Local 27 also obtained support for Tim Burgess from several other fire fighter unions. Local 27 contacted WSCFF affiliates across the state and we are very grateful that Tacoma, Kirkland, Puyallup, Renton, South King County Fire & Rescue, Spokane, Lakewood, and Bellevue endorsed and made a financial contribution to Tim Burgess' campaign. The support of these affiliate locals had a significant impact in this campaign and demonstrated the unity, influence, and power of fire fighters in politics. Tim Burgess has promised to support fire fighters and Public Safety regionally, and fire fighters across the state can only benefit from this type of partnership. 

Seattle Fire Fighters also joined forces with Seattle Police Officers for the first time when we issued a joint endorsement for Tim Burgess. This was a bold move, uniting fire fighters and police to strengthen support for Tim as well as to increase the awareness of our efforts for Public Safety in Seattle.

 The level and sophistication of Local 27's effort was unprecedented in this race and ultimately paid off. Seattle Fire Fighters were so effective and bold in their campaign that Della's Chief of Staff even threatened us with retaliation if we didn't back off. We did not flinch and ignored these threats, exposing Della to the local media as desperate, and again demonstrating the resolve and leadership of Seattle Fire Fighters.      

Without a doubt, this accomplishment was only possible because of Local 27's VPAF. Every member who contributed to this fund shares in this success. The contributions you made to the VPAF that were used in the campaign are truly an investment in your future, and will benefit the citizens of Seattle as well. Thank you. 

Tim's election to city council was also due to hundreds of hours of hard work by Local 27's Executive Board, Local 27's staff, and many Local 27 members. We also must thank our political consultants Bruce and Mike for all of their work for us. They were an indispensable part of our success. The participation of all of these folks is what makes our organization great. Thanks to everyone who gave their time and energy to the cause. 

We have heard nothing but positive comments regarding the increased involvement and leadership of Seattle Fire Fighters in the political process. Time after time we have heard from citizens, elected officials, and other civic leaders that they want us to be involved and appreciate the perspective we bring to city government. Many members of the community are impressed with our commitment, and interested in our goals. They are excited to see fire fighters taking a leadership role in city politics. We have also gained many friends and organizations that want to work with us in the future to help us accomplish our goals.      

 This victory is a big step forward for Seattle Fire Fighters and the Seattle Fire Department. We are very excited to have another individual on the Seattle City Council who will be a true advocate for Public Safety. This is one more step towards establishing Seattle Fire Fighters as the principal force in maintaining and improving Public Safety, and it will give us more control over our careers, our safety, and for the security of our families.

Seattle Fire Fighters will continue to participate in the political process throughout the year, building upon the momentum of this success, and prepare for the next election because we owe it to ourselves, our families, and the citizens of Seattle. 

Other winners that we endorsed are... 

-Tom Rasmussen (L27), who was unopposed for Seattle City Council received 98% of the vote. Tom has been a great friend to fire fighters in his first term, always communicating with us and supporting us on our issues. He has been an outstanding councilman in all regards. 

-Jean Godden (L27) beat Joe Swaja 70% to 30% for the Seattle City Council. Jean has also supported fire fighters every step of the way and we appreciate her devotion to first responders. 

-Sally Clark (L27) beat Judy Fenton for Seattle City Council with 75% to 25%. Sally has made a good impression on fire fighters and we are looking forward to working with her in the future. 

-Mary Verner (L27) beat Dennis Hession for Mayor of Spokane 53% to 47%. Seattle Fire Fighters endorsed Mary to support our brothers and sisters in Spokane, and we are proud to have been able to help them in this race. 

-Dennis Law (L27) beat Kathy Keolker for Mayor of Renton 53% to 46%. Seattle Fire Fighters endorsed Dennis to support our brothers and sisters in Renton. This was an important race for Renton Fire Fighters and we were proud to help them.

-The King County Medic One Levy passed strongly with 81.42%. Local 27 was the single largest contributor to this campaign giving $50,000. Obviously the citizens of King County understand the importance of Medic One. Pat yourselves on the back for doing such an exceptional job delivering emergency medical services.

Unfortunately, the following candidates we endorsed were not successful.

-Venus Velazquez (L27) was beaten by Bruce Harrell for Seattle City Council 60% to 40%. We did not spend any money in this race other than a campaign contribution because both candidates would be acceptable but Venus was much more interested in our issues and motivated to get our endorsement. We look forward to working with Bruce to increase his understanding and interest in issues important to fire fighters.

-Keri Andrews (L27) was beaten by Phil Noble 41% to 59% for Bellevue City Council. Bellevue considered this one of the most important races that they have been involved in. We are disappointed that she was not successful.