Post on 25-May-2015
The Official elecTiOn Magazine Of The flOrida PrOfessiOnal firefighTers Serving Florida’S FireFighterS and eMS PerSonnel
inside:Message frOM The PresidenT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2endOrsed candidaTes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7Our sTaTewide Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
-Gary
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Brothers and Sisters:
Since our last general election, politicians have attacked firefighters and even tried to shut down our right to belong to a Union. The Florida legislature and Rick Scott have imposed a 3% pension income tax on your earnings, eliminated your COLA, and supported the gutting of several of our 175 pension plans. Rick Scott and the legislature had the gall to take a “pension holiday” from their employer contributions for the past 2 years. Scott has the legislation drafted for 2013 to eliminate the Florida Retirement System pension plan altogether.
This booklet contains every federal and state and some local candidates that have been screened and endorsed by your union. I urge you to use this information when you vote and share it with your family. It is critical that you vote the entire ballot, especially the Constitutional Amendments, the Florida legislative races and to retain the 3 sitting Supreme Court Judges.
If the Judges are not retained, Rick Scott gets to appoint 3 new judges, for life. Representatives and Senators who follow the leadership’s directives will finish what they tried to do in 2011 and 2012.
Gary Rainey
Too Much aT STakeYou don’t need to be told how bad Rick Scott has been for fire fighters, paramedics and other public workers in Florida. But you can make sure that politicians who openly attack us, and those who will be coming after your pensions, your rights, your pay and benefits never get to your city and county councils, the Florida House, the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives or the White House.
This election is about killing the momentum of our opposition and moving our agenda forward once again. This is about electing our friends so you don’t have to struggle every day to protect your pay, benefits and rights on the job. But you have to be in the game to do it.
You need lawmakers who will maintain the firewall in the Florida Senate and can block the bills aimed right at you. You also will elect a U.S. senator and members of Congress in crucial U.S. House of Representatives races, and you need lawmakers at all levels who are willing to work with you.
It’s time to get in the game and support those who support you.
Harold Schaitberger
ProTecT our courTS and our righTS“We have never seen elections which were more important to the lives and careers of firefighters, paramedics and EMTs. The Republican Party of Florida announced their opposition to the retention of Justices R. Fred Lewis (appointed 1998), Barbara Pariente (appointed 1997) and Peggy Quince (appointed 1998) to the state Supreme Court. Efforts to control the judiciary by the executive and legislative branches of our state government concern me more than any other single issue. IAFF and FPF members should understand how important it is to retain fair, independent Justices on the Florida Supreme Court. Supreme Court decisions affect every aspect of your careers as well as your retirement.”
– Larry Osborne, IAFF 12th District Vice President
no on aMendMenT 3: a Very dangerouS ideaAmendment 3 is a reckless attempt to tie the hands of Floridians in meeting future challenges. Often called TABOR (Tax Payer Bill of Rights), it proved to be a disaster in Colorado, the only state to ever try it. Colorado’s schools and infrastructure crumbled, critical health care programs for seniors and children were scrapped and taxes on property owners and businesses skyrocketed. Things got so bad the people who sponsored it pushed for its repeal.
30 states have rejected these risky caps but Rick Scott and his friends are hoping they can fool voters into accepting it. Your union will never tell you how to vote, it’s your personal decision, but it’s our responsibility to make it crystal clear what protects your job and retirement security.
