IAFF Legislative Conference March 19 - 22, 2000 Washington DC Over 700 delegates from across the United States gathered in Washington DC for the sole purpose of exercising the rights of fire fighters to make their voices heard in the political process. California State Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer were presented with a large delegation of fire fighters from many Locals across the State of California. The fire fighter group had an intense personal meeting with Senator Feinstein wherein the majority of our time was spent educating her regarding the F.I.R.E. Act. Although the fire fighters were not able to meet with Senator Boxer except for a few minutes at her Wednesday morning constituent's breakfast, a private meeting was scheduled with her Senior Administrative Assistant who was very receptive to the Unionist's issues. Senator Boxer is a good friend and has been with the fire fighters on all issues of importance to us. As has been the practice of the Santa Clara County delegates in the past, Secretary Barry Marchisio (Palo Alto L1319) pre-arranged appointments with the various House Representatives. President Rose and Secretary Niblock had an exceptionally good meeting with Representative Zoe Lofgren who is very favorably disposed to the fire fighters issues. The main issues the fire fighters brought before their elected representatives were 1) Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation (collective bargaining) 2) F.I.R.E. Act (a new federal grant program that would help protect the health and safety of fire fighters and the community) 3) Pension Reform (457 Pension equity with 401(k) Pensions) 4) Universal Social Security Coverage (protecting social security with budget surplus, not a new tax on fire fighters). In addition to the political action a celebration dinner was held on Tuesday night honoring retiring General President Al Whitehead for his many years of service to the Union. Many words of gratitude were spoken by Al's friends and associates. Perhaps the most important came from General Secretary Vince Bollon when he stated that Al had done more to advance the cause of fire fighters in the last 10 years, than had been done in the previous 70. President Whitehead has proclaimed many times, and indeed it could be said that it is his mantra regarding political action that, "Money is the mother's milk of political action." The results of his incredible work in the area of political action have put the IAFF on the political map in Washington DC. The IAFF is respected and courted by all those who seek political office due to the tireless efforts of Al Whitehead. In addition to Senators and Representatives who addressed the delegates on the first day of the conference, our special guest speaker this year was the First Lady (and candidate for Senator in the State of New York) Ms. Hilary Rodam-Clinton. IAFF Union members can get an idea of the kind of clout the IAFF carries when it is remembered that the keynote speaker last year was President Bill Clinton, and the previous year's keynote speaker was Vice-President Al Gore, this year's Democratic candidate for President of the United States. The IAFF was the first labor union to endorse Vice-President Gore for the office of President. All delegates look forward to working hard to get him elected and returning to next year's conference with President Gore as Chief of the Executive Office. What follows is a collage of photos taken at the Conference.
Keynote speaker First Lady Hilary Rodam-Clinton impressed the delegates with her warmth, sincerity and knowledge of what is important to fire fighters.
On the left are Secretary Niblock, President Rose, representative Zoe Lofgren and Local 1165 Vice-President Mike Berry. On the right Senator Diane Feinstein with the President of the Long Beach Fire Fighters and 10th District Vice President Jim Ferguson.
Pictured at the left is Secretary Niblock with Representative Sam Farr's Administrative Assistant Rochelle Dornatt. The Building Purchase Committee will be glad to know that Rose and Niblock tried to negotiate purchase of the building to their rear but were informed by the current occupant that it is not for sale.
12/29/2002
|
