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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