AlAchuAclovis watson, Jr . (deM)Florida House District 20
andrew Morey (deM)Florida House District 21
BAyalfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
BrevArdandy gardiner (reP)Florida Senate District 13
Thad altman (reP)Florida Senate District 16
sean ashby (deM)Florida House District 50
John Paul alvarez (deM)Florida House District 53
henry ParrishCocoa Mayor
Barry PlansCocoa Beach City Commission, Seat 2
Ben MalikCocoa Beach City Commission, Seat 3
eric herrburgerCocoa Beach City Commission, Seat 5
Mike nowlinMelbourne City Council, District 1
Betty MooreMelbourne City Council, District 2
Mark larussoMelbourne Mayor
Bill rettingerPalm Bay City Council, Seat 2
Michelle PaccionePalm Bay City Council, Seat 3
william capotePalm Bay Mayor
Joe Pishgar (deM)County Commission, District 3
BrowArdMario diaz-Balart (reP)U.S. House District 25
Jeremy ring (deM)Florida Senate District 29
christopher smith (deM)Florida Senate District 31
eleanor sobel (deM)Florida Senate District 33
Maria lorts sachs (deM)Florida Senate District 34
Perry e . Thurston, Jr . (deM)Florida House District 94
Jared evan Moskowitz (deM)Florida House District 97
katie edwards (deM)Florida House District 98
elaine schwartz (deM)Florida House District 99
sharon Pritchett (deM)Florida House District 102
richard neil stark (deM)Florida House District 104
Jeff greenCooper City City Commission, District 3
greg rossCooper City Mayor
dan daleyCoral Springs City Commission, Seat 2
Vincent BoccardCoral Springs Mayor, Seat 1
walter dukeDania Beach City Commission at Large
c .k . “Mac” Mcelyea Dania Beach City Commission at Large
Justin serianHollywood City Commission, District 4
Patricia hawkins-williamsLauderdale Lakes City Commission, Seat 4
Benjamin williamsLauderdale Lakes City Commission, Seat 6
howard Berger (deM)Lauderhill City Commission, Seat 1
Margret BatesLauderhill City Commission, Seat 3
frank TalericoMargate City Commission, Seat 1
lesa PeermanMargate City Commission, Seat 3
John hallMargate City Commission, Seat 4
Joanne simoneMargate City Commission, Seat 5
donald rosenSunrise City Commissioner Group A
angel gomezWeston City Commission, Seat 1
Julio gonzalezCircuit Court Judge, Group 45
howard c . forman (deM)Clerk of the Circuit Courts
stacy ritter (deM)County Commission, District 3
Timothy M . ryan (deM)County Commission, District 7
dave V .c . holeness (deM)County Commission, District 9
robert f . “Bob” diazCounty Court Judge, Group 10
rosalind OsgoodSchool Board at Large 5
franklin sandsSchool Board at Large 8
robin BartlemanSchool Board at Large 9
al lamberti (reP)Sheriff
Vicki a . MinnaughSouth Broward Drainage District
cAlhounalfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
Bill Montford (deM)Florida Senate District 3
robert hill (deM)Florida House District 7
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chArlottelizbeth Benacquisto (reP)Florida Senate District 30
gary staskoCharlotte County Airport Authority, District 3
ken doherty (reP)County Commission, District 1
william Truex (reP)County Commission, District 3
citrusnancy argenziano (inT)Florida House District 34
collierMario diaz-Balart (reP)U.S. House District 25
dwight Bullard (deM)Florida Senate District 39
steve hempingEast Naples Fire District, Seat 3
Jeff PageEast Naples Fire District, Seat 5
roger simmGolden Gate Fire District, Seat 2
Margaret “Peggy” hansonNorth Naples Fire District, Seat 1
Paul J . Moriarty, sr . North Naples Fire District, Seat 5
donna fiala (deM)County Commission, District 1
Tim nance (reP)County Commission, District 5
kevin rambosk (reP)Sheriff
dixieandrew Morey (deM)Florida House District 21
duvAlaudrey gibson (deM)Florida Senate District 9
Mia Jones (deM)Florida House District 14
escAmBiAclay ford (reP)Florida House District 2
FlAglerMilissa holland (deM)Florida House District 24
FrAnklinalfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
Bill Montford (deM)Florida Senate District 3
robert hill (deM)Florida House District 7
gAdsdenalfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
Bill Montford (deM)Florida Senate District 3
