Election 2018 - Fall 2018 — The California Professional Firefighter

Whether it’s the physical and emotional toll of a year-round fire season or the daily battles on the front lines, California firefighters have always stood tall in the face of adversity.

But as firefighters stand up for the safety of California, will California’s elected leaders stand up for firefighters?

The answer depends on what happens November 6.

From City Hall to the halls of the Capitol, the leaders chosen in this year’s election will decide the future lives and livelihoods of CPF’s 30,000 members.

On staffing … the next Legislature will decide on funding for the “new normal” and local leaders will decide whether you aren’t facing deep cuts
On retirement security … the next governor, Legislature and local leaders could decide whether your pension will be cut and whether your new brothers and sisters will get a pension at all.
On contracting out jobs … the wrong governor and Legislature could lead to more privatized local and state services.
On your safety … the next governor and Legislature will decide whether the physical and mental challenges endured by firefighters will be recognized and respected.

Nobody can tell you how to vote, but the candidates and causes in these pages are the best choices on these core issues.

Please review these recommendations, get active and above all vote.

It matters.

The decisions we all make this November will chart the course for our firefighters and their families for a generation. We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. We need to get involved to make sure our issues are at the top of the agenda.

That starts with electing leaders that will stand with us, and not just for a photo op.

Whether it’s the governor, Legislature or your own local city council, your vote can directly affect your job, your safety and your well-being. It’s our duty to let you know who will stand up for those core issues.

With so much at stake, it’s essential that firefighters make their presence felt. Please look closely at the recommendations, then make up your mind. Most importantly, get registered and vote.

In Solidarity

Brian K. Rice
CPF President