clark

Incumbent County Council candidate Vincent Chiravalle and Council candidate Pete Sheehey have responded to request for comment from the Los Alamos Daily Post following Friday’s announcement by the Los Alamos Firefighters Association – IAFF Local 3279, that its membership elected to endorse them as well as House Dist. 43 candidate Stephanie Garcia Richard for the November General Election:

Vincent Chiravalle

“I am happy and honored to receive the endorsement of our firefighters. I want to thank the union membership for their confidence in me and their strong support,” Chiravalle said. “As a county councilor, I have focused on the needs of working people and families by championing the issues that are important to our firefighters, our public schools and our community service organizations. I greatly appreciate this endorsement and I would like to continue to be a voice for all our citizens on the council.” 

Pete Sheehey

“I was honored to be endorsed in my candidacy for County Council by the Los Alamos Firefighters’ Association, IAFF Local 3279,” Sheehey said. “These men and women earned the respect of everyone in Los Alamos with their heroic efforts fighting the Cerro Grande and Las Conchas fires, and they continue to earn our respect every day. I spent many years in my career at the Lab doing emergency response, so I understand the special commitment that public safety employees make. The recent contract between Los Alamos County and the firefighters was negotiated with mutual respect and appreciation. As a Los Alamos County Councilor, I will support continued fair negotiations that will give our firefighters the pay and benefits they deserve. If we continue to negotiate in a fair and respectful way, we can find win-win solutions. Thank you to IAFF Local 3279 for their important work, and for the confidence they have expressed in me.”

Stephanie Garcia Richard

Editor’s note: Richard’s response just arrived and is noted below:

This is an important endorsement I’m proud to receive. Our firefighters are our first responders and everyday they work to keep us safe,” Richard said. “Unique to our community, our firefighters do the important job of protecting the Lab as well. I thank them for their nod of support.

Union President Cari Mace said during an interview Friday that the membership will support these three candidates to hopefully get them in a position to help Los Alamos County as well as help labor relations.

 

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