gilchristandrew Morey (deM)Florida House District 21
gulFalfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
Bill Montford (deM)Florida Senate District 3
robert hill (deM)Florida House District 7
hAmiltonBill Montford (deM)Florida Senate District 3
hendryMario diaz-Balart (reP)U.S. House District 25
dwight Bullard (deM)Florida Senate District 39
hernAndonancy argenziano (inT)Florida House District 34
diane rowdenCounty Commission, District 3
hillsBoroughTom lee (reP)Florida Senate District 24
holmesalfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
indiAn riverThad altman (reP)Florida Senate District 16
Tony donadio (nPa)County Commission, District 3
JAcksonalfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
JeFFersonalfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
Bill Montford (deM)Florida Senate District 3
robert hill (deM)Florida House District 7
lAFAyetterobert hill (deM)Florida House District 7
lAkefrank T . Bruno, Jr . (deM)Florida Senate District 8
Vasco watters (reP)Mount Dora City Council
leelizbeth Benacquisto (reP)Florida Senate District 30
heather dawes fitzenhagen (reP)Florida House District 78fred forbes
Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District, Seat 2
steve lohanBonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District, Seat 4
Bryan raymondFort Myers Beach Fire Control District, Seat 4
leslie kinseyIona McGregor Fire Protection and Rescue Service District, Seat 2
kathy kruseLehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, Seat 1
ronald kromeLehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, Seat 3
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Brandon Morris c .Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, Seat 4
Jacqueline danisLehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, Seat 5
Mike gatewoodNorth Fort Myers Fire Control and Rescue District, Seat 1
cecil l . Pendergrass (reP)County Commission, District 2
leonalfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
Bill Montford (deM)Florida Senate District 3
robert hill (deM)Florida House District 7
Michelle rehwinkel Vasillinda (deM)Florida House District 9
liBertyalfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
Bill Montford (deM)Florida Senate District 3
robert hill (deM)Florida House District 7
mAdisonalfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
Bill Montford (deM)Florida Senate District 3
robert hill (deM)Florida House District 7
mAnAteeVern Buchanan (reP)U.S. House District 16
greg steube (reP)Florida House District 73
gene BrownCity of Bradenton City Council, Ward 2
wayne PostonCity of Bradenton Mayor
dan centerSouthern Manatee Fire District Commission, Seat 2
James cenaSouthern Manatee Fire District Commission, Seat 4
mArionfrank T . Bruno, Jr . (deM)Florida Senate District 8
clovis watson, Jr . (deM)Florida House District 20
miAmi-dAdeMario diaz-Balart (reP)U.S. House District 25
david rivera (reP)U.S. House District 26
illeana ros-lehtinen (reP)U.S. House District 27
gwen Margolis (deM)Florida Senate District 35
dwight Bullard (deM)Florida Senate District 39
sharon Pritchett (deM)Florida House District 102
Barbara watson (deM)Florida House District 107
alex diaz de la Portilla (reP)Florida House District 112
kionne l . Mcghee (deM)Florida House District 117
monroedavid rivera (reP)U.S. House District 26
dwight Bullard (deM)Florida Senate District 39
orAngegeraldine f . Thompson (deM)Florida Senate District 12
andy gardiner (reP)Florida Senate District 13
darren soto (deM)Florida Senate District 14
karen dentel (deM)Florida House District 30
randolph Bracy iii (deM)Florida House District 45
linda stewart (deM)Florida House District 47
Joe saunders (deM)Florida House District 49
sean ashby (deM)Florida House District 50
lui damianiCounty Commission, District 3
Jerry demings (deM)Sheriff
osceolAdarren soto (deM)Florida Senate District 14
dave schererKissimmee City Commission, Seat 1
sara shawKissimmee City Commission, Seat 3
Jeff rinehartSt. Cloud City Council, Seat 2
Jay PolachekSt. Cloud City Council, Seat 3
Jarom ferticSt. Cloud Mayor
rayelynne ketchum (reP)Clerk of the Court
