Firefighters endorse 4 in city races

Lynchburg firefighters are endorsing City Council candidates Mike Gillette (Ward I), Ceasor Johnson (Ward II), Jeff Helgeson (Ward III) and Turner Perrow (Ward IV).

The decisions were announced Wednesday by the Lynchburg Fire Fighters Association following a public forum with the candidates the night before. The association, which represents 170 active firefighters and 16 retirees, also took into consideration answers to a written questionnaire distributed to the hopefuls. The responses to those were not made public.

In a written statement, President Jason Campbell said the group’s support was based on candidates’ commitment to public safety and willingness to take a leadership role on issues that specifically affect firefighters.

The incumbents in three of the races — Gillette, Johnson and Helgeson — have a “track record” of providing that leadership, he said.

“(E)ach of them, at various times, have stepped forward to lead an effort for an improved fire department, better working conditions for firefighters, and improved compensation and benefits for our members,” he said. “Their voting record has clearly demonstrated their commitment and I hope our endorsement clearly demonstrates our commitment to them.”

Johnson, who had the association’s support in his last run, did not attend Tuesday’s forum due to a prior work commitment, but did fill out the
questionnaire, Campbell said.

His opponent, first-time candidate David Johnston, did not participate in either effort.

Within Ward IV, where there is no incumbent due to the sitting councilman’s decision to retire, the association said it backed Perrow because he offered a well-thought-out
platform.

“Mr. Perrow demonstrated that he had done his homework and had studied a number of the issues that are central to our profession and our members,” Campbell said. “He presented a clear platform to us and that’s why we offer him our endorsement.”

The firefighters association is a nonpartisan organization that advocates on behalf of the city’s fire crews. It’s a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

The group’s choice in the Ward III race, where Helgeson is facing off with challenger Nat Marshall, represents a break with its recent endorsement history.

Marshall previously received the association’s backing when he ran in the at-large elections of 2006. Helgeson was unopposed in his last election.

Campbell, speaking by phone, said all the endorsement decisions had been difficult. Helgeson’s voting record over the last four years ultimately made him the association’s choice, he said.

“He’s supported us in the past,” Campbell said. “As an organization, we’re not going to turn our backs on people who’ve supported us.”

Campbell specifically mentioned last Tuesday’s budget meeting when Helgeson proposed taking money from the schools in order to pay for a new firefighter and new police. The potentially unpopular suggestion demonstrated the councilman was prepared to go “out on a limb for firefighters,” he said.