Michael harford (deM)County Commission, District 1
Brandon arrington (deM)County Commission, District 3
fred hawkins, Jr . (deM)County Commission, District 5
katrina scarborough (reP)Property Appraiser
Bob hansell (deM)Sheriff
Patsy heffner (reP)Tax Collector
PAlm BeAchJoseph abruzzo (deM)Florida Senate District 25
Jeff clemens (deM)Florida Senate District 27
Maria lorts sachs (deM)Florida Senate District 34
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kevin rader (deM)Florida House District 81
Patrick J . rooney, Jr . (reP)Florida House District 85
Mark Pafford (deM)Florida House District 86
Tom gustafson (deM)Florida House District 89
lori Berman (deM)Florida House District 90
dave aronberg (deM)State Attorney
PinellAsJack latvala (reP)Florida Senate District 20
Peter nehr (reP)Florida House District 65
lawrence T . ahern (reP)Florida House District 66
ed hooper (reP)Florida House District 67
dwight dudley (deM)Florida House District 68
kathleen Mick Peters (reP)Florida House District 69
heather gracyDunedin City Commission, Seat 3
Bob hackworthDunedin Mayor
robert shatnoffPalm Harbor Special Fire Control & Rescue District, Seat 3
neil Brickfield Pinellas County Commission District 1
nancy BostockPinellas County Commission District 3
ken welch Pinellas County Commission District 7
rene flowers Pinellas School Board District 7
James robinson Largo City Commission Seat 4
Polkdarren soto (deM)Florida Senate District 14
sAntA rosAclay ford (reP)Florida House District 2
sArAsotAVern Buchanan (reP)U.S. House District 16
ray Pilon (reP)Florida House District 72
greg steube (reP)Florida House District 73
charles BrayEnglewood Englewood Area Fire Control District, Seat 4
larry McnamaraEnglewood Englewood Area Fire Control District, Seat 5
david garofaloNorth Port City Commission, Seat 1
Michael TruebertNorth Port City Commission, Seat 3
Teresa carafelli (deM)Sarasota Sarasota Hospital Board, Seat 1
christine robinson (reP)County Commission, District 3
charles hines (reP)County Commission, District 5
seminoleMichael P . clelland (deM)Florida House District 29
karen dentel (deM)Florida House District 30
lee constantineCounty Commission, District 3
st. JohnsMilissa holland (deM)Florida House District 24
tAyloralfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
Bill Montford (deM)Florida Senate District 3
robert hill (deM)Florida House District 7
volusiAfrank T . Bruno, Jr . (deM)Florida Senate District 8
Milissa holland (deM)Florida House District 24
david santiago (reP)Florida House District 27
nancy l . schleicherDeltona City Commission, District 4
christopher c . nabichtDeltona City Commission, District 6
drew BastainPort Orange City Council, District 3
Joshua J . wagnerCounty Council Member, District 2
wAkullAalfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
Bill Montford (deM)Florida Senate District 3
robert hill (deM)Florida House District 7
wAshingtonalfred J . lawson, Jr . (deM)U.S. House District 2
we need elecTed Officials whO will PrOTecT PuBlic safeTy and PrOTecT Our PensiOns .
These leaders stand by florida’s firefighters . remember them when you vote:
Florida Professional Firefighters345 West Madison StreetTallahassee, FL 32301
FPF12001
R BARACK OBAMA for President R�BILL NELSON for Senate
fPf Position on Proposed constitutional
amendments
amendment 1: Aims to prevent laws or rules from compelling any person or employer to purchase, obtain, or otherwise provide for health care coverage.
amendment 3: Imposes limitations on ability of local governments to raise revenue.
amendment 4: Reduces local revenue by placing caps on property taxes for 2nd and 3rd homes.
amendment 5: The amendment revises provisions relating to Judicial appointments.
amendment 9: Provides property tax exemptions for surviving spouses of military veterans or first responders who died in the line of duty.
amendment 10: Provides an exemption from ad valorem taxes levied by local governments on tangible personal property whose value is greater than $25,000 but less than $50,000.
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